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April 25, 2006 Agenda ORDERS OF THE DA Y FOR TUESDA Y: APRIL 25. 2006 - 9:00 A.M. PAGE # ORDER 1st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes - for the meeting of March 28, 2006 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations PRESENTATION: 9:00 A.M. - Retirement Recognitions - Mary Brown with 20 years of service with Elgin County Library - Port Stanley/Shedden, and Gary Rose with 5 years of service with Bobier Villa DELEGATION: 2 9:10 A.M. - Dave Mennill, Foundation Vice-Chair and Marilyn Fleck, Board Member, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, with update to Council on the current and on-going work of the Foundation (Attachment) 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 3-38 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 7th Council Correspondence - see attached 39-56 1) Items for Consideration 57 -94 2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 8th OTHER BUSINESS 1) Statementsllnquiries by Members 2) Notice of Motion 3) Matters of Urgency 9th In-Camera Items (see separate agenda) 10th Recess 11th Motion to Rise and Report 12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 95-96 13th Consideration of By-Laws 14th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED 1 ~~ Supporting Our Best "" to Be the Best! ~~~~@!;!jl~ -- March 31 , 2006 t; EIVE I;; MAR 3 1 20n6 tOmHY ~'nl' .~.i;>>'h~'~""I"rJ~\'Tlvl " .; . t f~~:*'~.::\' '<: :;;~~ 3,:" ~^ "", '.1!~ . 1;j'~~ ".-,<:,,'~~.!l: ...... f " Paul Baldwin Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. Baldwin: Health care is a fundamental component of each of our lives and an essential element is, of course, the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. In direct support of our Hospital, the STEGH Foundation plays an essential role. In this regard, we would like to take few minutes to update Elgin County Council on the current and on-going work of the Foundation. We understand that time is might be available on Tuesday, April 25th at the regular Council Meeting to make presentation of about ten minutes in duration. We anticipate that Foundation Vice-Chair Dave Mennill from Aylmer will attend along with Board Member Marilyn Fleck from Dutton. In 2004-2005, there were almost 60,000 visits to STEGH (emergency and ambulatory) with an occupancy rate close to 100% at all times along with more than 7,500 surgical procedures being performed. With a staff of over 850 (full and part-time), and a budget of about $60M, STEGH is one of the largest employers in Elgin County. It is a fundamental and key economic driver for our community. We look forward to an opportunity to update Council on the Foundation and the essential support it provides. Sincerely, ~~ Allan Weatherall Director of Development ~~ Supporting Our Best "'" to Be the Best! ~~~~@j;l~ April 25, 2006 Elgin County Council County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 DearCoundlMembeffi: Thank you for giving us time this evening to present the facts on a critical health care requirement for people in our community. Thousands of individuals, who live in St. Thomas or Elgin County, have used STEGH on numerous occasions. Lives begin and end in this fadlity... while others have received the spedal care required to ease suffering and bring back their health and vitality. However, one thing everyone has in common is the need to have the finest health care possible close to home with the best equipment available. When was the last time you bought a new bed and mattress for your home? Last year? Five years ago? Ten Years ago? What if you hadn't been able to buy a new bed for over twenty five years and you also had spent 80% of your time in the bed? What condition might it be in? Well... this is the exact problem our community is fadng with the age and condition of many of the beds still in use in the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). As you have just heard, there is a very spedfic requirement at this time and we are asking for Council's support. The cost of replacing one patient room area is almost $20,000 and includes a bed, over-bed and beside bed tables and one chair for a visitor and another for patients. We are askinq Elqin County Council for a $100,000 commitment to our current 'Supporting Our Best to Be the Best... Our Nurses are Worth a Million' ... 2 With an overall investment of $1.26M which would acquire 63 beds and room furnishings, the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) Foundation will once again provide financial support to the community in a very tangible way with the purchase of new patient beds and room furnishings. Each bed, and the other pieces of furniture, is a fundamental component of each individual's healing process. We look forward to your positive response that will directly support health care in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Thank you for giving our submission the assessment it requires. ~ ollins Secretary Board of Directors Ron Elliott Chair Board of Directors **~ Supporting Our Best '-...: "" to Be the Best! ~~~~~A~ - REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF April 25. 2006 Staff Reports - (ATTACHED) 4 Manager of Archives - House of Industry Monument 6 Director of Library Services - Ontario Ministry of Culture Library Contribution 8 Director of Senior Services - Terrace Lodge - Adult Day Program Marketing Brochure 9 Director of Senior Services - Elgin Manor - Annual Compliance Review - Elgin Manor 10 Director of Senior Services - Bobier Villa - Melody Lane Productions 11 Director of Financial Services - Budget Comparison - February 28, 2006 14 Director of Financial Services - Additional Provincial Ambulance Funding 16 Purchasing Co-Ordinator - Semi-Annual Information Report - Contract Awards (June-Dee 2005) and Direct Negotiation Expenditures (Jan - Dee 2005) 23 Payroll & Benefits Coordinator and Director of Human Resources - Annual Benefit Renewal 2006 32 Director of Engineering Services, Manager of Road Infrastructure, Purchasing Co-Ordinator - Tender Award - Sunset Road Rehabilitation Manager of Road Infrastructure - Tender Award - Surface Treatment (to be faxed out Friday) 35 Manager of Road Infrastructure - Intersection Safety Study - Culloden Road and Eden Line 3 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Brian Masschaele, Manager of Archives April 5th, 2006 DATE: SUBJECT: House of Industry Monument CORPORATE GOAL(S} REFERENCED: To promote cultural services; To forge community partnerships; To nurture and support dignified long-term care. INTRODUCTION: County Council previously commissioned a monument to acknowledge individuals buried on grounds adjacent to the former Elgin County House of Industry. This report recommends that a ceremony take place on July 25th, 2006 to formally erect the monument. DISCUSSION: In May 2004, County Council approved the erection of a monument to acknowledge those individuals buried on the grounds of the former Elgin County House of Industry between 1876 and 1901. A plot plan in the Archives indicates that approximately 130 individuals were buried on the site. Staff have been working in partnership with the Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society to create this monument which will include the names of each individual buried on the site. Engineering staff have determined a suitable location for the monument in a spot adjacent to where the original home once stood, behind the previous site of Elgin Manor and well south of the new sewage treatment plant. Engineering staff have determined that it is now safe to proceed with erecting the monument given that construction of the sewage treatment plant is completed. The monument will be located near a path that is accessible by car or foot on a seasonal basis. Landscaping will be maintained around the monument. St~~ .are proposing that a brief ceremony take place to erect the monument on Julyi2Sth, 2006 as part of County Council's regular meeting. A brief program will be developed to include comments by the Warden, a representative of the genealogical society and a blessing from clergy. CONCLUSION: County Council commissioned a monument to acknowledge individuals buried on the grounds of the former Elgin County House of Industry adjacent to Elgin Manor. Staff recommend that a ceremony take place on July 25th, 2006 to erect this monument. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council conduct a ceremony to dedicate a monument in honour of those individuals buried on grounds adjacent to the former Elgin County House of Industry on July 25th, 2006; AND THAT the members of the Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society be invited to attend this ceremony. Respectfully Submitted ~~SL nan Masschaele Manager of Archives 6',. . , . . REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Cathy Bishop Director of Library Services DATE: April 10, 2006 SUBJECT: Ontario Ministry of Culture Library Contribution CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement; To promote cultural services INTRODUCTION: Under a new $6 million initiative to promote family literacy and lifelong learning, nearly 550 rural, remote, francophone and First Nation public libraries that serve communities of under 20,000 people will each receive one-time funding of $10,500. The Elgin County library system has 11 branch locations with the main office also being considered a branch library. The Ontario government views libraries as key partners in delivering on its education priorities. DISCUSSION: The Ministry of Culture has provided the Elgin County Library with a one-time grant of $126,000 to help strengthen literacy and promote lifelong learning. Elgin County Library would like to purchase an "Early Literacy Computer Station, for each of our 11 branch libraries. The workstation is for ages 3 to 8 and has 25 educational software packages. The developmental programs cross all curriculums and grows and changes as your child does. Theses stations are certified for educational and developmental content and reliability. Provided with the stations are a flat screen monitor, printer, colourful keyboard, a special mouse designed for small hands and a 3 year warranty. They are ready to use when you open the box. All you have to do is plug it in! Each station costs approximately $3,000. Purchases for the remaining funds have yet to be determined by staff. CONCLUSION: The Ministry of Culture has provided the Elgin County Library with a one-time grant of $126,000 to help strengthen literacy and promote lifelong learning. Elgin County Library would like to purchase an Early Literacy Computer Station for each of our branch libraries and expenditures for the remaining funds will be determined by staff. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the one-time grant of $126,000 from the Ministry of Culture to strengthen literacy and promote lifelong learning be accepted and; THAT staff purchase an Early Literacy Computer Station for each branch library and; THAT expenditures for the remaining funds will be determined by staff Respectfully Submitted ~ Cathy Bi op ~ Director of Library Services a Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL From: Rhonda L. Roberts Director of Senior Services - Terrace Lodge Pat Vandevenne Director of Senior Services - Bobier Villa Date: April 11, 2006 Subject: Adult Day Program Marketing Brochure CORPORATE GOAL: To Forge Community Partnerships To Provide Innovative & Collaborative Quality Service INTRODUCTIONIDISCUSSION: The Adult Day Program brochure has been revised with input from the Homes Directors. The new brochure reflects the variety of programs available to adults and individuals with dementia within the County of Elgin and City of St. Thomas. The brochure is distributed to individuals within the community by the Community Care Access Centre as well as made available to community partners, Le., physicians, VON, etc. The brochure cost is part of the Adult Day Program budget which is a shared expense between the County of Elgin and City of St. Thomas. CONCLUSION: The brochure is an important marketing tool for the Adult Day Program. 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(I) 0 m"Oo o CI)-~ 0._ CI:l .. 0 o ~._ ~l;;;~ ~-& 2.t:: '4:t;: CI) S: ~ :e ~ (!) o g: >- ~ l- S Q 'c::( l.... .E ~ ';':: :::..., CI:l {g E ~ S'& I..;; ci.."O ::J (I) r:: 0 s::: . r- C0 0) ~ o(S N 'Ci) .Q :::..., I (I) s::: CI:l '"0 (I) "OSCl)CI) CI) '._ (I) m E fj~~ ~ 0\ 0) ::::,. 2 '4 CI) ~ . . ~ c:u a V) c:u <.) ,...) ~ c:u V) ~ ~ e A.. --.,) --.,) -( >-* o..~ .c ~'i: +-'Q)CO CO.c> col-z- o x ._ Oco= 0..:> ..c ->co 1.... _ .- +-' .- .coco :SI~ * * * c o Q) c .c 0 U '(i) C ._ ::I Ul i:: -1Q)Q) "CEo.. -CO::l 819(/) 1....eXSeXS o E Q) acorn I enU Q)OQ) Ul 1.... > 1.... c.. ._ ::I >--e o~o U "S; 0.. .- 0.. =+-'::I ~~(/) * * * 01 C "S; :::i >- 'co o 4- o Ul C Q) OP p'S; co .- N"tj ';0 <( .- .c 5g~ P(/)~ ~eXSQ) o-e~ 0..0 co Ul 0.. +-' C 0...!!2 ~ ::I Ul I-(/)~ * * * REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Melissa Lewis, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services DATE: March 30, 2006 SUBJECT: Annual Compliance Review - Elgin Manor CORPORATE GOALS REFERENCED: · Nurture and support dignified long-term care · Recognize and seize opportunities for improvement INTRODUCTION: The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is responsible to conduct an annual inspection of all long-term homes in the province. Annual inspections, combined with follow-up inspections, specialized referrals and compliant investigations, form the basis of the Ministry's compliance system. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Standards and criteria are detailed in the Long-Term Care Facilities Program Manual, and include close to 500 requirements regarding the care and services provided to residents. During the Annual Compliance Review our policies, procedures and practices within the home are evaluated in the context of these Ministry standards by a Compliance Advisor. The annual review for Elgin Manor was completed from March 27 to 30, 2006. A debriefing meeting with our Compliance Advisor was open to all staff of the Home, who were encouraged to attend and participate as part of the process. We are pleased to report that there were no findings of unmet standards for the annual Ministry of Health and Long Term Care review of Elgin Manor. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled Annual Compliance Review - Elgin Manor be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted .~-=" ~-- Melissa-Lewis, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Pat Vandevenne Director of Senior Services, Bobier Villa DATE: April 13, 2006 SUBJECT: Melody Lane Productions CORPORATE GOALS: #3 To Nurture and Support Dignified Long-Term Care #5 To Promote Elgin as "The Place to Live" #6 To Forge Community Partnerships #7 To Provide Innovative and Collaborative Quality Service #8 To Recognize and Seize Opportunities for Improvement INTRODUCTION: Melody Lane Productions of London, Ontario videotaped a sing along video at Bobier Villa in the spring of 2004. This video had both residents from the home and visitors from Caledonia Gardens participating. The "Song from the Heart" video was taped live and is now included in a 4 part series that more than 500 Long-Term Care Homes, Hospitals, Senior Organizations and Public Libraries can enjoy. DISCUSSION: Bobier Villa has once again been approached as a choice location for participating in another video called "Songs of England". The Production Company would like to include some outdoor shots of our gardens. Filming will take place in late July or early August. CONCLUSION: County Council has supported this endeavour in the past. Staff will ensure that all the usual safeguards are in place to support this current endeavour. RECOMMENDATION: That Council receives and file. All of which is respectfully submitted, Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission B()~d~ Pat Vandevenne Director of Senior Services Bobier Villa :fiin~ld ~ ~ Chief Administrative Officer REPORT COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: March 31, 2006 SUBJECT: Budget Comparison - February 28, 2006 Corporate Goal Referenced: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. Introduction: Attached is the budget comparison to February 28, 2006 for the County operating departments. Discussion: . This is very early in the year to comment on budget variances. The departmental totals are reasonable for the second month of the year. Overall the three Homes are in a positive position. The three pay periods in March as well as the start of vacation season will reduce this variance. Library - negative variance - (25,571) - the library has made a number of collection purchases early in the year. Provincial Offences - positive variance - 107,186 - fines revenues higher than anticipated. The first payment to the municipalities will be made in early July. Recommendation: THAT the report titled Budget Comparison - February 28, 2006 and dated March 31, 2006 be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted 'on ~~~ Linda B. Veger Director of Financial Services Mar Chief Administrative Officer COUNTY OF ELGIN Departmental Budget Comparisons For The 2 Periods Ending February 28, 2006 Total YTD YTD Variance %OF Budget Budget Actual 0 Budget Warden & Council Wages 173,320 28,887 14,022 14,864 Benefits 6,692 1,115 1,010 106 Operations 66,560 11,093 20,906 (9,813) Total 246,572 41,095 35,938 5,157 14.58% Administrative Services Wages 251,848 41,975 30,948 11,026 Benefits 51,866 8,644 9,572 (928) Operations 13,914 2,319 3,380 (1,061J Total 317,628 52,938 43,900 9,03 13.82% Financial Services Wages 292,905 48,818 35,754 13,063 Benefits 70,004 11,667 11,437 230 Operations 14,490 2,415 2,014 401 Total 377,399 62,900 49,205 13,695 13.04% Human Resources Wages 293,000 48,833 36,148 12,686 Benefits 64,500 10,750 10,916 (166) Operations 13,900 2,317 1,611 705 Total 371,400 61,900 48,675 13,225 13.11 % Administration Building Wages 155,100 25,850 15,116 10,734 Benefits 40,300 6,717 4,793 1,924 Operations 64,800 10,800 10,394 406 Total 260,200 43,367 30,303 13,063 11.65% Corporate Expenditures Insurance 253,750 249,068 248,569 499 Telephone 24,000 4,000 3,861 139 Legal & Professional 87,000 14,500 17,865 (3,365) Retiree Benefits 38,000 6,333 4,894 1 ,440 Other Expenditures 73,315 12,219 2,936 9,283 Total 476,065 286,121 278,125 7,996 58.42% Engineering Wages 255,000 42,500 28,853 13,647 Benefits 58,000 9,667 9,127 540 Operations 79,300 13,217 1,868 11 ,348 Maintenance 2,564,295 560,314 560,314 0 Total 2,956,595 625,697 600,162 25,535 20.30% Agriculture Fees Revenue 0 0 0 0 Operations 29,423 4,904 0 4,904 Total 29,423 4,904 0 4,904 0.00% Elgin Manor Revenues (4,440,167) (740,028) (700,636) (39,392) Wages 3,876,131 646,022 446,880 199,141 Benefits 1,037,703 172,951 158,168 14,782 Operations 897,979 149,663 128,809 20,854 Total 1,371,646 228,608 33,222 195,386 2.42% Terrace Lodge Revenues (4,970,489) (828,415) (783,853) (44,562) Wages 4,009,168 668,195 503,108 165,087 Benefits 1,059,288 176,548 175,920 628 Operations 919,634 153,272 128,109 25,164 Total 1,017,601 169,600 23,284 146,316 2.29% Bobier Villa Revenues (2,829,670) (471,612) (447,230) (24,382) Wages 2,588,097 431,350 324,273 107,076 Benefits 617,894 102,982 96,993 5,989 Operations 730,880 121,813 78,900 42,914 Total 1,107,201 184,533 52,936 131,597 4.78% Pioneer Museum Wages 81,275 13,546 4,387 9,159 Benefits 20,725 3,454 1,276 2,178 Operations 19,400 3,233 2,867 366 Total 121,400 20,233 8,530 11,704 7.03% Library Wages Benefits Collections Operations Total Archives Wages 139,514 23,252 18,231 5,021 Benefits 36,273 6,046 4,245 1,801 Operations 48,800 8,133 1,912 6,222 Total 224,587 37,431 24,387 13,044 10.86% Land Division Wages 58,015 9,669 6,750 2,919 Benefits 9,035 1,506 1 ,493 13 Operations (67,050J (11,1756 (5,686) ~5,489~ Total 2,557 2,557 0.00% Emergency Measures Wages 5,150 858 833 25 Benefits 1,340 223 217 7 Operations 9,000 1,500 1,613 (113~ Total 15,490 2,582 2,663 (81 17.19% Information Technologies Wages 183,255 30,543 23,629 6,914 Benefits 38,900 6,483 7,453 (969) Operations 324,500 54,083 32,175 21,909 Total 546,655 91,109 63,256 27,853 11.57% Provincial Offences Grant (73,000) (12,167) 0 (12,167) Fines Revenues (650,000) (108,333) (140,722) 32,389 Shared Revenues - Municipal 343,842 57,307 (0) 57,307 Wages 142,100 23,683 16,764 6,919 Benefits 31,250 5,208 4,954 254 Operations 177,975 29,663 7,180 22,483 Total (27,833) (4,639) (111,825) 107,186 401.77% Ambulance Services Province of Ontario (2,013,030) (335,505) (282,784) (52,721 ) City of St. Thomas (1,789,703) (298,284) (291,140) (7,144) Contractor Payments 6,270,996 1,045,166 955,989 89,177 Wages 65,560 10,927 7,880 3,047 Benefits 17,373 2,896 2,500 396 Operations 29,800 4,967 22,381 (17,414) Total 2,580,996 430,166 414,825 15,341 16.07% Collections Revenue (305,000) (50,833) (57,231) 6,397 Shared Revenues - Municipal 144,291 24,049 0 24,049 Wages 45,255 7,543 5,445 2,098 Benefits 11,947 1,991 1,809 182 Operations 51,600 8,600 2,581 6,019 Total (51,907) (8,651 ) (47,395) 38,744 91.31 % REPORT TO COUNTY COUNICL FROM: Linda B. Veger Director of Financial Services DATE: April 7, 2006 SUBJECT: Additional Provincial Ambulance Funding CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. INTRODUCTION: As previously announced by the Province, additional dollars will be added to the ambulance grant over the next three years until the grant equates to 50% of the ambulance costs. The 2006 approved County budget included an estimated increase in funding of $350,000. The Province has advised that the additional grant for 2006 will be $863,286. These funds are shared between the County and the City. The County share of the increase is $301,607. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The 2006 budget was very recently passed and with this new revenue information Council may decide to re-open it. Applying the funds against the ambulance line would reduce the County levy by the $301,607. This equates to a levy increase of 2.72% over 2005 and a tax decrease, as compared to 2005, of 7.9%. Council can also choose the option leaving the budget as approved and reserving the additional dollars. A staff report with recommendations on the use of those funds would be made later in the year. The County has many needs and this may be an opportunity to lessen those needs. RECOMMENDATION: Options: THAT the 2006 budget be re-opened and the additional ambulance funding of $301,607 be utilized to reduce the levy. Or THAT the additional ambulance funding in the amount of $301,607 be set aside in a reserve; and, THAT staff prepare a report making recommendations on the use of those funds. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission (# 1A C7)~, ~J Linda B. Veger Director of Financial Services REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-ordinator DATE: 13 April 2006 SUBJECT: Semi-Annual Information Report - Contract Awards (June - Dec. 2005) and Direct Negotiation Expenditures (Jan. - Dec. 2005) CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. INTRODUCTION As per the County of Elgin's Procurement Policy 10.1 , an information report containing the details relevant to the exercise of delegated authority for all contracts awarded that exceed $5,000 including amendments and renewals is to be prepared and reported to Council on a semi-annual basis. In addition, the County of Elgin's Procurement Policy 3.14 states, "Any expenditure exceeding $50,000 for a one time purchase or over an annual basis must be reported to Council." DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION: The Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin delegated authority to the Directors to award contracts as follows a) value of contract is greater than $5,000 but less than $50,000, no report to Council required if within 10% of the approved budget allocation, b) value of contract is greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000, no report to Council required if within approved budget. However, Council also approved that a semi-annual information report would be brought forward containing details of the award of contracts including amendments and renewals. The details of the award of contracts is attached as Appendix A. The Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin delegated authority to the Directors to purchase goods and services using Direct Negotiation method. The Policy states as long as an attempt to purchase the required goods and services has been made in good faith using a method other than Direct Negotiation the goods or services can be purchased using a method other than Direct 1 Negotiation. Therefore any expenditure exceeding $50,000 for a one-time purchase or over an annual basis must be reported to Council. The details of the purchases are itemized in Appendix B. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Semi-Annual Information Report - Contract Awards, and Direct Negotiation Expenditures Report be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted )jfYM,~ ~~ 4 Sonia Beavers Purchasing Co-Ordinator Approved for Submission /~.J~ Linda Veger Dire r of Financial Se Ma cDonald Chief Administrative Officer 2 APPENDIX A Purchases greater than $5,000 but less than $100,000 June 24, 2005 to December 31. 2005 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation (includes taxes) Terrace Lodge MOHLTC High Low Air Loss Therapy Supplies $ 6,495 Intensity Needs Mattresses Terrace Lodge Operational 12 drawer chests Healthcare $ 6,835 Furniture Terrace Lodge MOHL TC High Low Air Loss KCI $ 6,000 Intensity Needs Mattresses Bobier Villa Donation Furniture The Brick $ 5,744 Account Library Services Early Years 1000 Book bags Tri-County $ 6,877 Challenge Fund Canvas Information Automation 11 LaserJet Protek $ 11,592 Technoloqy Budqet Printers Information Automation 200 - Secure Protek $ 8,272 Technology Budget Computing Control List Subscription Information Automation 7 - IBM Corporate I.T. $ 10,675 Technology Budget Thinkcentre, 10- Solutions LCD Monitors Information Automation The Unicorn SIRSI $ 5,554 Technoloqy Budget Licence Information Automation Block Time Protek $ 11,500 Technology Budget Service Information Automation Goldcare MDS Campana $ 5,813 Technology Budget Software for LTC facilites Information Automation Network Switch Protek Systems $ 20,177 Technoloqy Budget Information Automation Block Time Protek $ 11,500 Technology Budget Service Information Licence Budget Server and IT Protek $ 7,149 Technoloqy Equipment Information Capital IT Equipment Protek $ 10,206 Technology 3 APPENDIX A Purchases greater than $5.000 but less than $100,000 June 24. 2005 to December 31. 2005 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation (includes taxes) Information Consultant Laserfische IKON $ 5,865 Technoloqy Information Licence Budget Citrix licence fee Protec $ 7,061 Technology and Support & and software Mtce. assurance Engineering Capital Budget Supply and install Royal Fence $ 5,339 Services 3 dead end barricades Engineering Capital Budget Water heater for Ambrose $ 6,484 Services new laundry room Plumbing at BV Engineering Capital Budget Remove existing CedarCrest $ 18,088 Services handrails and Arch itectu ral reinstall hand rails Specialities at Elqin Manor Engineering Capital Budget Demolition, CD Drywall and $ 6,501 Services frame, drywall, Acoustics ceiling BV laundry room Engineering Capital Budget Demolition of the CD Drywall and $ 8,731 Services 4th Floor Acoustics Engineering Capital Budget Labour and CD Drywall and $ 7,488 Services material to install Acoustics drywall and ceiling at Adm. building room 305 Engineering Capital Budget Dryer venting Ambrose $ 6,420 Services Bobier Villa Plumbinq Engineering Terrace Lodge Supply and install Climate Control $ 6,410 Services Operational replacement condensing unit for walkin freezer at Terrace Lodqe Engineering Operational Extend loop and Climate Control $ 10,826 Services install heat pumps 4 APPENDIX A Purchases greater than $5.000 but less than $100,000 June 24. 2005 to December 31. 2005 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation (includes taxes) Engineering Capital Budget Supply and Install R.A. Barnes $ 8,066 Services electrical for tenant space on third floor, electrical safety authority inspection included Engineering Capital Budget Purchase of 2 Harco $ 38,254 Services washers and dryers Bobier Villa Engineering Homes and Wiring Safety Electrical Safety $ 6,034 Services Engineering Inspection Services Authority Services for Adm Building operational and 3 LTC facilities Budget Engineering Capital Budget Water Softener for Culligan $ 7,485 Services Bobier Villa Engineering Capital Budget Install new electrical Pro Electric $ 10,529 Services panels Terrace Lodge Engineering Capital Budget Supply and install 2 Streib Trucking $ 7,597 Services EMS catch basins, Limited piping, topsoil and labour Engineering Capital Budget lona Road Culvert Streib Trucking $ 9,305 Services Repairs Limited Engineering Operational Estimate for flood Winmar $ 12,242 Services Budget damage at administration building and temporary carpet in office. Engineering Capital Budget Laundry Room Oscar Temple & $ 6,420 Services Bobier Villa Sons Engineering Capital Budget Install sprinkler Rain Forest $ 5,995 Services system at Edward EMS 5 APPENDIX A Purchases greater than $5,000 but less than $100,000 June 24, 2005 to December 31, 2005 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation (includes taxes) Engineering Capital Budget Sod and Seed for Littlewood $ 6,955 Services Shaw Valley EMS Landscaoina Engineering Capital Budget Sod Littlewood $ 5/207 Services Landscapinq Engineering Capital Budget Supply and install Aylmer Glass $ 5/054 Services 4 window at T/L 6 APPENDIX B Expenditures exceeding $50.000 for a one time purchase or over an annual basis January 1. 2005 to December 31. 2005 Department Goods or Service Supplier Total Purchased Expenditure Homes Incontinent Products seA $ 106 881 Homes Raw Food Sysco $ 508,930 Homes Linen Service London Hospital Linen $ 241,118 Service 7 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Dorothy Schaap - Payroll & Benefits Coordinator Harley J. Underhill - Director of Human Resources DATE: April 25, 2006 SUBJECT: Annual Benefit Renewal 2006 CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. To be recognized as a desired employer. To forge community partnerships. To provide innovative and collaborative quality service. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement. INTRODUCTION: On April 4, 2006 we received the annual renewal report for the County of Elgin and it's member municipalities from Mosey and Mosey, Benefits Consultants. The report summarizes their analysis of the group benefits renewal action required by Manulife, effective May 1,2006. DISCUSSION: Points of Emphasis: 1. As a result of aggressive negotiations on our behalf, and also a preferred arrangement with Manulife, Mosey has been able to reduce the carrier's initial renewal position on all benefits except for Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Weekly Indemnity, which have no increase. 2. The County operates an umbrella style group benefits program, and by doing so allows participating lower-tier members the benefit of increased purchasing power that is available through pooled insurance. Membership currently includes Central Elgin, Bayham, Malahide, Dutlon/Dunwich, Aylmer and Southwold. 3. The groups partnering with the County of Elgin are benefiting from rates lower than they would likely be able to achieve in the open marketplace on a stand-alone basis. The County itself is providing an inherent subsidy to the lower tier municipalities but continues to support the pooled arrangement of the group. Currently the County of Elgin and member municipalities pay a pooling charge of 3.3% of premium for this arrangement. Once again, due to the large block of business Mosey has with Manulife, a fee of 1.5% of premium is reflected in the extended health care renewal rating analysis. This represents annual savings of approximately $12,100 for all the County of Elgin and member municipalities. This year there was no pooling credit, as there were no drug claims in excess of $10,000 pooling limit. RENEWAL OVERVIEW The table below summarizes the 4-year history of renewal rate action, by benefit line: Benefit 2003 Sept 2003* 2004 2005 2006 - - - - Renewal Renewal Renewal Renewal Life -3.8% -11.2% No change +5% +7% AD&D No change No change No change No change No change LTD No change -25.0% No change +4.5% +13.0% WI No change No change EHC +10.0% -1.0% +3.3% +6.5% -5.6% Dental +13.0% + -1.0% No change + -11 % + ODA -12.3% + ODA fee ODA fee fee guide ODA fee guide increase increase guide increase increase Overall +7.4% -7.0% +3.2% +2.9% -2.0% The approximate annual decrease for the County of Elgin's plan is $19,668. A meeting with the member municipalities and Mosey and Mosey took place on April 4, 2006, to discuss the renewal in particular and other group benefit issues in general. CONCLUSION: Mosey and Mosey are confident that the final renewal position negotiated with the above carriers is fair and reasonable, given the underlying claims experience and demographic composition, and taking into account what they would expect to achieve from the group insurance marketplace. Our consultants recommend that the County rates should be adjusted as per the attached renewal summary spreadsheets, effective May 1, 2006. A copy of the report, in its entirety, is available at the County Administration Services Office on the first floor. RECOMMENDATION: THAT based on the recommendation of Mosey and Mosey benefit consultants, the Manulife premium rates presented in the 2006 Renewal Report be adopted for the County of Elgin and the Elgin Member Municipalities, effective May 1, 2006. I~ Dorothy Schaap f Payroll & Benefits Coordinator OVERALL COST AND RATE SUMMARY COMPARISON County of Elgin - Bobier Villa Manulife Policy # 1551 1-Mar'()6 1-Apr'()6 Current Cost Proposed Renewal Negotiated Renewal Volume or Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly % Monthly Monthly % Benefrts Classifications # of Lives Rate Premium Rate Premium Change Rate Premium Change Group Life All Employees $2,459,000 0.334 $821 0.383 $942 14.8% 0.357 $878 7.0% AD&D All Employees $2,459,000 0.025 $61 0.025 $61 0.0% 0.025 $61 0.0% POOLED BENERTS MONTHL Y PREMIUM: $883 $1,003 $939 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 13.6% 6.4% Extended Health Care Coverage E Single 5 $58.00 $290 $61.48 $307~ $54.75 $274~ Family 25 $156.36 $3,909 $165.74 $4,144 6.0% $147.60 $3,690 -5.6% Deluxe Travel Plan Coverage Z Single 5 $1.50 $8 $1.50 $:G;] $1.50 $8G;] Family 25 $3.00 $75 $3.00 $3.00 $75 0.0% Dental Care Coverage D Single 5 $31.84 $159 $29.93 $15O~ $27.92 $140~ Family 25 $68.94 $1,724 $84.80 $1,620 -6.0% $60.46 $1,512 -12.3% Experience-rated Benefits Monthly Premium 6,164 6,303 5,697 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 2.3% -7.6% Overall Monthly Premium 7,047 7,306 6,637 Provincial Sales Tax (Currently 8%) 564 585 531 Total Monthly Premium Including Sales Tax 7,611 7,891 7,168 Overall Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 3.7% -5.8% Overall Percentage Savings Over Proposed Costs -9.2% OVERALL COST AND RATE SUMMARY COMPARISON County of Elgin - Elgin Manor Manulife Policy # 5541 1-Mar"()6 1-Apr-tl6 Current Cost Proposed Renewal Negotiated Renewal Volume or Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly % Monthly Monthly ulo Benefits ClassIfications # of Lives Rate Premium Rate Premium Change Rate Premium Change Group Ufe All Employees $1,800,000 0.334 $601 0.383 $689 14.8% 0.357 $643 7.0% AD&D All Employees $1,800,000 0.025 $45 0.025 $45 0.0% 0.025 $45 0.0% Weekly indemnity All Employees $24,760 1.620 $4,011 1.620 $4,011 0.0% 1.620 $4,011 0.0% Long Term Disability All Employees $95,387 3.219 $3,071 3.847 $3,670 19.5% 3.637 $3,469 13.0% POOLED BENEFITS MONTHL Y PREMIUM: $7,728 $8,415 $8,168 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 8.9% 5.7% Extended Health Care Coverage E Single 7 $54.58 $382 $57.86 -D $51.52 -0 Family 37 $155.61 $5,758 $164.95 $6,103 $146.90 $5,435 Hospital Coverage S Single 7 $12.78 $89 $13.55 $95 $12.06 $84 Family 37 $25.47 $942 $27.00 $999 6.0% $24.04 $890 -5.6% Deluxe Travel Plan Coverage Z Single 8 $1.50 $12 $1.50 $12G;] $1.50 $12G;] Family 35 $3.00 $105 $3.00 $105 0.0% $3.00 $105 0.0% Dental Care Coverage 0 Single 7 $42.47 $297 $39.92 $279~ $37.25 $261~ Family 37 $91.80 $3,397 $86.29 $3,193 -6.0% $80.51 $2,979 -12.3% Experience-rated Benefits Monthly Premium 10,982 11,191 10,126 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 1.9% -7.8% Overall Monthly Premium 18,710 19,606 18,294 Provincial Sales Tax (Currentiy 8%) 1,497 1,568 1,464 Total Monthly Premium Including Sales Tax 20,207 21,175 19,758 Overall Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 4.8% -2.2% Overall Percentage Savings Over Proposed Costs -6.7% OVERALL COST AND RATE SUMMARY COMPARISON County of Elgin - Non-Union Manulif~ Policy # 74181 1-Mar"(}6 1-Apr"(}6 Current Cost Proposed Renewal Negotiated Renewal Volume or Monthly Monthly Monthly MOnthly "10 MOnthly Monthly ufo Benefits Classifications # of Lives Rate Premium Rate Premium Change Rate Premium Change Group ute All Employees $5,674,000 0.334 $1,895 0.383 $2,173 14.8% 0.357 $2,026 7.0% AD&D All Employees $5,674,000 0.025 $142 0.025 $142 0.0% 0.025 $142 0.0% Lon9 Term Disability All Employees $149,556 2.968 $4,439 3.547 $5,305 19.5% 3.354 $5,016 13.0% POOLED BENEFITS MONTHL Y PREMIUM: $6,476 $7,620 $7,184 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 17.7% 10.9% Extended Health Care Coverage E Single 7 $58.11 $407 $61.60 ~'D $54.86 =D Family 57 $166.13 $9,469 $176.10 $10,038 $156.83 $8,939 Hospital Coverage S Single 7 $12.78 $89 $13.55 $95 $12.06 $84 Family 57 $25.47 $1,452 $27.00 $1,539 6.0% $24.04 $1,371 -5.6% Deluxe Travel Plan Coverage Z Single 6 $1.50 $9 $1.50 $9[;J $1.50 $9[;J Family 45 $3.00 $135 $3.00 $135 0.0% $3.00 $135 0.0% Dental Care Coverage 0 Single 5 $27.46 $137 $25.81 $129~ $24.08 $120~ Family 43 $59.45 $2,556 $55.88 $2,403 -6.0% $52.14 $2,242 -12.3% Experience-rated Benefits Monthly Premium 14,255 14,779 13,284 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 3.7% -6.8% Overall Monthly Premium 20,731 22,398 20,468 Provincial Sales Tax (Currently 8%) 1,658 1,792 1,637 Total Monthly Premium Including Sales Tax 22,389 24,190 22,105 Overall Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 8.0% -1.3% Overall Percentage Savings Over Proposed Costs -8.6% OVERALL COST AND RATE SUMMARY COMPARISON County of Elgin - CUPE Manulife Policy # 74183 1oMar-06 1-Apr"()6 Current Cost Proposed Renewal Negotiated Renewal Volume or Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly % Monthly Monthly % Benefits Classifications # of Uves Rate Premium Rate Premium Change Rate Premium Change Group Ufe All Employees $329,000 0.334 $110 0.383 $126 14.8% 0.357 $117 7.0% AD&D All Employees $329,000 0.025 $8 0.025 $8 0.0% 0.025 $8 0.0% Long Term Disability All Employees $9,072 3.219 $292 3.847 $349 19.5% 3.637 $330 13.0% POOLED BENEFITS MONTHLY PREMIUM: $410 $483 $456 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 17.8% 11.1% Extended Health Care Coverage E Single 0 $52.86 $0 $56.03 ~D $49.90 ~D Family 5 $151.01 $755 $160.07 $800 $142.55 $713 Hospital Coverage S Single 0 $12.78 $0 $13.55 $0 $12.06 $0 Family 5 $25.47 $127 $27.00 $135 6.0% $24.04 $120 -5.6% Deluxe Travel Plan Coverage Z Single 0 $1.50 $0 $1.50 $0[;] $1.50 $0[;] Family 5 $3.00 $15 $3.00 $15 0.0% $3.00 $15 0.0% Dentai Care Coverage D Single 0 $30.31 $0 $28.49 $0[;;] $26.58 $OG;;] Family 5 $65.93 $330 $61.97 $310 -6.0% $57.82 $289 -12.3% Experience-rated Benefrts Monthly Premium 1,227 1,260 1,137 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 2.7% -7.3% Overall Monthly Premium 1,637 1,743 1,593 Provincial Sales Tax (Currently 8%) 131 139 127 Total Monthly Premium Including Sales Tax 1,768 1,883 1,720 Overall Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 6.5% -2.7% Overall Percentage Savings Over Proposed Costs -8.6% OVERALL COST AND RATE SUMMARY COMPARISON County of Elgin - ONA Manulife Policy # 74184 1-Mar-06 1-Apr.06 Current Cost Proposed Renewal Negotiated Renewal Volume or Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly "/0 Monthly Monthly 0/0 Benefits Classifications # of Lives Rate Premium Rate Premium Change Rate Premium Change Group LITe All Employees $1,696,000 0.334 $566 0.383 $650 14.8% 0.357 $605 7.0% AD&D All Employees $1,696,000 0.025 $42 0.025 $42 0.0% 0.025 $42 0.0% Long Term Disability All Employees $45,092 3.030 $1,366 3.621 $1,633 19.5% 3.424 $1,544 13.0% POOLED BENEFITS MONTHL Y PREMIUM: $1,975 $2,325 $2,192 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 17.7% 11,0% Extended Health Care Coverage E Single 4 $53.44 $214 $56.65 m'D $50.45 ~~D Family 6 $152.77 $917 $161.94 $972 $144.22 $865 Hospital Coverage S Single 4 $12.78 $51 $13.55 $54 $12.06 $48 Family 6 $25.47 $153 $27.00 $162 6.0% $24.04 $144 -5.6% Deluxe Travel Plan Coverage Z Single 4 $1.50 $6 $1.50 $6G;J $1.50 $6G;J Family 7 $3.00 $21 $3.00 $21 0.0% $3,00 $21 0.0% Dental Care Coverage D. Single 4 $30.10 $120 $28.29 $113G;] $26.40 $106~ Family 6 $70.95 $426 $66.69 $400 -6.0% $62.22 $373 -12.3% Experience-rated Benefits Monthly Premium 1,9D7 1,955 1,766 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 2.5% -7,4% Overall Monthly Premium 3,883 4,279 3,957 Provincial Sales Tax (Currently 8%) 311 342 317 Total Monthly Premium including Sales Tax 4,193 4,622 4,274 Overall Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 1D.2% 1.9% Overall Percentage Savings Over Proposed Costs -7.5% OVERALL COST AND RATE SUMMARY COMPARISON County of Elgin - Terrace Lodge Manulife Policy # 74185 1.Mar-06 1-Apr-ll6 Current Cost Proposed Renewal Negotiated Renewal Volume or Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly ufo Monthly MOnthly "/0 Benefits Classifications # of Lives Rate Premium Rate Premium Change Rate Premium Change Group Ufe All Employees $2,080,000 0.334 $695 0.383 $797 14.8% 0.357 $743 7.0% AD&D All Employees $2,080,000 0.025 $52 0.025 $52 0.0% 0.025 $52 0.0% Weekly Indemnity All Employees $28,756 1.620 $4,658 1.620 $4,658 0.0% 1.620 $4,658 0.0% Lon9 Term Disabilijy All Employees $110,784 3.219 $3,566 3.847 $4,262 19.5% 3.637 $4,029 13.0% POOLED BENEFITS MONTHLY PREMIUM: $8,971 $9,769 $9,482 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 8.9% 5.7% Extended Health Care Coverage E Single 7 $55.38 $388 $58.70 ""0 $52.28 -D Family 43 $157.74 $6,783 $167.20 $7,190 $148.91 $6,403 Hospital Coverage S Single 7 $12.78 $89 $13.55 $95 $12.06 $84 Family 43 $25.47 $1,095 $27.00 $1,161 6.0% $24.04 $1,034 -5.6% Deluxe Travel Plan Coverage Z Single 7 $1.50 $11 $1.50 $11GJ $1.50 $11GJ Family 43 $3.00 $129 $3.00 $129 0.0% $3.00 $129 0.0% Dental Care Coverage 0 Single 7 $40.83 $286 $38.38 $269[;;;] $35.81 $251 G;;] Family 43 $88.24 $3,794 $82.95 $3,567 -6.0% $77.39 $3,328 -12.3% Experience-rated Benefits Monthly Premium 12,575 12,831 11,605 Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 2.0% ..7.7% Overall Monthly Premium 21,546 22,600 21,087 Provincial Sales Tax (Currently 8%) 1,724 1,808 1,687 Total Monthly Premium Including Sales Tax 23,270 24,408 22,774 Overall Percentage Adjustment over Current Costs 4.9% -2.1% Overall Percentage Savings Over Proposed Costs -6.7% REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Clayton Watters, Director, Engineering Services Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-Ordinator DATE: APRIL 13, 2006 SUBJECT: Tender Award - Sunset Road Rehabilitation CORPORATE GOALCS) REFERENCED: To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic development and sustainable growth. INTRODUCTION: As part of the approved 2006 Capital Budget, tenders were advertised as per the County's Purchasing Policy and were received until Wednesday, April 12, 2006 for the Sunset Road Rehabilitation Project between Bridge Street (Port Stanley) to Glenwood Street (south limits of St. Thomas) being a total of 11 kilometers. As Council is aware, the County was successful in receiving funding under the COMRIF Round 1 initiative and thus the project will be equally funded between the County of Elgin, the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government of Canada up to a maximum of $6,993,350.00. DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION: Four contractors submitted bids for the Sunset Road Rehabilitation. The results of the bids are as follows: COMPANY TENDER BID (inclusive of taxes and cantin enc 8264617.54 $ 9,289 159.34 $ 9 504963.17 9 700 081.92 The County's Engineering Consultant has reviewed the tender submissions and has made their recommendation to award the project to the lowest bidder, Birnam Excavating for their submitted price of $ 8,264,617.54 inclusive of all taxes and contingencies. Taxes and contingencies form more than $1 Million of this total price. In order to ensure the newly reconstructed roadway is not disturbed by other infrastructure projects in the foreseeable future, staff has made efforts to partner with other jurisdictions who have infrastructure projects within the project limits. Therefore the project scope and total tender price also represents work for the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of Central Elgin for water main, municipal drainage, sewage and traffic signalization works. When the value of these other works are removed from the total tender price, the value of the work to be completed for the County of Elgin is $ 6,864,325.00. This amount represents all roadwork, storm sewer and engineering costs excluding G.S.T. (in which the County is exempt from paying) and contingencies. When comparing this cost with the total project estimate, approximately $129,000 remain available for contingencies. The total project cost was estimated at $6,993,350 of which 2/3's is funded by COMRIF. County Council approved the allocation of $1,250,000 within the 2006 Capital Budget and $1,100,000 is proposed in the 2007 Capital Budget to fund Elgin County's 1/3 share of the project. Therefore the total overall cost including Engineering Services is within the capital budget and COMRIF allocations. The other jurisdictions involved within this Tender will be gaining approval from their respective Councils in the near future. If those jurisdictions do not choose to accept the Tender submitted from Birnam Excavating, their proposed works will be omitted from the project and the project will continue for the County of Elgin as planned. The project is planned to commence in mid May 2006 once the Contractor completes all required submissions. The work will be completed in the fall of 2007. Work will not occur in the Village of Port Stanley between Victoria Day and Labour Day to minimize impacts to seasonal visitors. Staff has circulated information and held a public meeting to solicit comments or concerns regarding the project. Once a construction schedule is submitted by the Contractor, additional information will be circulated to all adjacent residents to keep them informed of the project plans. Project signs and a permanent plaque commemorating the COMRIF Initiative for the Sunset Rehabilitation Project will be installed to meet the programme's conditions. RECOMMENDATION: THAT, Birnam Excavating Ltd. be selected to complete the Sunset Road Rehabilitation Project at their total tender price of $ 8,264,617.54 inclusive of all taxes; and THAT, the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to enter into an agreement with Birnam Excavating for the Sunset Road Rehabilitation Project between Bridge Street (in the Village of Port Stanley) to Glenwood Street (being the southern limits of the City of St. Thomas). Approved for Submission WWatJM, Pe er Dutchak Manager, Road Infrastructure Clayton Watters Director, Engineering Services ~ald~ Chief Administrative Officer ----... .zA~ ~--o..v-(A.n Sonia Beavers Purchasing Co-Ordinator REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-Ordinator DATE: APRIL 13, 2006 SUBJECT: Surface Treatment Tender Results CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: #6) To forge community partnerships. #9) To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic development and sustainable growth. INTRODUCTION: As part of the approved Capital Program, Glen Erie Line (County Road #42) will be rehabilitated. Part of the work includes the application of a double surface treatment. This is the only surface treatment operation to be completed by the County in 2006 and therefore, the County participated in the Municipality of Central Elgin's tender for surface treatment. DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION: During the monthly Road Supervisor's meetings, staff discussed various tenders to be advertised during the year. It is common for municipalities to participate in other municipality's tenders to promote lower prices and reduce costs. This year, the County of Elgin has participated in the Municipality of Central Elgin's Surface Treatment Tender. In 2006, other municipalities have participated in the County's tenders for: Modified Slurry Seal, Guard Rail and the Sunset Road Rehabilitation Project. :< Four contractors submitted bids for surface treatment. The results of the bids are as follows: MSO Construction Duncor Enter rises Inc. Cornell Construction Nor"ohn Contractin TOTAL TENDER BID inclusive of taxes $ 472 333.52 496209.16 531 871.64 657 520.56 COMPANY The lowest tender price was submitted by MSO Construction. MSO submitted a price to apply a double surface treatment with a fog seal on Glen Erie Line (County Road #42) at a total value of approximately $177,000. Glen Erie Line will be rehabilitated by pulverizing the existing roadway, placing gravel, applying double surface treatment, installing safety systems and replacing some drainage pipes. Approximately $450,000 resides in the Road 42 Relocation account to complete these works. Because the tender and subsequent agreement will be executed between the Municipality of Central Elgin and MSO Construction, the County will not be entering into a formal agreement with MSO Construction. The County of Elgin will be named in the required bonding documents and be named additionally insured and held harmless in MSO's liability insurance certificate. RECOMMENDATION: THAT MSO Construction be selected to complete surface treatment and fog sealing on Glen Erie Line (County Road #42) at a total cost of approximately $177,000. THAT the Municipality of Central Elgin be notified that the County of Elgin accepts the tender submitted by MSO Construction. Respectfully Submitted ~ Peter Dutchak Manager, Road Infrastructure Approved for Submission {fJW~ . ~ ~~-v((.A", /Sonia Beavers Purchasing Co-Ordinator Mark G. Chief Administrative Officer .5 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager of Road Infrastructure DATE: April 12, 2006 SUBJECT: Intersection Safety Study - Culloden Road and Eden Line Corporate Goa/{s) Referenced: #9 - To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic development and sustainable growth. Introduction The County of Elgin has received a request from the Council of the Municipality of Bayham to review the intersection of Culloden Road (County Road #46) and Eden Line (County Road #44) with respect to the frequency of accidents at this location and to respond with any findings, recommendations or solutions. it, Discussion A request has been received from the Municipality of Bayham's Council to review the safety of the intersection of Culloden Road and Eden Line (letter attached). Staff has had an opportunity to review the intersection's collision history and conduct a traffic study to understand existing conditions. The following information has been collected: Both Culloden Road and Eden Line are under the jurisdiction of Elgin County. The west projection of Eden Line from the intersection is under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Bayham. Historically, the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes on Culloden Road in this location have been 1,100 and Eden Line has an AADT of 600. The average AADT for all Elgin County Roads is 1,700. From our recent traffic study, 1,257 vehicles were counted on Culloden Road north of Eden Line and 969 vehicles were counted on Culloden Road south of Eden Line. This remains consistent with our historical data. The 85th percentile speed (or the speed at which drivers tend to drive and feel safe driving at) is 95 km/h. Although this is above the posted speed limit is it a realistic speed for our rural county roads. Visual sight lines were also investigated. In order to have adequate sight lines, an assumed speed of 95 km/h was used based upon the 85h percentile. Approximately 180m of Safe Stopping Distance is required for this rate of speed and clear sight lines for this distance are currently available at the intersection in all directions. From our records, there have been 11 police reported accidents between the years of 1995 to 2004 at this intersection. During this 10-year period, one accident involved a vehicle failing to stop at the stop sign. For the remaining 10 accidents, it was found that all vehicles first stopped and then proceeded into the path of approaching vehicles. Interestingly, 8 out of 10 of these collisions involved eastbound vehicles, stopping at the stop sign and then entering the intersection, failing to yield to northbound vehicles. As previously indicated, adequate sight lines are present for all quadrants of the intersection. The existing geometry of the intersection does have a 17 degree skew angle. Although the existing conditions meet design standards, skewed intersections can create issues with drivers failing to observe approaching vehicles from the acute angled quadrant. In other words, when stopped at the stop sign, drivers tend to only look 90 degrees in both directions from their stopped position. This can create a "blind spot" if the intersection is skewed thus forcing the driver to turn and look more than 90 degrees to properly view the acute angled approach. That being stated, this phenomenon does not appear to be present in this location. Eight out of the eleven collisions at this intersection occur between eastbound vehicles failing to yield to northbound vehicles. This is not the acute angle and eastbound vehicles stopped at the stop sign can easily view the south approach and oncoming northbound vehicles. Pavement markings are important indicators for traffic. Stop Blocks are required to be installed on all hard surface roads with stop conditions. A Stop Block encourages vehicles to stop close to the edge of the through lanes and also attempts to "square" the vehicle to the intersection for best possible viewing of approaching traffic. Stop Blocks are not present at this intersection. Stop Blocks are required to be installed by the lower tier municipality and form part of the Maintenance Allocation Payment for county road maintenance. Stop Blocks should be painted annually. Conclusion A request was received from the Council of the Municipality of Bayham to investigate the safety of the intersection of Culloden Road and Eden Line. Eleven collisions occurred at this location between the years of 1995 and 2004. Eight of the eleven collisions involved eastbound vehicles who first stopped and then proceeded into the path of northbound vehicles. Upon review, no design deficiencies were noted except for the absence of Stop Blocks. Recommendation THAT the MuniCipality of Bayham be instructed to install Stop Blocks at all county road intersections following the requirements of the Ontario Traffic Manual, and; THAT the costs associated with this annual activity be funded by the Maintenance Allocations for County Road maintenance. REr:;:;::;:ED Peter Dutchak Manager of Road Infrastructure APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION Ol?WAtM< Clayton Watters Director of En . Mark McDona Chief Administrative Officer Municipality of Bayham P.O. Box 160,9344 Plank Road, Straffordville, Ontario. NO] 1 YO Tel: (519) 866-5521 . Ilax; (519) 866..388.4 email: bayham@bayham.on.ca March 8, 2006 Clayton Watters, Engineer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5Vl Dear Clayton Re: Culloden Road and Eden Line Intersection Please be advised that concerns have been raised to Council regarding the high frequency of accidents! near misses at the intersection of Culloden Road and Eden Line. This matter was discussed at the meeting held March 2 and the following resolution passed: "THAT the County of Elgin be advised tbat concerns have been raised to members of the Council of the Municipality of Bayham regarding.the frequency of accidents at the Culloden Road and Eden Line intersection; AND THAT the County Engineer be requested to investigate and consider options to reduce these incidents and respond back to Bayham Council with any findings, recommendations, solutions and I or actions to be taken." Your consideration and review of this matter and response would be appreciated at your earliest convenience. Should there be any further infonnation you require, please feel free to give me a call. Thanks for your support. Yours truly" ',~..:.-;/ ~.. ~ c;;x,~A 210"\"-' Mrs. Lynda Millard Clerk Encs. File: A16 C2006-009 HE CE1V E D I'1AR 1 3 2006 CORRESPONDENCE - APRIL 25. 2006 Items for Consideration 1. Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister Responsible for Seniors, with forms and information concerning the 2006 Senior of the Year Award, a program to honour an outstanding local senior. (ATTACHED) 2. Kenneth J. Brooks, Barrister & Solicitor, Executive Director, Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic, with correspondence concerning the hardship to local residents caused by the move to London by the Social Benefits Tribunal for their hearing venue. (ATTACHED) 3. Judy Currins, City Clerk, City of Kawartha Lakes, with a resolution concerning the Proposed Clean Water Act 2005. (ATTACHED) 4. Town of Caledon, with a resolution requesting that the Federal and Provincial Governments commit to long term programs and delivery of funding to solve the problem of negative incomes and the long term financial viability of Ontario Farmers. (ATTACHED) 5. Graham Hart, Chair, Thames Valley District School Board, advising that the inaugural meeting of the Thames Valley Capital Planning Advisory will take place Wednesday, May 17,2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Education Centre and requesting that a member of Council be selected to attend. (ATTACHED) 6. Chris Somerville, Township Clerk, Township of King, with a resolution regarding recent changes in the delivery of mail to rural communities by Canada Post. (ATTACHED) 7. St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, with an invoice for 2007 Membership renewal and request for verification of County contact names. (ATTACHED) 8. Harold Luckasavitch, Clerk, Township of Algonquin, with a resolution requesting changes to the Current Value Assessment System. Minister Responsible for Seniors 6th Floor 400 University Avenue Toronto ON M7 A 2R9 Tel.: (416) 585-7000 ,Fax: (416) 585-6470 Ministre delegue aux Affaires des personnes agees 6e etage 400, avenue University Toronto ON M7A 2R9 Tel. : (416) 585-7000 Telec. : (416) 585-6470 IJM ~V~ ~-~ Ontario :~ March, 2006 MA[~ 2 3 2. Dear Mayor and Members of Council: Each year the Government of Ontario designates June as Seniors' Month to celebrate the countless experiences, accomplishments and contributions of seniors. Across the province, community organizations and local governments host special events to recognize seniors and the countless contributions they make to Ontario's way oflife. It is with great pleasure that we invite you to participate in the 2006 Senior of the Year Awards. This award was established in 1994 to give each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding local senior. Recipients are individuals, who after age 65, have enriched the social, cultural or civic life of the community, without thought of personal or financial gain. The certificate, provided by the Ontario Government, is signed by: the Honourable James Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor; myself as the Minister Responsible for Seniors; and the local Head of Council. You may wish to consider involving local MPPs in your selection process or presentation ceremony. Please fax the name of your municipality's Senior of the Y ear Award recipient, on the attached form by April 28, 2006. For additional information, please contact the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat at (416) 314- 7526. Ontario's seniors deserve special recognition for their outstanding accomplishments. By working together with municipalities, we can ensure they are honoured in a meaningful way. Sincerely, ~~~ The Honourable Jim Bradley Minister Encl. 0126 6f~ 0/ the ea/JC Award 2006 Nominating Municipality/Township (please print municipality name in full as this will be transcribed onto the recipient's certificate): Contact Name: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Address: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ~.i.!:.Y.r.r.?Y.\'n.:..........................................................................P.t9.y.in.~.~:...........................................................p..9.~~~.1...~?g.~:........................................................... J.~.I5~:P.Q.?~~:........................................................................F.9.~:................................................................................................................................................................. ~.~.~~..~f..~~.~Jp~.~~~..(~~~~..9.~..g?y.~9.r.?...9.f..9.S.~..9.~.9..I.g~r.):.................................................................................................................................... J.~.I.!..~.~..9..~!.~.f!y...~.9.9..~~..Y.9.~tJ~~.(P.(~~L...................................................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Completed form must be received by Friday, April 28, 2006 Mail or Fax to: Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, 400 University Avenue, Ground Floor, South Lobby, Toronto, Ontario M7A 2R9 Tel.: (416) 314-7526 Fax: (416) 314-6050 Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture Act, R.S.O. 1990. cM.18, sA and will be used to determine eligibility and notify recipients of the Senior of the Year Award. For further information, please contact the Director, Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat, 400 University Avenue, Ground Floor, South Lobby, Toronto ON M7A 2R9, (416) 314-7523. HI -01for~ I1~ Clinic ~ Kenneth J. Brooks, B.A., LL.B. Executive Director Elena Dempsey, BA (Hons.), LL.B., Staff Lawyer Karen Schmidt, Community Legal Worker Jim Szpytman, BA (Hons.), LL.B., Staff Lawyer March 23, 2006 Warden Paul Baldwin & County Council County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St Thomas Ontario N5R 5V1 MAR 2 1 2008 Dear Warden Baldwin: Please find enclosed a letter that I recently sent to Chisanga Puta-Chekwe, chair of the Social Benefits Tribunal. As you will see, the Tribunal has changed its hearing venue such that appellants from Elgin County will now be expected to travel to London for hearings. This will be a tremendous hardship for appellants. In addition, the additional costs to Ontario Works for St. Thomas-Elgin and the clinic would offset any cost savings that the Tribunal hoped to have. In my submission, this is the wrong decision for the Tribunal to make, and I urge you to do what you can to assist in having this changed. This is detrimental to low-income residents of St. Thomas and Elgin County, and your support for those whose voice is not often heard would be appreciated. I would be pleased to talk to you further about this. Yours truly, ELGIN-OXFORD LEG CLINIC Kenneth J. Brooks Barrister & Solicitor Executive Director P.O. Box 517,98 Centre Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V6 Telephone: (519) 633-2638 Toll-free: 1-866-611-2311 Fax: (519) 633-7624 Satellite Offices: Woodstock Tillsonburg Aylmer West Lome Ingersoll ~ EIuiD-lIIford 12gm Clinic ~ Kenneth J. Brooks, BA, LL.B. Executive Director Elena Dempsey, BA (Hons.), LL.B., Staff Lawyer Karen Schmidt, Community Legal Worker Jim Szpytman, BA (Hons.), LL.B., Staff Lawyer March 22, 2006 Mr. Chisanga Puta-Chekwe Chair, Social Benefits Tribunal 1075 Bay Street, yth Floor Toronto, Ontario M5S 2B1 Dear Mr. Puta-Chekwe: Our clinic is funded by Legal Aid Ontario to represent low-income residents of Elgin and Oxford Counties. As a clinic, I'm sure you can appreciate that we attend hearings of the Tribunal on a regular basis. My office recently received notice that hearings already scheduled to be heard in St. Thomas for Elgin County residents had been changed to London. I was advised that future Elgin County hearings would also be heard in London as opposed to Elgin County. This is a significant change that was made without having consulted those who regularly attend these hearings, and detrimentally affects all those involved, with the exception of the Tribunal. As a result, I am asking that this decision be reversed. At one point in time, hearings in Elgin County were held in more than one venue. Hearings were held in Aylmer as well as St. Thomas. For some time now, they have just been held in St. Thomas. In making this decision, it is clear that the Tribunal has not considered who attends these hearings. All of those who attend are low-income people. Clearly the majority of appellants are recipients of Ontario Works benefits. As a result, they do not have the financial means to travel to another county for hearings. There are a significant number of appellants who do not own a vehicle. In consulting with the local Ontario Works office, they reviewed their upcoming hearings that are to be held in London, and not one of the appellants owns a car. This is not unusual for social assistance recipients since benefits are insufficient to cover those costs. As a result, transportation to hearings in London is a considerable hurdle. By moving these hearings from St. Thomas to London, I would suggest that this results in a denial of access to justice for the poor. There will be appellants who will not be able to pursue their appeals because they will not be able to find transportation to London. In addition, it could create a hardship for witnesses to attend. That could result in appellants attending without possible witnesses who could be crucial to P.O. Box 517,98 Centre Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V6 Telephone: (519) 633-2638 Toll-free: 1-866-611-2311 Fax: (519) 633-7624 Satellite Offices: Woodstock Tillsonburg Aylmer West Lome Ingersoll ~ Blgin-lIIfnrd LegalClinic ~/ Kenneth J. Brooks, BA, LL.B. Executive Director Elena Dempsey, BA (Hons.), LL.B., Staff Lawyer Karen Schmidt, Community Legal Worker Jim Szpytman, BA (Hons.), LL.B., Staff Lawyer March 22, 2006 Mr. Chisanga Puta-Chekwe Chair, Social Benefits Tribunal 1075 Bay Street, ih Floor Toronto, Ontario M5S 2B1 Dear Mi. Puta-Chekwe: Our clinic is funded by Legal Aid Ontario to represent low-income residents of Elgin and Oxford Counties. As a clinic, I'm sure you can appreciate that we attend hearings of the Tribunal on a regular basis. My office recently received notice that hearings already scheduled to be heard in St. Thomas for Elgin County residents had been changed to London. I was advised that future Elgin County hearings would also be heard in London as opposed to Elgin County. This is a significant change that was made without having consulted those who regularly attend these hearings, and detrimentally affects ill! those involved, with the exception of the Tribunal. As a result, I am asking that this decision be reversed. At one point in time, hearings in Elgin County were held in more than one venue. Hearings were held in Aylmer as well as St. Thomas. For some time now, they have just been held in St. Thomas. In making this decision, it is clear that the Tribunal has not considered who attends these hearings. All of those who attend are low-income people. Clearly the majority of appellants are recipients of Ontario Works benefits. As a result, they do not have the financial means to travel to another county for hearings. There are a significant number of appellants who do not own a vehicle. In consulting with the local Ontario Works office, they reviewed their upcoming hearings that are to be held in London, and not one of the appellants owns a car. This is not unusual for social assistance recipients since benefits are insufficient to cover those costs. As a result, transportation to hearings in London is a considerable hurdle. By moving these hearings from St. Thomas to London, I would suggest that this results in a denial of access to justice for the poor. There will be appellants who will not be able to pursue their appeals because they will not be able to find transportation to London. In addition, it could create a hardship for witnesses to attend. That could result in appellants attending without possible witnesses who could be crucial to P.O. Box 517, 98 Centre Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V6 Telephone: (519) 633-2638 Toll-free: 1-866-611-2311 Fax: (519) 633-7624 Satellite Offices: Woodstock TiIlsonburg Aylmer West Lome Ingersoll 2 possible success with their appeals. As already stated, there are a significant number of appellants who do not have vehicles. Access to transportation is a significant problem in this area. This is not an urban area with a public transit system. Ontario Works advise that there is a Greyhound bus from St. Thomas to London. It would cost an appellant $26 to take the bus, which is a large sum for those on Ontario Works benefits. The next problem is that it only runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing at 12:20 p.m. and arriving in London at approximately 1 :00 p.m. To return to St. Thomas, the appellant would have to catch the bus from downtown London at 4:10 p.m. It is therefore clear on the face of it that this would not work. Appellants could not attend 9:00 a.m. hearings and would not arrive in time for 1 :00 p.m. hearings. Even if they took the Greyhound bus, the appellant would have to find their way from downtown London to CPRI, which would require city transportation or a cab. This results in additional costs and additional time. It should be noted that the Greyhound bus does not travel from other parts of Elgin County. Demographically, two-thirds of the Elgin population reside outside of St. Thomas. We have a significant number of clients from Aylmer and West Elgin. There is no bus from those areas. Ontario Works also advised me that when they checked, the cost of a taxi from St. Thomas to CPRI was approximately $50.00 each way. Should the Tribunal expect that an Ontario Works recipient would have to spend $100.00 out of their monthly benefits in order to attend a hearing in London? Again, if the appellant resided in a place such as Aylmer, the costs would be higher. Any appellant on Ontario Works would not be able to afford the transportation costs to attend a hearing in London. In addition to the costs, there are other factors. Many of the appeals concern the denial of ODSP benefits. Many of those appellants are disabled. The time it would take to travel to a hearing would be another hurdle. From St. Thomas, it will take about 40 minutes each way, whereas from West Elgin or Aylmer, it will be at least an hour. As many appellants who are in chronic pain could advise, spending an hour in a car can be debilitating in itself. For the many who do not have access to a motor vehicle, if they are able to find a friend, family member or neighbour who might be willing to drive them to London, is it reasonable to expect that person to take the amount of time required? Since the Tribunal has now started block hearings, it is possible that if the driver is employed, they might have to take an entire day from work. Besides the considerable driving time, they would have to consider the possible two hours they would be waiting while the appellant was tied up waiting for their hearing to finish. The appellant is involved in the process to appeal a matter involving their monthly income, whether its availability or amount. As many of the members assure appellants at a hearing, the Tribunal is supposed to be an objective body that is there to determine the issues in a fair manner. The decision to move hearings from the county of their residence to an area that is relatively inaccessible takes away the appearance that the Tribunal is an objective body. It gives the appearance that the Tribunal has created a barrier that effectively prevents an appellant from having access to a hearing of the issues. As I also stated earlier, this decision detrimentally affects all those involved with the exception of the Tribunal. Clearly it does not affect time issues for the Tribunal, and perhaps addresses some costs issues. It is clear that it would not significantly affect mileage issues for the Tribunal. Its members do not reside in London and so travel from other areas. The mileage from other areas to CPRI is close to that to travel to St. Thomas from the 401. So the Tribunal does not save any significant costs on mileage. Since CPRI is a Ministry property, apparently the Tribunal will save on the costs for hearing rooms. The costs for the meeting rooms used have been less than $100.00 per day, and so that is the only real benefit that can be found. 3 To say that this is a cost saving measure is very shortsighted as it fails to take into account the costs of others involved in the process. I have already outlined the costs to appellants. The cost to one appellant for the cab fare to the proposed site could be more than the cost to the Tribunal for having the hearing in St. Thomas. In addition, there will additional costs to Ontario Works. They will have the mileage costs of travelling to CPR!. From St. Thomas to CPRI is approximately 28 km each way, and so Ontario Works will no doubt have this expense to carry for their Case Presenting Officer. In addition, Ontario Works will have the additional time required by the CPO. If they had hearings scheduled for both 9:00 a.m. and 1 :00 p.m., if the hearings are in St. Thomas, it is possible to return to the office between hearings. If in London, the CPO could end up being there all day. So Ontario Works ends up paying mileage costs, plus any other expenses associated with being out of the office, plus potentially having lost that staff member for the entire day. That may be a considerable expense to Ontario Works. There is also a cost to my office. We have four caseworkers, including three lawyers, who do appeals. On many days, more than one of us appears at hearings. It is conceivable that we will end up paying the mileage costs for more than one staff person to attend each day of hearings. In addition, there are also the same time factors. The round trip travel time would take up to 1 % hours of a lawyer's time, unlike the 15 minutes it would take in St. Thomas. If one of the lawyers is there for more than a half day, there could be additional expenses. On occasion, we have also assisted the costs to appellants by treating their travel costs as a disbursement. We would not be able to do that for every appellant however, and the cost comes from Legal Aid funds. It seems clear that the Tribunal does not save any time or significant mileage costs, and will save on the cost of a hearing room. The other parties will have greater costs in terms of mileage, time and other expenses. It will cost appellants, as well as Ontario \i\!orks and the Clinic. Should the Tribunal have to be reminded that the additional costs to Ontario Works and to the Clinic, which is funded by Legal Aid, which is funded by the provincial government, would inevitably have to be absorbed from government resources? It is clear that it will end up costing government revenues more as a result of this decision even though it appears to save the Tribunal funds. If the point behind this exercise were simply to save the Tribunal the cost of a hearing room, it would have been more reasonable to consult with local stakeholders to determine what other facilities might be available. I therefore urge the Tribunal to reverse this decision. This decision creates an unacceptable barrier to access to justice by essentially denying appellants the opportunity to attend their hearing. If they are able to somehow attend, the costs to appellants is unacceptably high taking into consideration that most are recipients of Ontario Works. In addition, the cost savings to the Tribunal are offset by the increased costs to others involved in the appeal process, such as Ontario Works and the legal clinic. I suggest that the Tribunal should consult with local stakeholders such as Ontario Works as well as us in order to discuss why this change might seem appropriate to the Tribunal, and then to determine the alternatives, keeping in mind the most important party in the process, namely the appellants. It seems clear that the impact on the appellants has not been considered in making this decision. 4 I look forward to hearing from you, Yours truly, ELGIN-OXFORD LEGA /,....../~7 ~/' . Kenneth J. Brooks Barrister & Solicitor Executive Director cc. Hon. Steve Peters, MPP Hon. Chris Bentley, MPP Hon. Michael Bryant Hon. Sandra Pupatello Mayor Jeff Kohler Warden - Elgin County Legal Aid Ontario City of The Corporation of the City of Kawartha lakes P. O. Box 9000, 26 Francis St., LINDSAY, ON K9V 5R8 Tel. (705) 324-9411 Ext 295, 1-888-822-2225 Fax: (705) 324-8110 {:4ud:a tile KawOIm.a spiri"t Judy Currins, City Clerk File No.: C10 February 10, 2006 BY FAX AND MAil: 416-314-2976 Ms. Sarah O'Keefe, Policy Adviser Strategic Policy Branch Ministry of the Environment 135 St. Clair Avenue West 11 th Floor Toronto ON M4V 1 P5 Dear Ms. O'Keefe: SUBJECT: Proposed Clean Water Act. 2005 At the Council meeting of Tuesday February 7, 2006 Council dealt with the recommendation from the Development and Public Works Services Committee of the City of Kawartha Lakes held on January 31, 2006. The following is the resolution that Council approved: Moved by Councillor Marsh, seconded by Councillor Cziraky, RESOL VED THA T the financial costs of required studies, as identified in Report DEV2006-07, ''The Clean Water Act, 2005", be funded by the Province within funds announced by the Province in December 2005; THA T an appeal mechanism be established for MOE decisions on Source Protection Plans; THA T identified costs in their entirety to implement and enforce Source Protection Plans be provided to municipalities by the province; THA T the Act provide immunity to municipalities for any financial losses to land owners caused by the enforcement of Source Protection Plans; THA T the province compensate land owners with any financial losses caused by the enforcement of Source Protection Plans; THA T municipalities have the option of implementing the Clean Water Act on their own; THA T at least three (3) provincially funded public meetings be held in the City of Kawartha Lakes before the passing of this Act; and THA T a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Premier of Ontario, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Laurie Scott, MPP. and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for circulation to all municipalities. Yours truly, Judy Currins City Clerk c.c.: The Right Honourable Premier Dalton McGuinty The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton-Victoria-Brock Association of Municipalities of Ontario w- 110 -2006 TOWN OF CALEDON Date: March 21, 2006 Moved by: ~ Seconded by: N. deBoer WHEREAS there is an income crisis on Ontario's farms; AND WHEREAS the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has called upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to act in order to solve the problem of negative incomes on Ontario farms; AND WHEREAS the farmers of our municipality support the local and provincial economy and jobs; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Caledon recognizes the real threat to the long term financial viability of Ontario farmers and their communities and request that the governments of Ontario and Canada commit to: . Immediate and sufficient funding for long term programs and delivery of funding over the next three years, until the next Agricultural Policy Framework can be designed and implemented to provide a satisfactory standard of living for Ontario farmers and their families; . Flexibility in the delivery of assistance to Jarmers that works for farmers and, as such, will preserve programs like supply management systems that have already proven to work for farmers, consumers, Federal and Provincial Governments. . A commitment to build on and improve the five Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) pillars for'long term growth and development. AND FURTHER THAT Council for the Corporation of the Town of Caledon circulate this resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Federal Minister of Agriculture, members of Parliament in Ontario, the Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ontario government caucus and all municipalities in Ontario. The Corporation of The Town ofCaledon 6311 Old Church Road Caledon, Ontario L7C IJ6 (905) 584-2272 Mayor: ....---- l~rried Lost Bill Bryce, Director of Education and Secretary 2006 March 30 ~"":~. \].. f! r:: r'i'<i.<~ r;; ;.;j. ~~- A ~.,,~"',...' v::>,,;,< :~~ \' ',; l: Warden Jim Mcintyre County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario A\\:';k~ li 4 .JU6 Dear Warden Mcintyre: In the Good Places to Learn: Renewing Ontario's Schools document released by the Premier and Minister of Education, a New Capital Planning 10 - Step Process is outlined for each district school board in the province to follow. Step 2 of that process directs school boards to establish a Capital Planning Advisory Committee, to be overseen by trustees, to engage the public in this very important process. Please be advised that the Thames Valley District School Board, at its meeting of 2006 March 28 passed the following resolution: "That the attached draft mandate, structure and membership of the Capital Planning Advisory Committee be approved." The mandate, structure and membership of the Committee referred to in the motion is attached for your information. The County of Elgin is asked to select one of its members to attend this inaugural meeting of the Thames Valley Capital Planning Advisory on Wednesday, 2006 May 17 at 7:00 p.m. at our Education Centre. Please advise Sue Pullam of the name of your one representatiye by 2006 May 01. She can be contacted by phone at 519-452-2545 or by email ats.pullam@tvdsb.on.ca We sincerely appreciate your participation on this very important advisory committee. Yours truly, -~-~- GRAHAM HART Chair Thames Valley District School Board Office of the Chairperson 1250 Dundas Street, P.O. Box 5888, London, Ontario N6A 5Ll Tel: (519) 452-2545 Fax: (519) 452-2396 website: www.tvdsb.on.ca A~.L~~ CAPITAL PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mandate The Capital Planning Advisory Committee is created in accordance with the Capital Planning process established in the Provincial Government's "Good Places to Learn" document. The Committee will seek feedback from the broader community on capital planning topics such as student program needs, provincial objectives and relevant provincial targets, demographic projections, facility needs and operational options that maximize facility usage, and potential costs reconciled against financial capacity. Structure and Reporting The Capital Planning Advisory Committee will be a Standing Committee of the Board comprised of four regional sub-committees representing Elgin County, Middlesex County, Oxford County and the City of London. Each will be chaired by a trustee determined by Board motion. The regional sub-committees will meet as required and report to the Board through the Committee of the Whole following each meeting. A Committee report will be submitted to the Board in June annually summarizing the Capital Planning process of the previous school year. Membership Representation on the four regional sub-committees will include the following members and will form the Capital Planning Advisory Committee: Trustees by region 2 Community/Public Representatives by region School Representatives by region - 1 Elementary Principal - 1 Secondary Principal - 1 District School Council - 1 District Home and School - 1 each from ETFO, OSSTF and CUPE Municipal Representatives by region - 2 Mayors/Warden - 2 City of London Councillors Student Representative by Region Committee Resource Members will include: - Director of Education - Executive Superintendent of Operations - Executive Superintendent of Business - Executive Superintendent of Program - Manager of Facility Services - Planning Officer TOWNSHIP OF KING Municipal Offices 2075 King Road King City, Ontario L7B lAl Telephone: (905) 833-5321 Toll Free: 1-800-688-5013 Fax: (905) 833-2300 e-mail: online@township.king.on.ca Website: www.township.king.on.ca INCORPORATED 1850 At its meeting of February 27th, 2006, Council of the Township of King adopted the following Resolution regarding Canada Post and rural mail boxes: WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Township of King has received numerous complaints regarding recent changes in the delivery of mail in the rural communities; and Local Canada Post offices have replaced many traditional rural mailboxes located at the end of rural lanes in favour of community mailboxes throughout the Township of King; and In most instances, these changes have been undertaken without any advance notice, with mail delivery simply being stopped until the community mailboxes can be installed; and No arrangements had been made for the interim delivery of mail resulting in many residents and business people being greatly inconvenienced during the transition period and forced to go looking for their mail at the local post office, which in some cases is a long distance away; and Local Post Office staff advised that the reasons for these changes is due in part to mailboxes that are located by the roadsides presenting unsafe delivery conditions, and a recent change in the status of rural mail carriers from contractor to employee has resulted in Canada Post making efforts to improve working conditions for the carriers; and Canada Post carriers have been delivering mail to the existing rural mailboxes for decades, providing one of the few visible and very essential services these residents and business people receive; NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT: 1. Canada Post be advised that residents and businesses of the rural areas in the Township of King prefer to retain their existing individual mailboxes which continue to play an important role in providing an affordable postal service of the highest quality. 2. In the event of unavoidable future mailbox changes, Canada Post ensure that all affected residents receive advance notice of what is planned, with information on how the mail delivery will be handled during the transition period, where the new community mailboxes will be located and when they will be available for use. 3. Council of the Corporation of the Township of King requests that Canada Post review the standards for rural mailbox locations and establish realistic requirements. 4. Canada Post provide rural mail carriers with a flashing light and signage for their vehicles for increased visibility and safety. 5. The Canada Post web site indicates it is Canada Post's goal "to be a world leader providing innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions, creating value for our customers, employees and all Canadians" - it is also important that its traditional values of dependability and service not be ignored. 6. This resolution be forwarded to Peter Van Loan MP York-Simcoe, Lui Temelkovski MP Markham-Oak Ridges-King, Julia Munro MPP York-North, Greg Sorbara MPP Vaughan-King-Aurora, Canada Post, the Township Post Offices and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to be circulated to all the municipalities in Ontario for support. Chris Somerville Township Clerk ST$ THOMAS & DISTRICT CHAMBER QECOMMERCE 555 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1 C5 Call 519-631-1981 Fax: 519-631-0466 Website: www.stthomaschamber.on.ca. BILL TO Corporation of the County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 RE APH v 7 2006 _I' '1':.' "='. c.,~\I "'~~f.:.ft '~'l'~~~ ~~.r'r'~ff ~ 't~ ~l~ "~~&~l: \.i~l~j~'~ ~ 1 \_(~, b ><t..~' ~ _ ...., L,>>;' I' ,c,j:;;;:)Vlf%iP@ ""~MliU~'f~t" '~'V"" "-" ~'!i~,l;',i;J ~tbg.~~~;~l;1 ~ i,; ~t'~ ! -. ' ~w. \'"~--~ ~ '1 ~ ~~;.<>:~~LlA]~ml,HTIY".",,':. ". = ' -" ~~ 'IDESeR,IR'TIOJSl . '. '. . '-" ',' ',; < .'-;' ?~o:;. ':'", OR~l]~' :,', Z'i?'~~' .~.': ~Niol~f~1FP~.<~k1 Membership for Non-Profit Organization Expires: April 30, 2007 Building Fund (Optional) 150.00 150.00T 25.00 25.00 Cancellations only accepted within 30 days of date of invoice. Total GST Business Number: 108042896 10.50 Payment may be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. TOTAL $185.50 INCORPORATED AS ST. THOMAS BOARD OF TRADE IN 1869 MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER OF THE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE --. --,~ __ .A Note About the __~ . Chamber of Commerce ___ Building Fund... ---- Our Members have decided to work toward a new home for the Chamber! Since 1995, as the result of a vote by members at the Chamber's Annual General Meeting, we have asked all registered members to voluntarily support a special reserve fund with an annual donation toward creating a new, long-term home for the Chamber. When membership invoices are issued, we invite contributions scaled according to the size of each business. Contributions range from $25 to $100, but are welcomed in any amount. Any contribution made by your business is fully tax exempt as a tax-deductible business expense. At the end of our last fiscal year - August 31, 2005 - contributions from member-businesses and interest totaled $154,436. The Chamber will continue to ask members to s~pport the project until your Board of Directors finds sufficient funds raised to acquire and furnish a site while keeping mortgage and operating expenses at an affordable level. When our goal is reached we will be able to expand, again, the variety of programs, services and benefits available to each and every member. Tom Pickard Chair, Board of Directors 2005 - 2006 Building Fund Questions & Answers When will the Chamber make a move? Our goal is to make a change whenever we can afford to. Occupancy costs, interest rates, available locations and the lease on our present space are all considerations. Is the Chamber working to build a unew" building? No decision has been made to build a new structure or renovate an existing one. Your Chamber's Board of Directors will act in the best overall interest of the membership when time comes to decide. Location, value and service to Members will be critical. What about housing other services or organizations? That's a very real possibility. Many community services, and the Chamber itself, could benefit from sharing space and equipment but any plan must not place the Chamber in position of high risk or liability. For example, a governm&nt-funded s.ervice.may make an ideal tenant as long as funding <is in place.. What position would the Chamber be in if funding were cut? Who determined the donation amount on my invoice? Your neighbors! When the m&mbership adopted the Building Fund it was agreed that requests would vary according to the size of &ach Member-business. Those with up to 50 employees are asked to give $25 each year, 51 to 250 employees $50, and those with 251 or more, $100. ,< What's in it for me and other Members? Members have clearly told us that a visible, accessible spot to serve Members, welcome guests, promote the community and display/distribute information is a must. Beyond that, we're watching and learning from the experience of other Chamber offices, and listening to needs identified by our volunteers, committee members, Member-businesses and staff. Org/lndividual Verification Report Accurate information helps us provide you with the best possible servicel Date: 04/06/2006 Corporation of The County of Elgin Page: 1 Org/lndividual Name: DBA: Corporation of The County of Elgin Corporation of The County of Elgin Physical Address: 450 Sunset Drive S1. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Mailing Address: 450 Sunset Drive S1. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Org/lndividual No: 78634 Orgllndividual Status: Active Rep: AL BOD Billing Address: 450 Sunset Drive S1. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Phone: (519) 631-1460 E 125 Email: Bus. Begin: / / Date Joined: 05/09/2000 Fax: (519) 633-7785 SIC: Sponsor: Toll Free: URL: www.elgin-county.on.ca Employees: Full Time: Part Time: Total: 43 7 50 USCC Code: Government Minority: Single Member Business Type: Government Source: Sales Contact Sector: Regional Categories: Government Services - (MAIN) Tax Exempt: 0 Next Bill Date: 05/01/2006 Dues: $150.00 Bill Cycle: Annual Receive Ebilling Invoices: Prefer Method of Communication: Membership Email Event Mail Fax When: Any Time Contact Title Phone Fax Mr. Harley Underhill Director of Human (519) 631-1460 E 125 (519) 633-7785 Email hunderhill@elgin-county.on.ca 1m Main Contact 1m Main Event Contact 1m Main Advertiser Contact 1m Main Benefit Contact 1m Main Dues Contact 1m Who's Who Designation: Contact Warden Paul Baldwin Email Address: 108 Sydenham Street West Aylmer, ON N5H 1M7 Title Warden Phone (519) 773-5525 Fax (519) 773-5585 o Main Contact 0 Main Event Contact 0 Main Advertiser Contact 0 Main Benefit Contact 0 Main Dues Contact 1m Who's Who Designation: Please review this information . that we helve onfileforyour businessandfax or call us with any chClnges you may have. Thanks, Susan Tel: 631-1981 Fax: 631-0466 Org/lndividual Verification Report Accurate information helps us provide you with the best possible servicel Date: 04/06/2006 Corporation of The County of Elgin Page: 2 Contact Mr. John Wilson Email Address: 50850 Wilson Line, R.R. #1 Springfield, ON NOL 2JO D Main Contact o Main Event Contact D Main Advertiser Contact 0 Main Benefit Contact 0 Main Dues Contact Designation: ~ Who's Who Pub. Category: Government Services Address: 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Contact: Mr. Harley Underhill Phone: (519) 631-1460 E 125 Fax: (519) 633-7785 URL: www.elgin-county.on.ca Internet: Y Description: Contact Administrative Services for any information relating to programs and services provided by the County. County Departments: Administrative Services, Financial Services, Human Resources, Library Services, Engineering Services, and Homes & Senior Services. The County administers and maintains numerous public services on behalf of the citizens and businesses in their communities - Library, Seniors Housing, Roads, Public Health, Municipal Infrastructure. Please fax or mail this form to: St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 555 Talbot St. St. Thomas, ON N5P 1 C5 Phone: (519) 631-1981 Fax: (519) 631-0466 Email: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca _ Yes,lnformation is correct - no changes necessary. _ Yes, Information is correct with changes as noted above. Organization: Date: Name: Signature: Title: Powered by IRMmembershlp Township of South Algonquin PO Box 240 MADAWASKA, Ontario KOJ 2eO Telephone #1-613-637-2650 Fax #1-613-637-5368 TownshipofSouthAlgonquin@bancom.net April 7, 2006 Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 TORONTO, Ontario M5G lE6 SUBJECT: Request for Chanl!es to the Current Value Assessment System Dear Sir or Madam: At a regular Council Meeting held on April 6th, 2006, the Council of the Corporation of the Township of South Algonquin passed the following resolution: Dated: April 6. 2006 Resolution No.: 06-096 Moyed by: Councillor Gerry Belisle Seconded by: Councillor Percy Bresnahan · WHEREAS the Ontario Ombudsman has completed his extensive review ofMPAC's administration of Current Value Assessment (CV A) and has issued a scathing 94-page Report admonishing MP AC for mishandling the administration of assessment in Ontario and has included numerous recommendations in his report for immediate change. · WHEREAS the ombudsman states at page 64 of his Report that his mandate was limited to the administration of property assessment, not the system itself, however he states that he cannot overlook the wave of concern directed at the existing assessment legislation and therefore sets out some compelling arguments for the Provincial Government to introduce urgent reform to CV A, such as a 5% cap on the maximum allowable annual increase in property assessment. · WHEREAS the 5% cap on property assessment increases has existed since 1999 in Ontario for all industrial and commercial property owners and by applying the cap to residential properties it would create a level playing field for assessment relating to all classes of properties. · WHEREAS M.P.P. Tim Hudak has recently introduced a Private Members Bill in the Legislature that, if passed, would: (a) establish a 5% cap on increases for residential property owners (b) allow homeowners to make $25,000.00 in home repairs, alterations, or additions to their properties without triggering increases in property assessments (c) allow seniors and disabled property owners to be exempted from paying taxes on the first $10,000.00 of assessed value on a principal residence. · WHEREAS Health Units, Nursing Homes and District Social Services Administration Boards establish their levies to member municipalities using "weighted assessment" that creates outrageous increases in levies due to spikes in municipalities levels of assessment which, if capped at 5% would not occur. · BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE that the Township of South Algonquin requests the Provincial Government to immediately introduce the changes described above to the Current Value Assessment system as reflected in the Ombudsman's Report (para. 178, 179, and 180 at page 64), as weII as the preceding changes contained in M.P.P. Tim Hudak's Private Members Bill so as to provide immediate relief to the countless ratepayers in all parts of Ontario who are being unfairly served by a punitive, unstable and volatile Current Value Assessment system. · BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that all 445 municipalities in Ontario as well as A.M.O. and R.O.M.A. receive this resolution and be asked to support this resolution by sending a copy of their endorsement to Premier McGuinty at their earliest convenience. Carried by: Mayor Jim Etmanski I, Harold Luckasavitch, Clerk for the Township of South Algonquin do hereby certify this to be a true copy of Resolution No. 06-096 as passed in an open meeting of Council held on April 6th, 2006 at the Township of South Algonquin Municipal Office. Harold Luckasavitch, Clerk Township of South Algonquin tf CORRESPONDENCE - APRIL 25. 2006 Items for Information (Consent Aaenda) 1. Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, with correspondence acknowledging Council's support of: 1) the resolutions from the County of Grey and City of Owen Sound regarding provincial funding to municipalities and the resolution from the Township of Malahide concerning physician licensing; 2) the resolution from the City of Kawartha Lakes concerning provincial relief to municipalities and the funding of social programs; 3) the resolution from the Municipality of Morris- Turnberry regarding amendments to the Negligence Act, R.S.O. 1990. 2. Municipal Property Assessment Corporation: 1) Debbie Zimmerman, Chair, MPAC Board of Directors, concerning the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) and the ongoing efforts of MPAC to provide up to date information on the PLE; 2) Press Statement re: MPAC Receives Ombudsman's Report; 3) Debbie Zimmerman, Chair, MPAC Board of Directors, responding to the Ombudsman's review and recommendations to the MPAC Board. (ATTACHED). 3. Gloria Kovach, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, with a "Members' Advisory" concerning the availability of an advocacy kit on the FCM website to help municipal advocates communicate with their Members of Parliament. (ATTACHED) 4. Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with correspondence in response to the Warden's letter concerning Bill 206 the Act to revise the Ontario Municipal Employee Retirement System Act. (ATTACHED) 5. Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister Responsible for Seniors, announcing that the month of June has been proclaimed as Seniors" Month and providing a proclamation for consideration. (ATTACHED) 6. Mayor Jeff Kohler, City of St. Thomas, announcing the selection of Sandra Datars Bere as the new Director of Ontario Works effective May 1, 2006. (ATTACHED) 7. Ministry of Transportation, Municipal Advisory, re: New Fine Ranges for Speeding effective March 31,2006. (ATTACHED) 8. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, Press Release: 1) McGuinty Government's 2006 budget good news for Elgin-Middlesex-London; 2) McGuinty government protects Ontarians by strengthening land ambulance services in St. Thomas- Elgin. (ATTACHED) 2 9. Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, announcing a land ambulance services' grant funding adjustment for 2006 of $863,286. (ATTACHED) 10. John Klunder, Regional Coordinator, Community Transition Program, with correspondence urging the County to proceed in applying for funding through the Community Transition Program to develop Economic Development County of Elgin. (ATTACHED) 11. Rhonda Barkley, Liaison, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee, announcing that Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9, 2006 is Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. (ATTACHED) 12. Nancie J. Irving, Clerk, Town of Aylmer, with copy of correspondence to Premier Dalton McGuinty concerning the resolution by the Township of Malahide in support of the Ontario Medical Association's report entitled "Ontario Physician Shortage 2005". (ATTACHED) 13. EarthTech, City of London, re: Upgrades to Hauled Liquid Waste Receiving Facilities, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Schedule "C" - Notice of Completion. (ATTACHED) 14. Andre Marin, Ombudsman, Final Report under S.11 of the Ombudsman Act, regarding the investigation into the transparency of the property assessment process and the integrity and efficiency of decision-making at MPAC. (Full report available upon request) 15. Middlesex County, Southwest Middlesex, Press Release re: Reycraft a Candidate for AMO President. (ATTACHED) 16. AMO Member Communication, FOR YOUR INFORMATION, "Several Announcements Related to Energy - Announcements and Synopsis -" (ATTACHED) 17. CMHC/SCHL Home to Canadians, Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing* Initiative, with advanced notice for interested parties of a "Call for Expression of Interest" that will ensure the design and building of environmental low-impact housing projects. (ATTACHED) 18. Mayor Dan Mathieson, City of Stratford, with information regarding "Civic Night" Thursday, June 22, 2006 and tickets for "South Pacific" at the Avon Theatre. (ATTACHED) 19. Announcement by the governments of Canada and Ontario for COMRIF funding for the replacement of the New Sarum Bridge of up to $502,333 from each government. The Premier of Ontario Le Premier ministre de l'Ontario lIj "1_" Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7 A 1 A 1 Edifice de !'Assemblee legislative Queen's Park Toronto (Ontario) M7 A 1 A 1 April 3, 2006 ~I\/E' D C~ ~1 ~'@. ~C"' .. . APR U 7 2006 Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl 1F7.'~ 6%p'i}~ ,,,,.llhi,,!' Ibt'Q~\l\l ,.o,r:"l')~~'iA~~ '.,.;;\ ~?'.1 ~'1~~' e~.... j'\\_.~ i'.;)t:.~,. ~ ,,'.l .J._ Dear Mrs. Heffren: Thank you for your letter informing me of council's decision to support the resolutions of the County of Grey and the City of Owen Sound regarding provincial funding to municipalities, as well as the resolution from the Township of Malahide regarding physician licensing. I appreciate your keeping me apprised of council's recommendations. I note that you have sent a copy of your correspondence to my colleagues the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. I trust that the ministers will also take council's views into consideration. Thank you again for the information. I welcome council's input on these or any other issues of provincial concern. Yours truly, (2aff~ Dalton McGuinty Premier c: The Honourable Dwight Duncan The Honourable George Smitherman @ The Premier of Ontario Le Premier ministre de l'Ontario Ni 'll_" Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7 A 1 A 1 Edifice de l'Assemblee legislative Queen's Park Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1A1 April 3, 2006 1f~1'i1IJE W~ ID~~" ~' K-w!;~~ 1..'& \~! ~:z~ APR (] 7 2006 ,"" (<;'''j ,~u ""tl; l2lPm ',.,.~gli'\ {:!;;Rj)~gnf\l1'"~ ~'~tl1'3~~J~~ Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Dear Mrs. Heffren: Thank you for your letter informing me of council's decision to support the resolution of the City of Kawartha Lakes regarding provincial relief to municipalities and the funding of social programs. I appreciate your keeping me apprised of council's recommendations. I note that you have sent a copy of your correspondence to my colleague the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance. I trust that the minister will also take council's views into consideration. Thank you again for the information. I welcome council's input on this or any other issue of provincial concern. Yours truly, ~qff., Dalton McGuinty Premier c: The Honourable Dwight Duncan @ The Premier of Ontario Le Premier ministre de l'Ontario ltj -,-,. Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7 A 1 A 1 Edifice de l'Assemblee legislative Queen's Park Toronto (Ontario) M7 A 1 A 1 March 28, 2006 ~.." l> 0 Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Dear Mrs. Heffren: Thank you for your letter informing me of council's decision to support the resolution of the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry regarding amendments to the Negligence Act R.S.O. 1990. I appreciate your keeping me apprised of council's activities. As this issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance, I have forwarded a copy of your correspondence to him for his information. I trust that the minister will also take council's views into consideration. Thank you again for sharing council's position on this issue. Yours truly, ~Jt., Dalton McGuinty Premier c: The Honourable Dwight Duncan @ ~paC" MUNICIPAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT CORPORATION u j _Ju6 March 27, 2006 Warden James McIntyre The County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5Vl Re: Preliminary List of Electors Dear Warden James McIntyre: Under the Municipal Elections Act, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MP AC) is required to deliver a Preliminary List of Electors. (PLE) to all municipalities by July 31 of an election year. In past election years, municipalities have voiced their concerns about the number of deceased persons on the PLE and the under-reporting of population in the July 31 Ontario Population Report. MP AC also receives complaints from property owners when the names of their deceased spouses appear on annual Property Assessment Notices. This situation is a direct result oflosing access to birth and death information from Vital Statistics due to the introduction ofthe Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOI) over ten years ago. Since there is no legislative requirement for people to notify MP AC when a child is born or a spouse or parent dies, and no requirement for Land Registry Offices to send MP AC copies of Survivorship Registrations, names of deceased persons do not get removed from MPAC's database and the names of newborns do not get added. As a result of discussions with MP AC, and with much support from our municipal partners, the Ministry of Government Services (MGS) recently provided MP AC with a sample test file of deceased names. Due to the ministry's on-going concerns about FOI restrictions, this file did not include complete name and address information for each deceased name. Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation 1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario L 1 V 3P2 T: 905.685.3101 F: 905.831.0040 www.mpac.ca Form No L5050M Heads of Council Preliminary List of Electors March 27, 2006 Page 2 of3 After initial data matching, MP AC concluded that the information provided in the test file was . insufficient to identify all but a small percentage of deceased persons in its database. It must be emphasized that a high confidence data match is essential, since MP AC cannot delete property owner names without proper supporting documentation or notification from a statutory authority. In an attempt to improve its match rate, MP AC will receive a second test file from MGS containing some additional data elements. We will continue to work with MGS to obtain information sufficient to positively identify deceased persons in our database. In addition, our staffwill continue to pursue other initiatives to improve the quality of the 2006 elector products. Since the PLE is a 'point-in-time' extract ofMPAC's database, and is produced almost four months prior to election day, the information on this list rapidly becomes out-dated as election day approaches. Property ownership and tenancy changes occurring after mid-July will affect list accuracy. The result is that many elector names will be missing from the list while others will remain that no longer qualify. It is for this reason MP AC developed the Supplementary List of Electors, first as a pilot program in 2000 and then as a set of fully featured products available to all municipalities in 2003. You may be interested to know that a province-wide analysis of the 2003 supplementary lists revealed that six to seven weeks after the July 31 list had been delivered, approximately 12 percent of its contents were no longer correct and that if not addressed, the error rate increased to as much as 20 percent by election day. Although the Municipal Elections Act is silent on the use of supplementary elector lists, MP AC encourages all municipalities to use the Supplementary Lists of Electors as an important tool to ensure an accurate voters' list on election day (when elector eligibility is determined). The supplementaries are offered at no charge to all requesting municipalities in September and again in October. I have met with the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance, to ensure he is aware of the importance of access to the birth and death information. In addition, MP AC has been actively promoting the supplementary products to municipal clerks and election managers. Municipalities that use these products will have a more accurate voters' list and, as an !ldded bonus, significantly fewer revisions on election day. Office of the Chair cj 0 Municipal Property Assessment Corporation 1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario L 1 V 3P2 T: 905.685.3101 F: 905.831.0040 www.mpac.ca Form No L5051 M Heads of Council Preliminary List of Electors March 27, 2006 Page 3 of3 I understand the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario is also . encouraging its members to use the supplementary lists. I too would like to encourage your municipality to take advantage of this MP AC initiative, and to continue supporting our efforts to gain access to birth and death inforination, necessary for meeting our on-going service delivery obligations. Yours truly, Debbie Zimmerman Chair, MP AC Board of Directors Copy Mary Tate, Assistant Deputy Minister Registration Division, Ministry of Government Services Judi Hartman, Deputy Registrar General, Ministry of Government Services MP AC Board of Directors Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer, MP AC Office of the Chair cj 0 Municipal Property Assessment Corporation 1305 Pickering Parkway. Pickering. Ontario L 1 V 3P2 T: 905.685.3101 F: 905.831.0040 www.mpac.ca Form No L5051 M ~paC' !v'jUNICIPAL PROPEi~TY ASSESSMENT CDf(P(JR..:-"T1DN PRESS STATEMENT MP AC Receives Ombudsman's Report Pickering, Ontario, March 28, 2006 - The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is in receipt ofthe Ontario Ombudsman's final report on MPAC's practices and processes related to property assessment in Ontario. "MP AC values close to 4.5 million properties each year and we will ensure, through a review of our existing resources, that we move further and faster on these much-needed changes," Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer said. Debbie Zimmerman, Chair ofMPAC's Board of Directors, said that in the past two years, with the Board's direction, MP AC has focused through its business plans on four key areas - product quality, service delivery, productivity and communications. "Our Board believes transparency and openness are fundamental in building taxpayer trust and confidence in the property assessment system," said Zimmerman. Further response on the Ombudsman's report will be made once the final report, released today, is reviewed by the full Board of Directors, Isenburg said. -30- Contact: Michael Jacoby Director of Communications 905 837-6287 416 578-0544 In Case of Transmission Difficulties, please call 416-863-2101 or 1-866-309-3811 please Deliver To: James McIntyre @1paC" ""----..- M U Nil;:; I P _A I.. P fi! 1::1 P E: R TV ,:\;3 5 f.: S S 1'v~ E: N T COR P [] RAT! 0 N April 11, 2006 Dear Heads of Council: As Chair of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), I would like to bring you up to date on the changes we are planning as part of our response to the Report of the Ombudsman of Ontario. I would like to take this opportunity to convey that our Board welcomed the Ombudsman's review when it began last October and have cooperated fully with the Ombudsman's office prior to and during his review. We will continue to cooperate with the Ombudsman's office in the months ahead. In all, the Ombudsman made 22 recommendations. Of these: . Since 2004, we have worked on and can implement 17 recommendations as soon as possible; . Two recommendations are the responsibility of the provincial government and beyond our control; and . Three have significant resource, technology and cost implications and require further review before they can be implemented. Weare now conducting this reVIew. Our detailed response to each of the 22 recommendations is posted on our web site at WWW.lnpaC.ca. As you are aware, the Minister of Finance extended the assessment appeal deadline for the 2006 tax year from March 31 to June 30. ()ffi~:.e oft;:-.EC (~h~lir ::.~/:..) }~;~:~~n.tc'ip:Ij PTl.}:pe~(f.y ,~.~seH3;.ll':;-l.1t <~:(n:p()r~Jti{~)n 1305 I;:lckt~:cjrlg .1?8.rk\vay:o Y:)ickerj,ng.. (/nt.ari.o 1.1 \7 3I-l2 'I: 9GS.68S i')990 :~~.Kt 2.2S "[:': 905.S31.0();;~O V'-/;~./\-"v.. rHpflG. (;03 All Heads of Council April] 0, 2006 Page 2 of 3 In keeping with the Ombudsman's recommendations, we will be providing taxpayers with additional information about their property and how they can have their concerns addressed. By moving forward with 17 of the Ombudsman's 22 recommendations, we believe that we will be able to significantly increase transparency and the accuracy ofthe 4.5 million properties we assess. This is consistent with the direction that MPAC's Board of Directors established for the organization in 2004 when we identified four key priorities - product quality, service delivery, productivity and communications. Significant progress has been made in each ofthese four areas. For example: . The cost of assessing a single property has been reduced from $34.17 in 2000 to $33.23 today as a result of productivity improvements; . Last fall during the 2005 assessment update, we held more than 600 meetings with municipal councils, municipal officials and taxpayer groups; . We extended hours at our field offices so that more taxpayers could have their questions answered; . In total, we met with more than 10,000 people including elected and non-elected municipal officials and taxpayers across Ontario; . The time it took to answer a taxpayer's call at our Customer Contact Centre was reduced from an average of 5.5 minutes to 30 seconds; . We have cut the time it takes to respond to a request from a taxpayer to review his or her assessment in half; . Our new computer system will be fully online this year. The Integrated Property System (IPS) is a multi-million dollar and multi-year project. It played a significant role in improving the quality of our data for the 2005 assessment update and, in keeping with the recommendations ofthe Ombudsman, will allow us to provide more information about individual properties in 2006; and . We added new information to the Property Assessment Notice, including the previous assessed value, the percentage increase for the property's assessed value, and the percentage increase for the municipality. (}fficf.: oftb.e C~hair G,/-:) l'\/uniGlp,~J l?'rope:d.y A.;~~e~3rn~~rn C:nrp()r2Jt.!~.)n } 305 F1C"ker1ng .P~irk!;v:~ty:> T\ck:ering., ()nt.ari-:) .L i \7 JP2 T: 905.68g ()990 ::~s.t.. 225 F: 905.83 LO~)4t) \~/\V \V . HI 1Ja,~. (;(-i All Heads of Council April] 0, 2006 Page 30f3 The Ombudsman's Report confirms that we are heading in the right direction. His report will add impetus to these initiatives. Three recommendations deal with increased rates of property inspection, providing a Property Profile Report with assessment Notices and greater access to MP AC assessors. Most of the costs would involve hiring added staff to conduct more physical inspections of properties, production costs for including the Property Profile Report with 4.5 million assessment Notices and increasing staffing levels in the field offices to meet with local taxpayers. As members of this corporation, I encourage you to review our response if you have not already. You have my commitment that I will keep you fully informed of our progress in implementing the recommendations as we proceed. Yours truly, "Original Signed by" Debbie Zimmerman Chair, Board of Directors Copy Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer, MP AC (}ffice offb.l~ C~hair G/O lv'ru:n.i(;ip~d l?TGpe:J.y ~i\.;~ge:i;3;.1l~;rrr C\n:'Por~ltic;n ] 305 .Fl:2".k~ring .P8rkv\I:JY~ Pickering" C;ntBrlo I.. i '-/ 3P2 T: 905.68g 0990 :~x.t.. 225 I': 90S.831.00,;~() ".N\V\'V. rnpHG.(:(1 Fax Server 4/7/2006 5:40 PAGE 001/001 FCM Federation of Canadian Municlpallue.ll Please Distribute to All Members of Council April 7, 2006 MEMBERS' ADVISORY Fax Server Parliament has resumed, and now is the time for municipal advocates to make their voices heard. To support your efforts, we have produced an advocacy kit and posted it on the FCM website at www.fcm.ca. Here you will find background materials, talking points and information on key Parliamentary contacts that you can use to communicate with your Mem bers of Parliament. We have every reason to be optimistic about the future of the cities and communities agenda. The last session of Parliament saw a high degree of agreement among all parties on the need to fix the problems facing our cities and communities, and we expect this to continue. During the election, the Prime Minister campaigned on a number of issues important to the municipal sector, including renewing municipal infrastructure, making our streets safe, and fixing the fiscal imbalance at the root of many of the problems in our cities and comm unities. The reference in this week's Speech from the Throne to working to ensure "all governments" have the fiscal resources to meet their responsibilities pushes the fiscal imbalance to the top of the agenda. We stand ready to work with the government to make this a reality. All Members of Parliament need to hear from you, the people who make up municipal government. They need to hear your concerns, your suggestions and your conviction that it's time we worked together to fix the problems in our cities and communities. The advocacy kit will be updated as needed, so you will always have access to the latest information you need to advise and inform Members of Parliament I urge you to tell your MPs and the government about the issues in your communities and what needs to be done to make these communities better places to live and work. If you have technical questions about accessing and downloading the advocacy kit, please contact Tuong Nguyen at tnquvenrwfcm.ca or 613-907-6224. Gloria Kovach President Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street, 17'" Floor Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel. (416) 585-7000 Fax (416) 585-6470 www.mah.Qov.on.ea Ministre des Affaires municipales et du Logement 777, rue Bay, 170etage Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel. (416) 585-7000 Hlee (416) 585-6470 www.mah.Qov.on.ea fJM .~ Ontario April 3, 2006 E EIVEO 06-24402 API~ i; 7 2[106 Mr. Paul Baldwin Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5Vl '~TciEi~flf\ii:@ ~~r~1t R'lrJJ;v fiellTWarden HaIawin: Thank you for your letter and enclosures of January 24,2006, in which you share with me your additional concerns with respect to Bill 206, the proposed Act to revise the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act. As you know, the bill received Third Reading and Royal Assent on February 23, 2006. The new Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, 2006 is the result of extensive consultation and two sets of committee hearings. . During the committee process, we heard from a diverse range of employee and employer groups and worked to achieve legislation for members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) that ensures that their plan remains safe. We strongly believe we have struck the right balance in this legislation and we are confident that the act will prove to be solid public policy. I understand that you have concerns regarding potential costs that may arise for employers due to the new act. However, protections have been put in place to assist employers in managing the long-term implementation of the act. · A two-thirds majority vote of the Sponsors Corporation is required for specified plan changes in any OMERS pension plan such as changes to contribution rates or benefits. · A stability reserve of 105 per cent must be in place before benefits can be increased within the main plan · If a decision of the Sponsors Corporation is sent to arbitration, an arbitrator is limited to an award that would increase contribution rates for each of employees and employers by no more. than 0.5 per cent. 1322(06/95) - 2- Mr. Paul Baldwin · Supplemental benefits would be accessed through local collective bargaining. As well, employees would be able to access only one benefit initially, and would be able to add an additional benefit only after 36 months. · The Minister of Finance is prepared to recommend that new supplemental benefit plans under OMERS be exempted from solvency funding rules through an amendment to the Pension Benefits Act, provided certain conditions are met when the supplemental plan is registered. This change would be intended to assist in reducing the ultimate costs of the benefits in the supplemental plans, while protecting provincial and municipal taxpayers from any risks associated with the solvency funding exemption. Your views are important and I appreciate receiving them. Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your comments regarding this piece of legislation. I look forward to working with you during th . plementation of the new act. The Honourable Steve Peters, MPP, Elgin-Middlesex-London Mr. Roger Anderson, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario Minister Responsible for Seniors 9th Floor, Hearst Block 900 Bay Street Toronto ON M7A 2E1 Tel.: (416) 326-9326 Fax: (416) 326-9338 Ministre deh~gue aux Affaires des personnes agees 9" etage, Edifice Hearst 900, rue Bay Toronto ON M7A 2E1 Tel.: (416) 326-9326 Telec.: (416) 326-9338 ~~I ~. Ii, .., ~t: 'h7 ~ ...-" Ontario A,' 'h~ ~J 2006 March 28, 2006 Dear Mayor (or Reeve), For more than 20 years, June has been designated as Seniors' Month in many communities across Ontario and Canada. I am writing to ask that you conslder officially proclaiming June as Seniors' Month in your community this year. For your convenience, a sample proclamation is enclosed for your consideration. The focus on seniors will take on special meaning as the world gets set to recognize June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which marks an important issue that we must tackle together. This year's Seniors' Month theme is Active Living: Healthy Living. The theme encourages seniors to become involved in programs where their experiences and interests may be shared with contemporaries or other generations. In the past, communities have reached out to seniors by organizing local information fairs and events, celebrating seniors' achievements, providing information about ways for seniors to become and remain active and engaged, and putting the spotlight on the local services and programs available to reduce elder abuse, neglect and isolation. We will be sending you Seniors' Month promotional materials soon. Please let us know what you are planning and we will post it on the Ontario Seniors' Secretariat website found at www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/seniors/english/sen iorsmonth You can contact us by email atseniorsmonth@mcLgov.on.ca Yours sincerely, ~~~ Jim Bradley Minister 0126 Seniors' Month Proclamation Seniors' Month June 1 - 30, 2006 WHEREAS Seniors' Month is an annual nation-wide celebration; WHEREAS seniors have contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the life and vibrancy of this community; WHEREAS seniors continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and important and active members of this community; WHEREAS their contributions past and present warrant appreciation and recognition and their stories deserve to be told; WHEREAS the health and well-being of seniors is in the interest of all and further adds to the health and well-being of the community; WHEREAS the knowledge and experience seniors pass on to us continues to benefit all; I, Mayor , do hereby proclaim June 1- 30, 2006 Seniors' Month in and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our seniors. Dated in the Mayor's Office on this , 2006. day of Mayor 03/27/2005 15:24 51'3-531-'3'370 MAYOR'S OFFICE PAGE 01 'YlIt\("I.~ItrI.'U'n".. tW"J1~(".JIYO): 51: THOMAS 545 Talbot Street. P.O Box 520. City Hall. St. Thomas,. Ontario NSP 3V7 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mayor Jeff Kohler Corporation of the City of St. Thomas Tel: (519) 631-1680 ext. 4131 Email: mayor@city.st-thomas.on.ca SANDRA DATARS BERE JOINS THE CORPORAl'Igr! ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO, MARCH 27, 2006 - Mayor Jeff Kohler is pleased to announce today that. the selection of the replacement for retiring Director of Ontario Works, Chester Hinatsu has been made. Mrs. Sandra Datars Sere will start employment with the City of St. Thomas on May 1, 2006. "Mrs. Datars Bere brings extensive experience in Social Service programming at the provincial level along with superior project management and communication skills/ stated Mayor Kohler. "As a Municipality we are lucky to have her as part of our Management Team." Alderman Bill Aarts, Chairman of the Community and Social Services Committee stated, "Sandra's understanding and experience of Social Service program and the contacts she has both at the provincial and local level will ensure that the City of St. Thomas continues its delivery and administration of programs in an efficient and effective way." -30- Please circulate to: Mark G. McDonald March 24, 2006 Municipal Advisory ~ Ontario Ministry of Transportation For Immediate Release March 21, 2006 MUNICIPAL ADVISORY: NEW FINE RANGES FOR SPEEDING The following advisory gives notice of the fact that new fine ranges for speeding offences become effective on March 31,2006. These amendments are contained in Bill 169, the Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005, which received Royal Assent on November 21, 2005. The amendments to section 128 (speeding) of the HT A increase fines for speeding 30-34 km/h over the posted limit and allow progressively longer court-ordered driver licence suspension for persons repeatedly convicted of speeding 50 km/h over the posted limit within a five-year period. (a) Increased fines for speeding 30-34 km/h over the posted limit Sections 128 and 214.1 of the HT A are being amended, effective March 31, 2006, to change the categories of speeding fine ranges in clauses 128( 14)(b) and (c) and in clauses 214.1 (6)(b) and (c) with respect to community safety zones. The reference to "35 kilometres per hour" is being changed to "30 kilometres per hour". Effective March 31, 2006, drivers charged with speeding of speeding by 30 to 34 km/h over the posted limit will be subject to the higher fine range specified in clauses 128(14)(c) and 214.1(6)(c). ...page 2 ~ ~ ONTARIO GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION w~?f""~"~uIlr.T< 6355 Kennedy Road, Unit #2, Mississauga, ON L5T 2L5 Tel: (905) 795-2555 Fax: (905) 795-2660 Email: info@ogra.org ...page 2 of2 Municipalities may wish to assess whether they have any roadside advisory signage that details fine ranges, and which may need updating. Seed over limit 30 31 32 Old HT A fine $ 135 139.5 144 New HTA fine $ 210 217 224 (b) Progressively longer court-ordered licence suspension periods for repeat offenders who speed 50 km/h or more over the posted limit Subsection 128( 15) of the HT A is amended, effective March 31, 2006, to permit progressively longer court-ordered driver's licence suspension for persons convicted of speeding 50 km/h or more over the posted limit more than once in a five-year period. New subsections 128(15.1) to (15.4) set out the process for determining subsequent convictions within the five-year period, a transition provision to exclude convictions occurring before these changes come into force, and a provision to prevent a driver charge being amended to an owner charge. - 30- For further information, please visit www.mto.gov.on.ca 03/24/2005 18:03 519-531-9478 STEVE PETERS MPP PAGE 01/02 Steve Peters M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London ~ onlMo PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 24, 2006 McGuinty government's 2006 budget good news for Elgin-Middlesex-London Region to receive over $23 million in infrastructure funding ST. THOMAS - The McGuinty government's third bUdget will pave the way for improved roads and bridges for st. Thomas-Elgin, Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP steve Peters announced today. "Our government's plan is working for Elgin-Middlesex-London and the province, n Peters said. "By investing in what matters most to the people of Southwestern Ontario - education, health care and infrastructure - we are , building opportunity and strengthening the economy, creating jobs and prosperity for all of us. Our major infrastructure investments will create close to half a million new jobs for Ontarians." In its 2006 budget, the McGuinty government is introducing Move Ontario - a major new $1.2 billion investment in roads, bridges and transit. Included in this investment is $400 million to help 428 municipalities - primarily . outside of the GTA. with emphasis on rural and Northern communities - address critical road and bridge improvements. Municipalities will determine their own road and bridge priorities. Municipalities in Elgin County will receive a total of $5,377,456 in immediate unconditional one-time funding so , that high priority projects can get underway as soon as possible in the upcoming construction season. Grants are determined on a per capita basis. Municipalities will decide their own roads and bridges priorities. Elgin-Middlesex-London municipalities will receive: · Town of Aylmer - $302,834; . Municipality of Bayham - $270,919; · Municipality of Central Elgin - $383,621; · Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich - $157.069; . County of Elgin - $2,053,333; . Township of Malahide - $374,357; · County of Middlesex - $2,815,455; · City of London - $14,301,936; · Township of Southwold - $190,685; · City of St. Thomas - $1,412,434; · Municipality of Thames Centre...... $481,885; · Municipality of West Elgin - $232,204. /2... eonSUIUORCV omce: 542 Talbot Street, StThomas. Ontario N5P 1C4 Tel: (519) 631..0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 E-mall:sP8t8rs.mpp.co@llberal.ola.oru 03/24/2005 18:03 519-531-9478 STEVE PETERS MPP PAGE 02/02 Steve Peters M.P..P. Elgin..Middlesex-London ~ OnlRrlo PRESS RELEASE "In 2005, the Ontario economy outperformed average private sector and government projections, resulting in additional revenue," Peters said. "We have made a strategic and prudent choice to invest more than 60 per cent of this money in transportation infrastrudure. Through Move Ontario, our government is investing $23,581,976 'for Elgin-Middlesex-London and the City of London." "Our budget takes a balanced and responsible approach to strengthening Ontario's future, IT Peters said. "It is a . plan that builds opportunity by investing in our people and the strength of our economy, to ensure that Ontario continues to be a great place to live and work for generations to come." For more information on the 2006 budget please call 1-800-337-7222 or visit www.ontariobudget.ca. -30- For more information contact: Craig Bradford, Communioations Assistant, (519) 631~0666. Constltuencv omC8: 542 Talbol Street St Thomas, Ontario N5P 104 Tel: (519J 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9418 E-mall:spelers.mpP.co@llberal.ola.oru Please circulate to: Mark G. McDonald; Mark G. McDonald March 24, 2006 OGRA responds to Ontario Budget and Transportation Funding Toronto - The McGuinty Liberal government released the 2006/07 Ontario Budget yesterday. The Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance in his budget speech announced a one-time $1.2 billion investment in transportation. $838 million will be directed toward transit while $400 million will be for municipal roads and bridges primarily outside the GTA with "special emphasis on rural and northern communities for road and bridge repair and upgrading", While the announcement states that this is a one-time investment and therefore falls short of OGRA's goal of securing sustainable funding for municipal infrastructure, it is still good news for OGRA members. The budget states that this level of funding is enough to repair up to 800 bridges or resurface 3,000 kilometres of two-lane municipal roads. This funding is in addition to the previously announced ReNew Ontario infrastructure plan which dedicates funding to upgrade and expand the provincial highway system. Municipal allocations have been made and this information is posted on OGRA's web-site. Of interest to OGRA members with transit systems, $838 million will be made available to the City of Toronto, York Region, Brampton and Mississauga to expand transit services. This includes partial funding to extend the subway system to Vaughan Centre at Highway 7, By October of 2006 the government will fulfill its commitment to permanently provide two cents of Provincial Gas Tax to municipal transit systems and will remove the restrictions on these funds so that they can be used for operation expenses in addition to capital. The government announced that they are moving forward with a new, predictable, multi-year municipal bus replacement program. Until that program is up and running, they are providing $114 million to those municipalities that have placed orders for new buses or bus refurbishments. The budget forecasts total revenues of $83.9 billion and total expenses of $85.3 billion resulting in a $1.4 billion deficit for 2006/ 07, The budget states that the Province is on track to balance the budget by the fiscal year 2008/09. For more information on the Ontario Budget please access the OGRA web-site at WijW.ogl's.OI'q. -30- Contacts: Joseph W. Tiernay Executive Director, OGRA joe@ogra.org 905-795-2555 Steve Peters M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London Nj ~....." Ontario PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 31, 2006 McGuinty government protects Ontarians by strengthening land ambulance services in St. Thomas-Elgin $863,286 investment part of three-year plan to achieve equal cost-sharing ST. THOMAS - The McGuinty government is providing $863,286 to the County of Elgin to strengthen the land ambulance services residents depend on, Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Steve Peters announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman. The investment is part of a plan to achieve equal cost-sharing with municipalities by 2008. "Our government is committed to helping municipalities provide quality ambulance services," Peters said. "This investment will enable St. Thomas-Elgin to maintain the high standards of ambulance services currently being provided to people here." In February, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced the government will be spending $300 million over the next three years to achieve true 50/50 sharing of the cost of municipal land ambulance services by 2008. The funding being provided to St. Thomas-Elgin in 2006 will increase the provincial contribution to the costs of providing land ambulance services to at least 40 per cent. "Elgin County Council gratefully accepts the increased provincial contribution towards the cost of ambulance services and thanks Premier McGuinty for addressing this matter in a proactive manner," County of Elgin Deputy Warden Graham Warwick said. "A particular note of thanks goes out to Mr. Steve Peters, MPP, for working diligently on our behalf at the cabinet table to help make this day a reality and underscores the provincial commitment towards true partnerships in the delivery of public services." "We have listened to the concerns of municipalities about land ambulance services and we have responded," Smitherman said. "Ambulance service is crucial - often it's literally a matter of life and death. All Ontario residents, regardless where they may live, are entitled to first class ambulance services and we will continue to work with municipalities to ensure that these services are available to people in every part of this province." Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses. -30- For more information contact: Craig Bradford, Communications Assistant, (519) 631-0666. Constituency oUice: 542 Talbot Street, St Thomas, Ontario N5P lC4 Tel: [519] 631-0666 Fax: [519] 631-9418 E-mail: speters.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministere de la Sante et des Soins de longue duree Office of the Minister Bureau du ministre ~8~ __'11_ "Illlll!llllll" Ontario 10th Floor, Hepburn Block 80 Grosvenor Street Toronto ON M7A 2C4 Tel 416-327-4300 Fax 416-326-1571 www.health.gov.on.ca 10. etage, edifice Hepburn 80, rue Grosvenor Toronto ON M7A 2C4 Tel 416-327-4300 Telec 416-326-1571 www.health.gov.on.ca MAR 7 B 2006 '~ 3 i~~06 Warden Paul Baldwin The County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5Vl Dear Warden Baldwin: The McGuinty government recognizes that the common goal of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and of delivery agents responsible for providing land ambulance services is improving the timely delivery of excellent, affordable pre-hospital health care services. Accordingly, the additional grant funding announced recently reinforces the government's commitment to work co-operatively with delivery agents to close the gap between current government funding and 50% of the cost of delivering land ambulance services by 2008. To this end, the ministry has reviewed the funding for land ambulance services for the year 2006 in an effort to begin narrowing the gap. Your organization's share of the recently announced 2006 funding is as follows: · Grant funding adjustment: $863,286 Your funding will be processed shortly. .../2 - 2 - Warden Paul Baldwin This additional funding will strengthen and improve land ambulance service delivery across the province. I would like to take this opportunity to again convey my sincere appreciation for the considerable contributions all members of your organization make in the provision of health services in your community. Yours truly, .~ c: Honourable Steve Peters, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London Norm Gamble, Chair, South West LHIN ~ _ty ~mE communi tran~b~2.~ BRANT. ELGIN. NORFOLK. OXFORD '5 'J,l' .,;;";iU Tuesday, March 21,2006 Mr. Mark McDonald 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. M. McDonald Re: Staff Recommendation Letter As previously discussed, your Pre-Proposal Application to develop "Economic Development County of Elgin" was reviewed on March 14,2006. Staff has recommended that you proceed in making a Full Application and Business Case for your project. Although we encourage you to proceed in applying for funding from the Community Transition Program, this recommendation does not, in any way, ensure or guarantee that your application will be approved by the Project Approval Committee. This letter is intended to provide direction on the next step, which is to develop the Full Application and Business Case in preparation for staff presenting it to the Project Approval Committee. Applicants must understand that no costs incurred prior to the date of this letter will be eligible for funding by the Community Transition Program. Any costs incurred from this day forward may be eligible for funding by the Community Transition Program, should your project receive funding. Applicants must understand that their project may not receive any funding from CTP and that any costs they incur, or purchases they make would therefore need to be financed by themselves entirely. All funding decisions are made by the Project Approval Committee and applicants must understand that we anticipate many full applications will not receive any funding from the Community Transition Program. Thank you for your continued interest in contributing to the economic diversification of your community. If you require further details, please do not hesitate to contact myself at your earliest convenience. S~Ql~ hn Klunder R gional Coordinator --; 1-866-334-8767 www.communitytransition.com e-mail: info@communitytransition.com COMMUNITY TRANSITION PROGRAM P.O. Box 732, #4077 Highway 3 East, Simcoe ON N3Y 4T2 phone (519) 426-6147 fax (519) 428-0074 . ,. .. CNSF Can.al.n National Sportlllhlng F04.In~Jon \QJiI ONTARIO FEDERATION -...... 0 OFF A A~NtGLL:E:R:SR~ & ~ @ Ontario 6 ....::.\ ~-;;.o--- RESORTS ONTARIO -:?' / The Steering Committee, I \<.>'<"1. Ontario;'Family Fishing Weekend r \ ;! ~. . ~ .', . J ..... ~ I J ~ j \ Li ~ l' March 13,2006 E ''Olill !\fm <..~-W jW~'~, MAR 2 0 2006 TO: All Ontario Municipalities SUBJECT: 2006 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend As you know, the Province of Ontario, in partnership with many nongovernment organizations like the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, declares one summer weekend (Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9, 2006) a licence-free fishing weekend. This special weekend, now run in conjunction with National Fishing Week, includes fish festivals, clinics, or conservation and educational activities that may be held in your area. Would you please help us publicize the 2006 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend in any calendar of summer events you may participate in or publish. In addition, please consider "declaring" this date as Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. For further information, please contact the following during business hours: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Conservation Ontario Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Resorts Ontario (705)-748-6324 (905)-895-0716 (705)-755-1902 (705)-325-9115 Thank you for your assistance. Yours in Conservation, <~I-f).'~~ Rhonda Barkley, Liaison (J Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee c/o Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters P.O. Box 2800 Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8L5 Fax: (705)-748-6324 /rb TOWN OF AYLMER 46 Talbot Street, West, Aylmer, Ontario. N5H 1J7 Office: (519) 773-3164 Fax: (519) 765-1446 March 17, 2006 Hon. Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto ON M7A 1A1 RlI;o E t] ~. 1 illi'ci0! EI'tlED MAr~ 2 2 2006 Of ELGi~1 ii. r\;';~lhn~~.t'11,p, liVE SERVICES . '\3,,",1'f't'l:>~'i' ,,~.'q4 ~ <:-..~ "t ~ RE: Ontario Physician ShortaQe At its meeting held on March 13, 2006, the Town of Aylmer Council resolved: Moved by Councillors R. W. Murray and J. S. Dickson: "That Council supports the resolution of the Township of Malahide with respect to the Ontario Medical Association's report entitled "Ontario Physician Shortage 2005", namely: WHEREAS the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) released a report entitled "Ontario Physician Shortage 2005"; WHEREAS said Report predicts that the Provincial Physician Shortage will reach 2,300 this year; WHEREAS our population continues to grow and as more and more physicians are retiring, the problem will grow worse over time; WHEREAS the Physician shortage is particularly pronounced in rural Ontario as reduced enrollments in medical schools in previous years has reduced the flow of family physicians to rural communities; WHEREAS Ontario is experiencing a growing rural population as retirees move to the country side; WHEREAS the OMA estimates that there are over 10,000 Canadian trained Physicians currently practicing in the United States; WHERAS allowing Physicians with recognized equivalency to commence practice in Ontario would facilitate the influx of doctors in a relatively short period of time; .../2 Ontario Physician Shortage March 17, 2006 - 2 - WHEREAS an amendment to the Ontario Medicine Act to allow the recognition of specific Medical Exams as equivalent would permit the college of Physicians and Surgeons to grant licenses to practice medicine in Ontario to those Physicians who are in good standing and have written the necessary examination; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT in an effort to expedite the availability of doctors in Ontario, particularly in rural Ontario, the Town of Aylmer Municipal Council hereby requests that the Minister of Health for Ontario propose an amendment to the Ontario Medicine Act to permit the College of Physicians and Surgeons to license physicians who are in good standing and who have written the necessary examinations thereby bringing additional fully q'ualified physicians, ready to commence practice immediately to our Province, while long-term solutions are being implemented; and THAT copies of this Resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the County of Elgin, and all Elgin lower-tier municipalities, the County of Middlesex, the City of St. Thomas, Mr. Steve Peters, MPP, Mr. Joe Preston, MP, Leaders of the Opposition, Federal Minister of Health, Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for circulation to and support from every municipality in Ontario." ~e4 ;rt<<~ Nancie J. Irving Clerk, Town of Aylmer cc County of Elgin Municipality of Bayham Municipality of Central Elgin Municipality of Dutton Dunwich Municipality of West Elgin Township of Malahide Township of Southwold County of Middlesex City of St. Thomas Steve Peters, MPP Joe Preston, MP College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Federal Minister of Health Tony Clement, MP Association of Municipalities of Ontario Leaders of the Opposition Ontario Medical Association --.. C '...efe6rating 100 years ~c in Canacfa @) EarthTech A 1:I./CD International Ltd. Company 285 King Street Suite 300 London, Ontario N6B 3M6 Canada p 519.673.0510 F 519.673.5975 earthtech.com City of London Upgrades to Hauled Liquid Waste Receiving Facilities Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Schedule "C" Em'~ tU!4J!! " ~ 1!\f1 r1 ~"-*:;;jl ftJi ~'Si t'i11'it.&\'.. APR 0 5 2036 Notice of Completion In December 2002, Earth Tech (Canada) Inc. was retained to undertake a Schedule "C" Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA), relating to septage and leachate discharges, entitled Upgrades to Hauled Liquid Waste Receiving Facilities. The goal was to determine where and how hauled liquid waste can best be accepted and controlled to mitigate the sewer gas and infrastructure problems in the Dingman/Westminster sewershed and better protect the City's wastewater infrastructure. As part of the Class EA, an extensive agency/public consultation program was completed seeking input from the hauled liquid waste industry and their customers, directly affected residents, adjacent municipalities, the general public and review agencies. Focus groups were established and a series of focus group workshops and public information centres were held in order for the stakeholders to provide their input into the project. The Environmental Study Report (ESR) is now complete and a recommended design alternative identified. The recommended alternative to construct a combined liquid waste pretreatment facility at the W12A Landfill that would receive septage from private haulers and leachate generated by the landfill was recommended for implementation. Pretreated liquid waste would be conveyed by force main to the existing sanitary sewer system from the new facility. By this notice, the Environmental Study Report for this work will be placed on public record on April 8t\ 2006, for 30 days to be reviewed by the public or any other interested party at the following locations: Earth Tech (Canada) Inc. 285 King Street, Suite 300 London, Ontario N6B 3M6 City of London Clerks Department City Hall, 3rd Floor 300 Dufferin Avenue, P.O. Box 5035 London, Ontario N6A4L9 Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m Lambeth Public Library 7112 Beatie Street London, Ontario N6PIA2 Telephone (519) 652-2951 Glanworth Public Library 2950 Glanworth Drive London, Ontario N6N IN6 Telephone (519) 681-6797 Hours open: Tuesday & Thursday 1 :00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 9.00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hours open: Tuesday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Central Public Library 251 Dundas Street London, Ontario N6A 6H9 Telephone (519) 661-4600 Hours open: Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Comments on the Environmental Study Report will be received until May 8, 2006. Please contact: Mr. Ian Blevins M. Eng., P. Eng. Senior Project Manager Earth Tech (Canada) Inc. 285 King Street, Suite 300 London, Ontario N6B 3M6 Mr. Tom Copeland, P. Eng. Division Manager Wastewater Engineering City of London 300 Dufferin Avenue, P.O. Box 5035 London, Ontario N6A 4L9 Telephone: (519) 673-0510 Fax (519) 673-5975 E-mail: Ian.Blevins@earthtech.ca Telephone: (519) 661-4662 Fax: (519) 661-2355 E-mail: TCopelan@london.ca The Class EA process entitles members of the public, interest groups and review agencies who have significant concerns about the proposed project (if such concerns cannot be resolved), to request the Minister of Environment to issue an order to comply with Part II of the EA Act. This is known as a "Part II Order", bumping up the status of this project to a full Individual Environmental Assessment. The procedure for a "Part II Order" request is as follows: First, the person with concerns discusses them with the City's Environmental and Engineering Services Department and Earth Tech (Canada) Inc.; and Second, if the concerns cannot be resolved, the person may submit a "Part II Order" request to the Minister of Environment, at 135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4V IP5, by May 8, 2006, with a copy of the request being sent to the City's Environmental and Engineering Services Department and Earth Tech (Canada) Inc. Subject to the comments received as a result of this notice and receipt of necessary approvals, the City intends to proceed with construction of this project in 2007. P:/Projects/632411GenCorlNoticeslNotice ofCompletion/63241 - Notice of Completion - Mar31 '2006.doc Q. ."' . \. "-~" Ombudsman ONTARIO'S WATCHDOG CHIEN DE GARDE DE L'ONTARIO March 28, 2006 Ms Sandra Heffren Deputy Clerk The County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Dear Ms Heffren: Re: Ombudsman Report: Getting It Right - Our File No. 183785 Enclosed is my Final Report under s. 11 of the Ombudsman Act, regarding my investigation into the transparency of the property assessment process and the integrity and efficiency of decision-making at the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. I have also enclosed the responses to my Report received from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation and the Minister of Finance. I am satisfied with the positive commitments made by MP AC and the Minister to consider and implement my recommendations. I would like to thank you for coming forward and sharing your experience. Yours truly, Andre Marin Ombudsman Enc!. Bell Trinity Square 483 Bay Street, 10th Floor, South Tower, Toronto, ON M5G 2C9 483, rue Bay, 10e etage, Tour sud, Toronto (Ontario) M5G 2C9 . 416-586-3300 . 416-586-3485 . 1-866-411-4211 www.ombudsman.on.ca middlesex county SOUTll'Y/EST MI.nDLE$EX 399 Ridout Street, London, Ontario N6A 2P1 519-434-7321 153 McKellar Street, P.O. Box 218 Glencoe, Ontario NOL 1 MO 519-287-2015 Press Release Contact: Doug Reycraft Phone: (519) 287-3113 Cell: (519) 494-2508 Email: reycraft@sympatico.ca FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13th, 2006 Reycraft A Candidate for AMO President After serving his community for a number of years as a Member of Provincial Parliament, a Local Mayor, a County Councillor and a County Warden, Doug Reycraft is offering his experience to his municipal colleagues in the role of AMO President. Doug Reycraft is currently the Mayor of Southwest Middlesex and a Middlesex County Councillor. For the past several years, Doug has supplemented his provincial and municipal experience with a variety of interesting and challenging roles as a member of the AMO Executive. His AMO experience has provided Doug with both satisfaction and a challenge. During his time with AMO, the Association has won many hard fought victories on behalf of the municipalities of Ontario. Now Doug wants to take on the challenge of building on the success of recent years and leading AMO to a promising future. For those interested in learning more about Doug's campaign for AMO President please visit his website at www.revcraftforamopresident.ca. In addition to highlighting Doug's political experience, the website also displays a number of endorsements from his municipal colleagues who have encouraged him to accept the challenge of being a candidate for AMO President. For Your nformation Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191 email: amo@amo.on.ca To the attention of the Clerk and Council. For Immediate Attention April 13, 2006 - FYI 06/004 Several Announcements Related to Energy - Announcements and Synopsis - ISSUE: The Province has announced the new Regulated Price Plan, a new Conservation Program, and two initiatives targeting energy costs for low-income families. A) REGULATED PRICE PLAN: The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) released new electricity commodity prices and distribution rates for utilities under the Board's Regulated Price Plan (RPP): these prices are reflected on the "Electricity" line of consumers' bills. The OEB envisions the RPP will "make sure that prices consumers pay for the electricity they use better reflect the prices paid to electricity generators, but without the volatility that exists in wholesale electricity market prices." Starting May 1 st, prices for RPP consumers who buy their electricity commodity from a utility will be 5.8 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity use up to a certain threshold per month (up from 5 cents) and 6.7 cents per kilowatt hour for consumption above that threshold (up from 5.5 cents). The threshold will remain at 750 kilowatt hours per month throughout the year. Municipalities qualify for the RPP as "designated consumers" under the "MUSH" sector, which also includes hospitals, schools, colleges and universities. This is expected to remain the case until April 1 , 2008. The announced increase was due in part to increased electricity demand, lower than normal electricity output from hydroelectric plants, and higher than anticipated prices for natural gas. For most consumers, the total impact of the RPP prices and distribution rates announced today will be in the range of 3% to 15% on their total bill. Synopsis/Action: The Province decided in 2004 that consumers should pay the real costs of electricity. There is broad consensus that paying artificially low prices that do not reflect the cost of supply gives no incentive for consumers, including municipalities, to conserve electricity. However, AMO has several concerns. We will be working with the Province to ensure it develops programs to assist municipalities with the capital costs of upgrading facilities, conducting retrofits, and installing software and meters to monitor energy consumption. In addition, we must collectively ensure such pricing programs do not adversely affect those on fixed and/or low-incomes in our communities. .../2 -2- B) EVERY KILOWATT COUNTS: Minister of Energy Donna Cansfield and Chief Energy Conservation Officer Peter Love recently announced a new conservation campaign entitled: "Every Kilowatt Counts". Thus far the campaign consists of incentives to replace inefficient central air conditioners with a new ENERGYST AR@ qualified system, a $75 rebate on the supply and installation of a programmable thermostat, and an educational program targeting consumers. Synopsis/Action: AMO will push for an extension of incentive programs aimed at individual consumers to include the municipal sector where appropriate. C) LOW-INCOME PROGRAMS: Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced yesterday that the Province plans to introduce legislation that would, if passed, provide up to $120 per low-income family, to help them with rising electricity costs. Under the proposed Ontario Home E/ectricity Relief Program, single people would receive one-time payments of up to $60, while families would receive up to $120 to offset the projected average increase of $10 per month. Eligibility will be determined according to tax returns and funding will be allotted on a sliding scale - decreasing with income up until $35,000. The Ministry of Finance estimates that almost 1.5 million families would be eligible for this payment. If the legislation is proclaimed, relief payments will begin in the fall of 2006. The Province has also announced that it intends to double the Emergency Energy Fund to help low-income Ontarians facing energy-related emergencies. This Fund, administered by the municipal sector, is aimed to help social assistance recipients and other low-income households pay for utility arrears, security deposits and reconnection costs for electricity, hydro, natural gas, oil and other forms of energy. Synopsis/Action: AMO is supportive of any initiative that includes provincial funding to support our most vulnerable citizens and believes that these announcements signify steps in the right direction. We will continue to push the Province to develop further supports for social housing providers, senior and long-term care facilities, as well as for the individual citizens who need financial assistance to both help deal with rising energy costs and to make the necessary improvements to help conserve energy. D) ADDITIONAL ACTIONS: AMO continues to advocate for provincial funding and other support for energy conservation measures. Furthermore, in addition to developing a bulk electricity-purchasing program to complement the existing GASAMO natural gas program, AMO also plans to develop additional educational and support materials for our member municipalities, including a one-day conference directed at municipal finance officers to be announced shortly. This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca For more information, please contact: Scott Vokey, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 ext. 334 Advance Notice of a New Call for Expressions of Interest Note: The following is a brief summary of an upcoming Call for Expressions of Interest. The information contained in this summary is an overview and all interested parties should consult the full guidelines package when it becomes available. If there is any discrepancy between information contained in the summary and the guidelines, the guidelines will prevail. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is forging an active partnership between industry and all levels of government through the Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing (NZEHH) initiative. This marks an important step to address the practical challenges of ensuring a clean environment and healthy future for Canadians by making low-impact Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing a reality in communities all across our country. What is the goal of the Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing initiative? Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing is a national residential design-build- demonstration initiative to challenge builder/ developers across Canada to act as environmental stewards by building affordable, healthy, highly energy and resource efficient, grid-tied housing that produces as much energy as it uses on an annual basis, with low/no housing-related environmental impacts on water, land and air, integrated within a sustainable communityiplan. .-J.. J i\~ ~... ;~;;;7 ~~~/~'eD i:!f::1m ~~ ~ W~~d ;~i~-::~?::; ~~ ~~ P;::,:':;'-1 ti':r.::;-. APR 1 8 2006 ..,....... /1 /> *Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing is a mark ofCMHC. Canada Who will be eligible to apply? Builder/developer led interdisciplinary teams with housing expertise in: . Environmental architecture; . High-performance building; . Renewable energy systems; . Sustainable community planning; . Integrated Design Process project management; and . Marketing and promotion. What are the objectives of the initiative? . To reduce the energy and resource intensity of the Canadian housing sector . To ensure quality, healthy housing that mitigates household energy costs . To contribute to a clean environment and reduced greenhouse gas emissions . To foster growth of the renewable energy and sustainable housing industries in Canada . To develop Canada's next generation of value-added exports for competitive international markets HOME TO CANADIANS y _ ~ ,., ~ _ ~ r Y," _ v ~ < ~~ r ~ _' ~.. ^" ~ :: "" ~ ~ ~ ~ Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing* Initiative _ - - - - -- ~- - _ - - ,: c-c - ,- , c " , ~, ~ - - . - - ~;.:. \ " ~ - -~" ''I --' _ - -, ~ '_....- -,,~ , .t-, o~ r ~ " Who is involved with CMHC in the initiative? Partners involved to date include Natural Resources Canada, Industry Canada, Environment Canada and the Net Zero Energy Home Coalition. What are the project eligibility criteria? Teams must follow an integrated design process to develop, construct, commission, demonstrate, monitor and evaluate low-impact sustainable housing projects that meet the goals and objectives of the NZEHH initiative, and involving performance evaluation in five categories . Health . Energy . Resources . Environment . Affordability What are the essential team and project requirements? . Commit to net zero energy healthy housing principles in project business plan . Establish and lead an interdisciplinary partnered project . Possess site and obtain project planning support from municipality, utility, ete. . Participate in a charrette workshop and integrated design process -0 "'l" o ~ Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation . Conduct an independent design review of proposed project . Provide a public demonstration period and promotion . Incorporate performance monitoring and evaluation . Coordinate communications and reporting activities with CMHC What is the support available? Six to twelve projects will be selected from all regions of Canada to receive support, involving: . Expert assistance for the integrated design process; . Technical, marketing research and communications support; . National recognition as a competition winner; . Promotion as a leader in sustainable housing; . Financial contribution of $50,000 per project to defray eligible costs; . Assistance through regulatory framework; . Partnership network lending credibility and confidence to builders and consumers; and . Support beyond demonstration stage for future business opportunities. When will the application and guidelines be released? The NZEHH expression of interest application and guidelines will be available on CMHC's website by the end of April 2006. (http://www.cmhc.calenlinprlsu/neze/index.cfrn) When will applications be due? The deadline for submitting an expression of interest will be approximately six weeks after the application and guidelines are made available. Further details regarding initiative requirements and submission deadlines will be included in the application and guidelines package. How can I be notified when the application and guidelines are available? Call toll-free 1 800668-2642 to be added to the mailing list for the Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing Expression of Interest applications and guidelines. 04/13/06 15:00 CITY OF STRATFORD - ADMIN 7 519 633 7661 NO. 547 [;101 CITY OF STRA TFORD Office of the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer 1 Wellington Street. P. O. Box 81B Stratford. Ontario N5A 6W1 Fax Sheet From: Mayor Dan Mathieson Date: April 12th. 2006 Number of Pages Including Fax Sheet: 0" Re: Civic Night June 22nd, 2006 Please see attached invitation with respect to Civic Night being held on June 22nd.2006. . Everyone is invited to attend. Kindly circulate the invitation to municipal officials and all staff in their respective departments. If you have any questions. please contact Pat Shantz at 519..271-0250, ext. 236. Thank you. THIS MESSAGE IS ONLY INTENDED FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY BE PRIVILEGED. This message may contain Information that is confidential and exempt from disclosure under the Municipal Freedom of InformatIon and Protection of Privacy Act. If you are not the Intended recipient or their authorized agent, you may not forward or copy or disclose this information and you must delete or Clestroy all copies of thIs message and attachments received. If you received this communicatIon in error, please notify me immediately. 04/13/06 15:00 CITY of STRATFORD Ql/IDe Q/'tlw Mayor His WtJmup Dim Mathieson City Hall. P.O. nox 818 Stratford ON N5A 6Wl (519) 271-0250 Ex!. 234 fax: (519) 271-2783 dmathieson@city.5lratford,on,ca www.city.srratf"or.d.on,c:a tJou:neillors: George Brown Keith Culliton Sam Dinicol Howard Famme Dave Hl.mt Uoyd Lichti Frank Mark Kathryn Rae Chris Rickett Cheryl Ruby ! CITY OF STRATFORD - ADMIN ~ 519 633 7661 g t " ~. ~. ~! NO. 547 [;102 Stratford City Council in co-operation with the Stratford Festival of Canada is pleased to invite all staff and municipal officials to Civic Night Thursday, June 2~d, 2006 lISouth Pacific" A van Theatre, 99 Downie Street Performance: 8:00 p.m. Reoeption to follow - Chalmers Lounge Once agalnl the Stratford Festival has offered a generous ticket discount as follows: Seating Discounted Price Regular Price A $68.43 $ 97.75 B $64.40 $ 92.00 If you would like to attend Civic Night, please reserve your tickets directly with the Festival by contacting the Box Office at 1-800-567~ 1600. Please advise the representative that you are calling to purchase tickets under the City of Stratford's Civic Night and auote number 8403', Your ticket request will be processed and mailed directly to you or held at the Box Office to be picked up within 30 days of the performance. Additiona/lnformation on the production and cast ;s available through the Stratford Festival of Canada website at www.stratfordfestival.ca. If you should have' any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Pat Shantz at 519-271-0250, ext. 236. We look forward to seeing you on June 22'd I Sincerely. ~$1. d~ Dan Mathiesonl Mayor HCammuniJ:u E;rt!~U~nr.li with WarJ.dnJt.dp. Tmoo.ct'l NO. 547 ~03 04/13/06 15:00 CITY OF STRATFORD - ADMIN ~ 519 633 7661 >- ~li u .t::.... = hi ~ ~~tty ~ ~:i;,~< ~ ...=.~gt!!:;;'~i E ,___ ~I!~i E ~~ ~=1~b ~ 'ttirII1 a: ~ i ~ i I () = i~~ii {If) tS' ~ '$ .;..I "'" ~ lG ~ li'i' CD :..... ....... co ~ CD '- -C ~ .ll l- ~ ~ C-=s.e Olll..- >i~ <.( Co ro c~ i -S 1:1 ..c 0 !Ii ,.c.....!;'lu t- 0 ... = O..Q~~ IJ./ ~ 0 Il,j .:!:! g ~ '0 ~ .~ 5';: z.- "'C 0 IUSll", ~ ~.~ 5 c 0._ ~ ,., t ~ ~ .. ~... ~ s B ~ "O'"l;l~..c 1:~~~ ~ o.~ ~ "I;l Il,j ~-= c:.5 I:l. Q/) o ... .. CI 3J ::1 ~ .~ jj ~:.i-; ..=iJ! . ~ ~~ ~ ~ .- ('; cu iJ lU 8 ~.:-S"; '"CI::E el c:: -:n "0 .(l! 0 ~ J3 ou- cu:.a .!!!"'~"1:l~ .~ C .~ 1: \) ~ ~ ~ ~ ... ~ - ~ .- ... > ~ Q;j ~ .~.E ~ 'g rd ...1 .. I'1l ::l c::"'l:l;;; E"'g o ~ <.lS e (Ill l'- ... 9 ~ ~'~5~ ~ ~ 15 ~::r:::r: ~ ..... ~ nu i~~ ~ ~,,~ I ~~~~ OO~~~ ~~~ @ ~~e~ ~~~g~~~~~ l5 :::~ ~ Iii ~c 6a:5 ~~::s B o.......~~ o,......l.l.w:2 :..J .:i!. "C ~ :U~'ili :rl ~~"""i~~!a! ~ ffi i5~QlC Ln~aJ ......a:;. en ~'(jjECl OJ ~ ~........... c: g r5 CIl "0 >'a osZ.- ~ i1lc~~ ~-ga'C1l~ ~~15~ t5 ~~8~ Jjai~3~~z':jB ~i 0: z:;: ~! \:: ~ '" 8 ~ E '" c c '" Go Canada @ Ontario Friday, April 21 SI, 2006 vendredi Ie 21 avril 2006 Paul Baldwin, Mayor County of Elgin (519) 633-7661 Re: COMRIF Project No. 13840 - Replacement of New Sarum Bridge Dear Paul Baldwin, Mayor: We are pleased to inform you that, based on your application submitted under COMRIF Intake Two, the governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $502,333 toward the eligible costs of the project(s) described above. COMRIF Intake Two focused on local infrastructure improvements that provide clean, safe drinking water, better sewage systems, improved waste management processes, and safer local roads and bridges. The three assessment criteria, health and safety, public policy priorities and value for money, were used to assess your project submission as part of the competitive, merit-based process. The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing over $235 million in 88 communities through COMRIF Intake Two to make Ontario's communities stronger, healthier and safer. Under COMRIF, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and local partners to improve public infrastructure in small urban r.anads-Onlmio Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Paul Baldwin, Maire ComtE~ d'Elgin (519) 633-7661 Objet: projet FIMRCO no 13840 - Remplacement du pont New Sarum Monsieur Paul Baldwin, Maire: Nous avons Ie plaisir de vous annoncer qu'a la suite de la demande que vous avez presentee au cours de la deuxieme periode de reception des demandes du FIMRCO, les gouvernements du Canada et de l'Ontario investiront chacun un montant maximal de 502 333 $ en vue du financement des coOts admissibles du (des) projet(s) decrit(s) ci-dessus. La deuxieme periode de reception des demandes du FIMRCO mettait I'accent sur I'amelioration d'infrastructures locales visant un approvisionnement sOr en eau potable, de meilleurs reseaux d'egout et de procedes de gestion des dechets ainsi que des routes et des ponts plus securitaires. Les trois criteres appliques a I'evaluation du (des) projet(s) que vous avez soumis dans Ie cadre de ce processus concurrentiel fonde sur Ie merite etaient les suivants : sante et securite, priorites de la politique publique et optimisation des ressources. Les gouvernements du Canada et de l'Ontario investissent plus de 235 millions de dollars dans 88 collectivites dans Ie cadre de la deuxieme periode de reception des demandes du FIMRCO, contribuant ainsi a rendre les collectivites ontariennes plus dynamiques, plus saines et plus securitaires. Dans Ie cadre du FI MRCO, les gouvernements du Canada et de l'Ontario travaillent de concert avec l'Association des municipalites de l'Ontario et des oartenaires locaux oour ameliorer /' S and rural communities. COMRIF's main objective is to improve the quality of life of residents across Ontario by giving municipalities the tools they need to enhance and renew essential public infrastructure and strengthen their communities. Please note that the Government of Canada's investment is contingent on the successful completion of an environmental assessment of the proposed project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). Failure to comply with the CEAA could jeopardize government funding for the project. Before starting construction on your project, please contact the COMRIF Joint Secretariat to speak with a federal analyst. Staff from the COMRIF Joint Secretariat will work with your officials to finalize the Contribution Agreement, which will outline the municipal communications opportunities and the required terms and conditions for your project. Along with the appropriate copies of the Contribution Agreement, the Joint Secretariat staff will provide details of the information and documentation requirements for the claims process. When contacting the COMRIF Joint Secretariat, please indicate that this is a capital project approved under COMRIF Intake Two and refer to the assigned project file number. Intake Three will be launched in spring 2006, and eligible municipalities will be informed of application details at that time. For more information, please contact the COMRIF Joint Secretariat at Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund 2 et des partenaires locaux pour ameliorer l'infrastructure publique des petites collectivites urbaines et rurales de la province. Le FIMRCO a pour principal objectif d'ameliorer la qualite de vie de la population de I'ensemble de l'Ontario en donnant aux municipalites les outils dont elles ont besoin pour moderniser et renouveler leur infrastructure publique essentielle. Veuillez noter que Ie financement du gouvernement du Canada sera accorde sous reserve d'une evaluation environnementale du projet soumis, menee a bien en vertu de la Loi canadienne sur /'evaluation environnementale (LCEE). La non-conformite a la LCEE risque de compromertre Ie financement du projet par Ie gouvernement. Avant d'entreprendre les travaux de construction, veuillez communiquer avec Ie Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO pour parler a un agent federal d'analyse de projet. Le personnel du Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO travaillera avec vos responsables a apporter la touche finale a l'Entente de financement, qui precisera les possibilites en matiere de communications a I'echelle municipale ainsi que les modalites applicables a votre (vos) projet(s). Outre les exemplaires appropries de l'Entente de financement, Ie personnel du Secretariat conjoint fournira une Iiste detaillee de la documentation et des renseignements requis pour Ie processus de demandes de paiement. Lorsque vous communiquez avec Ie Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO, veuillez preciser qu'il s'agit d'un projet d'immobilisations approuve dans Ie cadre de la deuxieme periode de reception des demandes du FIMRCO et mentionner Ie numero de dossier de projet qui s'y rapporte. La troisieme periode de reception des demandes sera lancee au printemps 2006 et les municipalites admissibles recevront des precisions sur la presentation d'une demande a ce moment. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec Ie Secretariat & 3 1-866-306-7827 or info@comrif.ca or visit www.comrif.ca. conjoint du FIMRCO au 1 866306-7827, faire parvenir un courriel a info@comrif.ca ou consulter Ie site www.comrif.ca. We look forward to working with you as you implement this project that will improve the quality of life for residents in your community. Nous envisageons avec plaisir la possibilite de collaborer avec vous au moment ou vous menez a bien ce projet pour ameliorer la qualite de vie des citoyens de votre collectivite. Sincerely, Nous vous prions d'accepter I'expression de nos sentiments les meilleurs. Le ministre La ministre, !'l~ ~ [\ P '> ~ ../""- . r, ~ N~I.<M'1f II (; Tony Clement Leona Dombrowsky Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF Ontario Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Ministre federal de la Sante et Ministre federal responsable du FIMRCO Ministere de l'Agriculture, de l'Alimentation et des Affaires rurales de l'Ontario cc. Joe Preston CP, Elgin-Middlesex-London Hon. Steve Peters, Lib., Elgin-Middlesex-London r.anada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fuml 1