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June 23, 2015 County Council Agenda Packagef Elgin( 'k,, �u ORDERS OF THE DAY FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2015- 9:00 A.M. ORDER 1st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes — June 9, 2015 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATIONS: 9:00 a.m. Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health with PowerPoint presentation titled "2015 Health Status Report". (attached) 9:15 a.m. Elizabeth VanHooren, General Manager/Secretary Treasurer and Betsy McClure, Stewardship Program Supervisor, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority with PowerPoint presentation titled "Elgin Clean Water Program". (attached) 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 7th Council Correspondence 1) Items for Consideration 2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 8th OTHER BUSINESS 1) Statements/Inquiries by Members 2) Notice of Motion 3) Matters of Urgency 9th Closed Meeting Item (see separate agenda) 10th Recess 11th Motion to Rise and Report 12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 13th Consideration of By -Laws 14th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL NOT BE PROVIDED NOTICE: Deputy Warden for June Deputy Warden for July June 25, 2015 July 14, 2015 July 28, 2015 August 16-19, 2015 November 27, 2015 1 Councillor Wiehle Councillor Jones 7th Annual County of Elgin Warden's Charity Golf Tournament — St. Thomas Golf & County Club County Council Meeting CANCELLED County Council Meeting — 9:00 a.m. 2015 AMO AGM and Annual Conference, Niagara Falls 2015 Warden's Dinner — Vienna Community Centre COUNTY COUNCIL MINUTES Tuesday, June 9, 2015 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building at 9:00 a.m. with all members present. Warden Ens in the Chair. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by Councillor Jones Seconded by Councillor Currie THAT the minutes of the meeting held on May 12, 2015 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF — None. DELEGATION Ontario Works Department Update and 2015 Ontario Works Budget Review Ms. Elizabeth Sebestyen, Acting Director St. Thomas -Elgin Ontario Works, presented a report updating Council on the activities of the organization including the satellite office in Aylmer, the Social Services Emergency Plan and the Bridges Out of Poverty Program. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Martyn THAT the reports titled "Ontario Works Department Update and 2015 Ontario Works Budget Review" from the Acting Director of St. Thomas -Elgin Ontario Works, dated June 9, 2015 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Currie Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. y:1li13K Approval for Official Plan Amendment No. 15, Robert and Michele Deryk Farms Ltd. — Manager of Planning The manager presented the report providing Council with the information required to consider granting approval for Official Plan Amendment No. 15 (Deryk Farms) Lot 109, Concession 6 STIR, Municipality of Bayham. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Jones THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin gives approval to Official Plan Amendment No. 15 to the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan, File No. BA-OPA15-15 (Deryk Farms); and, THAT staff be directed to provide notice of this decision in accordance with the Planning Act. - Carried. County Council June 9, 2015 Bill 73 - Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act, 1990 — Manager of Planning The manager presented the report providing Council with a review of changes to the Planning Act that will streamline land -use planning and appeals in Ontario. The report included staff analysis and recommendations regarding these changes. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Currie THAT County Council endorse the attached report titled "Bill 73 — Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act, 1990" prepared by the Manager of Planning; and, THAT the report be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in response to the Province's request for comments; and, THAT the report be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and to Elgin County's municipal partners for their information. - Carried. Renovations to Belmont Library — Director of Community and Cultural Services The director presented the report providing Council with an overview of proposed renovations at the Belmont Library to enhance accessibility and makes general improvements to the building. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Currie THAT the report titled "Renovations to Belmont Library" from the Director of Community and Cultural Services, dated May 15, 2015 be received and filed. - Carried. Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program - Application to Increase Storage for Museum — Director of Community and Cultural Services The director presented the report informing Council that the Government of Canada recently announced the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and recommended Council endorse an application to expand climate -controlled storage for the Elgin County Museum in the basement of Elgin Manor. Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jones THAT Elgin County Council hereby endorses an application to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Fund to support the renovation of existing museum storage to incorporate climate - controls, fire suppression, security and appropriate shelving for Elgin County Museum as part of the County of Elgin's celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 2017; and, THAT funds to support the necessary engineering study in 2015 relating to this project be drawn from existing funds in the County's ten year capital plan. - Carried. Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program - Application to Increase Storage for Archives — Director of Community and Cultural Services The director presented the report recommending that Council endorse an application under the Government of Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program to expand climate -controlled storage for the Elgin County Archives. County Council Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Martyn June 9, 2015 THAT Elgin County Council hereby endorses an application to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Fund to support an expansion of climate -controlled storage for Elgin County Archives as part of the County of Elgin's celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 2017; and, THAT the County's financial contribution as outlined in this report be allocated as part of 2016 capital budget planning should the application be successful. - Carried. April 2015 Budaet Performance — Director of Financial Services The director presented the budget comparison for the month of April 2015 with a monthly performance of $38,000 favourable. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Jones THAT the report titled "April 2015 Budget Performance" from the Director of Financial Services, dated May 15, 2015 be received and filed. - Carried. Part-time Clerical Position for Multiple Departments — Director of Financial Services The Director of Engineering Services presented the report recommending that Council approve the addition of an additional half-time position be introduced to help better service customers/ ratepayers in the Engineering, Finance and Provincial Offences departments. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Jones THAT staff be authorized and directed to hire a part-time clerical position to serve the public in the Finance, Engineering and POA departments; and, THAT the funds for the remainder of 2015 (approximately $19,000) be allocated from and contained within the approved Engineering and Finance departments' budgets; and, THAT the 2016 budget include the full cost of this service - Carried. Purchase of Bariatric Ambulance — Director of Enaineerina Services The director presented the report requesting that Council approve the purchase of a bariatric ambulance. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Currie THAT one bariatric ambulance be purchased in 2015 from Crestline Coach Ltd. at the quoted price of $163,446, exclusive of the trade in amount and exclusive of taxes; and, THAT the additional funds required for the bariatric ambulance be sourced from the capital reserve. - Carried. Physiotherapy Services - Elgin County Homes — Director of Homes and Seniors Services The director presented the report recommending that Bayshore Healthcare be selected to provide physiotherapy services for Elgin County homes. County Council Moved by Councillor Martyn Seconded by Councillor Wolfe June 9, 2015 THAT Bayshore Healthcare be selected to provide Physiotherapy Services for the Elgin County Homes for a three year term with the option to renew for two additional years; and, THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an agreement with Bayshore Healthcare for the provision of Physiotherapy Services for County of Elgin Homes. - Carried. Council recessed at 10:12 a.m. and reconvened at 10:27 a.m Terrace Lodge Redevelopment - 96 or 100 Bed Option - Pros and Cons — Director of Homes and Seniors Services The director presented the report outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the 100 Bed Option versus the 96 Bed Option for Terrace Lodge. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT Council reaffirms the 100 Bed Plan for Terrace Lodge and if required meet with the Minister to emphasize 100 bed need and demand in the area in support of Elgin's redevelopment project. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, Town of Aurora, with a resolution seeking support for opposition to the installation of community mailboxes and that Canada Post adhere to its Five -Point Action Plan requirement to engage in full and meaningful consultation with all stakeholders. 2. Ken Loveland, Acting Clerk/CAO, Township of Southwold, with a resolution seeking support for the Glanworth Road Overpass to remain in use and not be demolished. 3. Urgent Request for a Resolution Against a Nuclear Waste Dump. (Addendum Item) The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #1: Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Jones THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Jones Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin strongly support the Township of Southwold's resolution that the Glanworth Road overpass remain in use. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #3: County Council Moved by Councillor Martyn Seconded by Councillor Mennill June 9, 2015 WHEREAS Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proposing to construct a deep geologic repository (DGR), which is an underground long-term burial facility, at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station site in Kincardine Ontario Canada, and bury and abandon in the DGR all of Ontario's low and intermediate level radioactive nuclear waste, some of which remains highly radioactive and toxic for over 100,000 years. The proposed site is approximately one kilometre inland from the shore of Lake Huron and about 400 metres below the lake level; WHEREAS Ontario Power Generation did not consider or evaluate any other actual sites for the location of the proposed DGR; WHEREAS fresh water is Canada's most important resource and should be protected and managed prudently; WHEREAS the Great Lakes are an irreplaceable natural resource, containing twenty one percent of the world's, and ninety five percent of North America's fresh water, relied upon by millions for drinking water, tourism, recreation, vital to human and environmental health and economic and agricultural well-being of both Canada and the United States of America and supporting a regional economy of US$4.7 trillion (2011); WHEREAS Lake Huron and connecting waters are a source of drinking water for millions of people downstream in Canada, the United States of America and First Nations; WHEREAS any contamination resulting from a leaking nuclear waste repository located on Lake Huron could affect the source of drinking water for Elgin County, Ontario; WHEREAS individuals, citizen and environmental groups and municipalities and counties in both Canada and the United States have expressed concern and opposition to the proposed nuclear waste repository; WHEREAS as of May 19, 2015, one hundred fifty five (155) resolutions have been passed by communities in the States of Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana and in the Province of Ontario representing 21 million citizens opposing the proposed nuclear waste repository, with the vast majority of the resolutions opposing any permanent underground nuclear waste repository anywhere in the Great Lakes Basin; WHEREAS under the 2012 Protocol Amending the Agreement Between Canada and the United States of America on Great Lakes Water Quality, the governments of Canada and the United States acknowledge the importance of anticipating, preventing and responding to threats to the waters of the Great Lakes and share a responsibility and an obligation to protect the Great Lakes from contamination from various sources of pollution, including the leakage of nuclear waste from an underground nuclear waste repository; WHEREAS in April 2015 resolutions HR 194 and SR 134 were introduced respectively in the US House of Representatives and US Senate expressing the sense that (1) the Canadian Government should not allow a permanent nuclear waste repository to be built within the Great Lakes Basin; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should take appropriate action to work with the Canadian Government to prevent a permanent nuclear waste repository from being built within the Great Lakes Basin; and (3) the President and the Secretary of State should work together with their Canadian Government counterparts on a safe and responsible solution for the long-term storage of nuclear waste; WHEREAS, In the mid 1980's, the US Department of Energy was considering potential sites for a US nuclear waste repository, including some sites location in the Great Lakes Basin and as a result of significant Canadian opposition, Joe Clark, then Secretary of State for External Affairs, intervened and the US government honored Canada's request to exclude any sites within 40 kilometers of the Canadian border; and WHEREAS placing a permanent nuclear waste burial facility so close to the Great Lakes is ill- advised. The potential damage to the Great Lakes from any leak or breach of radioactivity far outweighs any suggested economic benefit that might be derived from burying radioactive nuclear waste at this site. The ecology of the Great Lakes, valuable beyond measure to the County Council June 9, 2015 health and economic well-being of the entire region, should not be placed at risk by storing radioactive nuclear waste underground so close to the shoreline; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Elgin County Council that: 1. In order to protect the Great Lakes and its tributaries, Elgin County urges that neither this proposed nuclear waste repository at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station site nor any other underground nuclear waste repository be constructed in the Great Lakes Basin, in Canada, the United States, or any First Nation property. 2. Elgin County urges the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to reject (and seek alternatives to) Ontario Power Generation's proposal to bury and abandon radioactive nuclear waste in the Great Lakes Basin. 3. A copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Minister of the Environment, Robert Nicholson, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeff Yurek, MPP Elgin -Middlesex -London, and Joe Preston, MP Elgin -Middlesex -London. - Carried. Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 1. Hon. Steven Del Duca, Minister, Ministry of Transportation, informing Council of their Ministry's plan of action to address the recommendations in the Auditor General's report on winter highway maintenance in Ontario. 2. AMO Communications Email re: AMO Policy Update — Ontario Government Launches Consultation on Infrastructure Funding for Areas Outside of GTHA. 3. Grace McGartland, Chair, The Arts & Cookery Bank with an invitation to participate in The Outrageously Rural Food Fight: A Southwest Ontario Regional Six -Day Event. 4. The Arts & Cookery Bank with information on their 2015 Fest-a-Month Dinners and the Fourth Annual Ribs & Rubies Masquerade Gala Fundraiser on August 22, 2015. 5. Brad Woodside, Federation of Canadian Municipalities President thanking Council for renewal of annual membership. 6. Resolutions endorsing the continuation of the Elgin -St. Thomas Municipal Association from: a) The Municipality of Central Elgin b) The Town of Aylmer c) The Municipality of West Elgin Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jones THAT Correspondence Items #1 — 6 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/Inquiries by Members Councillor McWilliam provided an update about the Health Recruitment Partnership. The partnership hosted 12 medical students in Port Stanley on May 26, 2015 giving them the chance to socialize with community physicians and get an idea of what Elgin has to offer. Councillor Martyn promoted the Waist Management Exhibit at the Elgin County Museum and the Parade of Fashions Exhibit at the Sparta Church Museum. The two organizations have partnered on advertising because of the exhibits' similar themes. Warden Ens passed around photos of Councillors at a recent log -sawing competition in Bayham and at the opening of the MakerSpace at the Aylmer Library. County Council June 9, 2015 Councillor Marr mentioned that all Mayors and Deputy Mayors wishing to discuss the OPP Contract could do so with him after the meeting. Notice of Motion — None. Matters of Urgency — None. Closed Meeting Items Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Wolfe THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act to discuss matters under Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board — Ontario Works Update; and Section 240.2 (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board — Update #5 Dexter Line Land Purchases. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Currie Seconded by Councillor Jones THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Martyn Seconded by Councillor Currie THAT the confidential property item from the Acting Director of St. Thomas Elgin Ontario Works be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Wolfe WHEREAS the Corporation of the County of Elgin has applied to expropriate specified lands for, among other things, the relocation of a portion of Dexter Line within the territorial limits of the Municipality of Central Elgin. AND WHEREAS landowners of such lands to be expropriated have not requested a Hearing of Necessity in respect to such expropriation. AND WHEREAS, as an alternative to the said expropriation proceedings as creating a delay for possession of the subject lands by the Corporation of the County of Elgin, the landowners and the Corporation of the County of Elgin are currently negotiating an Agreement pursuant to s.30 of the Expropriations Act as providing for, among other things, earlier possessions of the involved lands. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to complete negotiations of the said Agreement pursuant to s.30 of the Expropriations Act upon terms acceptable to both he and the County Solicitor and, furthermore, to execute a written Agreement reflecting those terms as acceptable to the County Solicitor. - Carried. Motion to Adopt Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Moved by Councillor Martyn Seconded by Councillor Currie THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole. - Carried. County Council BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Jones Seconded by Councillor Mennill June 9, 2015 THAT By -Law No. 15-17 "Being a By -Law to Authorize the Execution of a Collective Agreement Between the Corporation of the County of Elgin and the Ontario Nurses' Association, with Respect to All Nurses at Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Currie Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT By -Law No. 15-18 "Being a By -Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the June 9, 2015 Meeting" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor McWilliam Seconded by Councillor Currie THAT we do now adjourn at 11:22 a.m. and meet again on June 23, 2015 at the County Administration Building Council Chambers at 9:00 a.m. - Carried. Mark McDonald, Paul Ens, Chief Administrative Officer. Warden. ,/0"W" Elgin" fI"V REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Steve Evans, Manager of Planning DATE: May 27, 2015 SUBJECT: Bill 73 — Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act, 1990 INTRODUCTION: Starting in 2013, the Provincial government undertook province -wide consultations on the Development Charges and Planning Acts. The stated purpose of the review was to ensure both systems are predictable, transparent, cost effective and responsive to the changing needs of our communities. The Province is now proposing legislative changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act. The Province has stated that Bill 73 - the proposed Smart Growth for Our Communities Act would give residents more say in how their communities grow, set out clearer rules for land use planning, give municipalities more independence to make local decisions and make it easier to resolve disputes. This report provides County Council with a review of changes to the Planning Act, that will streamline land use planning and appeals in Ontario. As the County of Elgin does not have a Development Charges By -Law, proposed changes to that Act under Bill 73 are not reviewed in this report. Analysis Changes to the Planning Act include additional sections and provide for new regulations covering a range of issues to enhance transparency and public participation in reaching decisions, provide additional dispute resolution procedures, etc. Attached is a list of changes being proposed which will be addressed in the table below. Comments can be made through the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry until June 3, 2015. Some of the proposed changes are positive and could be supported by the County of Elgin. There are other changes that may not be as well suited in the Elgin County context. The Manager of Planning has provided comments on each proposed change and suggested recommendations have been provided for Council's consideration. 10 11 Proposed Change Staff Analysis Recommendation to Minister 1 expand the potential This provision allows for Elgin County supports the use of alternative alternative notice procedures proposed change provided that notification and for matters other than official the requirement is discretionary, consultation plan, zoning, subdivision and as opposed to mandatory. processes for consent. additional matters 2 requiring The Planning Act already Elgin County recommends that municipalities to prescribes the minimum additional public consultation include public requirements, and provides procedures remain discretionary consultation policies discretionary powers if a in Official Plans. in their official plans municipality chooses to have alternative procedures (above and beyond the minimum requirements), in their OP's. 3 require citizen The Planning Act currently Elgin County supports citizen members on provides discretionary powers involvement and recommends planning advisory to Council, so that they "may" that the tools available for committees across constitute a planning advisory planning advisory committees Ontario, and require Committee, and they "may" remain discretionary. planning advisory appoint citizen members. committees in However, a statutory obligation single -tier and that a municipality "must" have upper -tier such committees, with citizen municipalities in appointees, seems Southern Ontario unreasonable, particularly in a (except the rural and small town context. Township of Pelee) 4 require local Currently there is no such Elgin County does not support planning authorities requirement in the Planning providing an explanation of how to provide an Act. However, input from the citizen input was considered in explanation of how public, is important and their notices of decision. they considered encouraged by County Council citizen input in their and Elgin's lower tier notices of decision municipal Councils. Such input can be provided in various ways including written and verbal comments aired at public meetings. Also submissions can be made by mail, email and on-line in many cases. The requirement for planning authorities to explain how they considered citizen input is unnecessary given the opportunities that are provided 11 12 and only adds another level of complexity to a process that is already transparent. 5 enhance the Ontario Currently there is no such Elgin County does not support Municipal Board's requirement in the Act. The the proposal to enhance the obligation to OMB is obligated to make land OMB's consideration of public consider citizen use decisions that constitute input. input when making good land use planning, and decisions are in the public interest. It is our experience that the OMB consistently considers public input in the hearing process. 6 extend municipal A 10 year cycle is appropriate Elgin County supports the official plan update for providing a document that Minister in extending municipal cycles from 5 to 10 reflects changing trends. official plan update cycles from 5 years, after a new, to 10 years. comprehensive official plan 7 provide Province This change will provide Elgin County supports this with documents effective pre -consultation proposed change. earlier to review where the Minister is the municipal official approval authority (90 days plans/official plan prior to public notice). amendments, when those documents are not exempt from provincial approval 8 allow for suspension Currently the Planning Act does Elgin County supports the new of timelines for not have a "mediation" provision provisions to allow for triggering appeals of (outside of mediation requests suspension of timelines for official plans/official to the OMB). While this triggering appeals of official plan amendments provision can lengthen the plans/official plan amendments for up to 90 days to approvals process, it may avoid for up to 90 days to work out work out issues, potentially long and protracted issues. including citizen OMB hearings, if both parties concerns, where agree to mediation. agreeable to approval authority and the initiator (i.e. applicant or adopting municipality) 9 remove ability to In rural/small town areas of the Elgin County does not support apply for Province the supply of serviced the prohibition on applying for an amendments to an and designated lands for new official plan amendment within 2 12 13 official plan for 2 growth is limited. As such, an years of adoption of a new years after new, official plan amendment may comprehensive official plan. comprehensive be required to facilitate a new official plan comes development. These areas must into effect be able to react quickly to growth opportunities. To suspend a potential "new growth opportunity" for a two year period is not reasonable in rural Ontario. 10 remove ability to Please see analysis above for Elgin County does not support apply for 2 year suspension for official the prohibition on applying for a amendments to a plans. zoning by-law amendment within zoning by-law for 2 2 years of adoption of a new years after comprehensive zoning by-law comprehensive update. zoning by-law update 11 provide authority to Currently no local municipalities Elgin County does not support remove ability to in Elgin County employ a removing the ability to apply for apply for development permit system. amendments for 5 years after amendments for 5 However, as in previous points the establishment of a years after the above, a 5 year prohibition on development permit system. establishment of a any amendments to official development permit plans or by-laws respecting system development permit systems is not reasonable in a rural Ontario context. 12 remove the The current requirement under Elgin County supports this requirement to section 26 of the Planning Act is proposed change. revise employment detrimental to rural areas and land policies at time small towns that generally rely of an official plan on limited supplies of update employment lands. 13 remove remaining This removal assists the County Elgin County supports this ability to appeal in meeting its affordable housing proposed change. second unit policies targets. in official plans 14 remove ability to The Planning Act has always Elgin County does not support appeal official included an appeal mechanism removing the ability to appeal plans/official plan to allow for resolution of disputes official plans/official plan amendments that that can't be settled. This is the amendments that implement implement certain reason Ontario has the OMB. prescribed provincially approved provincially Removing the ability for appeal matters. approved matters is heavy handed and provides 13 14 (e.g. source water no option for resolving protection differences. The Province boundaries) should set the example and not impose provincially approved matters without any recourse. 15 remove the ability There have been occasions Elgin County supports the for one appellant to where a single appeal has removal of the ability for one appeal the entirety stalled the approval of an Official appellant to appeal the entirety of a new official plan Plan. This can lead to extensive of a new official plan. delays in new important development, as well as delays before the OMB. 16 establish more rigor While many OMB appeals are Elgin County supports this in the requirements based on legitimate concerns, proposed change. to make an appeal there is also a concern that the appeal may have been lodged solely for the purpose of delay. 17 modify the The provision is modified from Elgin County does not support maximum one hectare for each 300 the proposed change. alternative parkland dwelling units to one hectare for dedication rate each 500 dwelling units. Many when giving cash -in- of our municipalities do not have lieu development charges by-laws in place and therefore it is important that this rate not be reduced. 18 require Many of our municipalities do Elgin County supports the municipalities to not have parks plans, and the development of parkland master develop parks plans need to have one as a condition plans, but does not support such if they wish to to establish an alternative a plan as a mandatory establish the parkland dedication rate is not requirement for the alternative parkland reasonable especially in the establishment of alternative dedication rate and rural and small town areas of the parkland dedication rates. to work with school Province. boards in developing such plans 19 enable the use of The change in name is more Elgin County supports the use of the "Community appropriate. the "Community Planning Permit Planning Permit System" as an alternate name System" as an for the "Development Permit alternative name for System". the system of land use control, 14 15 currently known as the Development Permit System 20 providing authority No "Community Planning Permit Elgin County supports the for the Minister and Systems" have been inclusion of a community upper -tier established in Elgin County development permit system in municipalities to to date. In fact there are very the Planning Act and would require a local few that have been established support pilot project funding municipality to in the Province. As there has from the province, to pilot such a establish a been a very low take-up rate on system in select areas of Elgin Community these systems there is concern County. However, the County of Planning Permit that such change to the Planning Elgin does not support the System for purposes Act could result in the imposition imposition of such a system by specified in of such a system by the upper the upper tier or the Province regulation tier or the province. and therefore cannot support this change. 21 allow decision- Alternative Dispute Resolution is Elgin County supports this makers to require a the preferred option where an proposed change. 60 day period for appeal is made but only if the Alternative Dispute parties agree to it. Resolution after an appeal is made 22 limit minor variance This change complicates the Elgin County does not support applications for 2 process and would be difficult to this change. years after a zoning enforce. amendment has passed in response to a privately - initiated application 23 provide the ability to There has never been a Elgin County does not support a make a regulation definition of what constitutes proposed change that would that would clarify "minor". Committees of clarify what constitutes a minor what constitutes a Adjustment have been given the variance by regulation. minor variance authority to deal with applications for minor variances and the ability to use a certain amount of discretion in determining whether an application meets the planning criteria set out in Section 45 (1) in the Planning Act. A more prescriptive approach is not warranted. 15 In addition to the list of proposed changes above, the Manager of Planning suggests that an additional change to the Planning Act would be beneficial to Elgin County. This change would include deleting Section 28 (4.0.1) of the Planning Act thereby giving upper tier municipalities the same powers as lower tier municipalities related to Community Improvement. Currently the County is partnering with its local municipalities on a County -wide community improvement initiative. The existing legislation will not permit the County to prepare and administer its own CIP. As a result a County -wide community improvement initiative can only be advanced by having each local municipality adopt its own CIP that supports a County -wide vision and implementation framework. CONCLUSION: The intent of Bill 73 is to give residents more say in how their communities grow, set out clearer rules for land use planning, give municipalities more independence to make local decisions and make it easier to resolve disputes. Many of the proposed changes are positive and warrant support. However, there are other changes that impose mandatory requirements that may be perceived as heavy-handed and that offer no recourse for dispute resolution. One change in particular — the proposal to require upper -tiers and single -tiers to have in place a Planning Advisory Committee which includes citizen members, would change County Council's committee structure and impose additional financial and staffing impacts. The information provided in this report regarding proposed changes and recommended actions are provided for County Council's consideration. The commenting period through the EBR ends on June 3, 2015; however, it is suggested that this report be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and to AMO. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT County Council endorse the report titled "Bill 73 — Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act, 1990" prepared by the Manager of Planning; and, THAT the report be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in response to the Province's request for comments; and, THAT the report be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and to Elgin County's municipal partners for their information. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Steve Evans Mark G. McDonald Manager of Planning Chief Administrative Officer 16 port 20.1.5 Health Status Re 235 2015 • Why have a Health Status Report? — Foundational Standard —to assess the health of the population we serve — Evidence to inform the work that we do • Successes, areas for improvement, identify priority populations •Reading the Report — Comparison Groups —Age -Standardized rates — Statistically significant — Small numbers Elgin St. Thomas, 2011 Total population 87,461 •16% Seniors •13% Children •35% living in a rural area Figure 1.1: Population Distribution, Elgin St. Thomas, 2011 and 2021. Source: IntelliHEALTH Ontario *Median household income •$54,411 in ESTPH •$58,717 in ON •Most households in Elgin St. Thomas earned between $20,000-$49,000 (29%) and $50,000- $791000 (25%) *Lone Parent Households •$38,909 00,000 90,000 80.000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30.000 20,000 10,000 0 Couple COUPIC, All Private hi l households Lone -parent one-person Households e without Household's Households with th eh�ldrn children €STPH $54,411 $76,260 $58,995 $38,909 $24,781 -O $58,717 $87,820 $63,402 $44,398 $30,363 Figure 2.2: Median After-tax income, by household type, Elgin St. Thomas and Ontario, 2011. Source: National Household Survey, 2011 Fig 2.3: 1 n low income based on after-tax low-income measure (LI M -AT), by Age Group, 2010. Source: National Household Survey, 2011 *16% of residents of Elgin St. Thomas were living in low income *20% of children under the age of 18 *10% of seniors 25.0% 20.0% 15,0% 10.0 % CL. �0 5 % 0,0% Total population Under 18 years Ander 6 years 18 to 64 65+years years ESTPH 15 .8% 201% 22.4% 15,5% 10.2% —ON 13.9% 17.3% 18.4% 13.9% 83% Fig 2.3: 1 n low income based on after-tax low-income measure (LI M -AT), by Age Group, 2010. Source: National Household Survey, 2011 *16% of residents of Elgin St. Thomas were living in low income *20% of children under the age of 18 *10% of seniors Elgin St. Thomas: • 17% had less than a high school diploma •30% had only a high school diploma *Women were more likely than men to have a higher level of education Fig. 2.5- Highest level of education (aged 25 to 64 years), Elgin St. Thomas and Ontario, 2011. Source: National Household Survey, 2011 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.€ir, 5.0 10.0% 5.0% 0.0{r LJ College; University Apprentice certificate; No CEGEP car High school ship car diploma or certificate; other Y1 Cl i1 Bachelor's diploma or trades degree diploma car University degree equivalent certificate above d��r�� certificate ordiplorr�a bachelor level _ ES PH 17.4"' 30.1% 10.1% 27.8% 7.8% 4.1% —ON 11.0% 24.3% 7.8% 23.6% 17.7% 11.2% Fig. 2.5- Highest level of education (aged 25 to 64 years), Elgin St. Thomas and Ontario, 2011. Source: National Household Survey, 2011 Fig. 2.13 -Proportion of Income Required for Rent and to Purchase Healthy Food, Elgin St. Thomas, 2014. Source: Nutritious Food Basket Data, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health It costs $833 to feed a family of four in Elgin St. Thomas for a month in order to meet their nutritional needs based on Canada's Food Guide. 120 1001/0 801/0 Qj SJ 60%- €i 40''a 20% ,Single Family Parent One One aPerson, � � Family of Single with 2 person, of Family Four, Parent Childre Ontario Old Four, of Full- with 2n, Part One Disahili Age IMedian Four, Time Childre Time Person, t Securit Income Ontario Minim n, Minim Ontario 5uppor y/Guar workst anteedIncome (after works uY7i Ontario Um tax) Wage Works Wage Progra Supple pple � Earner and m raj ent Ontar_. Income Needed for Rent 14% 46% 36% 39% 29% 39% 53' 42% Income Needed for Healthy Food : 12% 38% 30aa 32 )o 24°a 68% 23% 13% Fig. 2.13 -Proportion of Income Required for Rent and to Purchase Healthy Food, Elgin St. Thomas, 2014. Source: Nutritious Food Basket Data, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health It costs $833 to feed a family of four in Elgin St. Thomas for a month in order to meet their nutritional needs based on Canada's Food Guide. More people in Elgin St. Thomas smoke compared to the province and the peer health units Type of Smoker *21 % daily smokers *6.7% occasional smokers *29% were former smokers *43% never smoked 100% 90% 80% 70% rZ 60% 4- 50% 40% CL 30% 20% 0% t ESTPH PeerA ON Daily 21.1% 15.7% 13.5% —Occasional 6,7% 5,0% 5,0 Former 29.0% 32.5% 31.5% Never 433% 46.8% 50.0% Fig. 4.1 -Age-Standardized Proportion of the Population (aged 12+) by Smoking Status, Elgin St. Thomas, Ontario and Peer Group A, 2011- 2012. 011-2012. Source- CCHS 2011-2012 5*Oy use isrelatively common in Elgin St. Thomas ®47% a 45.0% 4*Dy \ point in the past 35.0% J*03 m — . . ................ . _ \ 2 3 » 7 5.0 20.0% \ § 15.0% Io.0 \ 5Jy M% 2009-2010 2011-2012 . ESTRH 44D% 46S% -41— PeerA 362% 373% ON 334% 352% E(HSCycle Yeas Fig. 4.14 Age-tndarZed Proportion O Marijuana Use Ever inthe Past(excludes One time use only{ Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group & and Ontario, 2009-2012. Source- CC H S 2009-2010, 2011-2012 Marijuana use isrelatively common in Elgin St. Thomas ®47% used it more than once at some point in the past ®27% used in the past year. n n Fig 4.25 Age -Standardized Proportion of the Population by Type of Drinker in the Past Year, Elgin St. Thomas, 2011-2012. Source: CCHS 2011-2012 a-/ / / ---R§ _ _ 22.7% in Elgin St. Thomas drank in 45.2% in Elgin St. Thomas drank in excess of the LRDG #] excess of the LRDG #2 Fig 4.28- Age-tndarZed Proportion O the Population who Exceeded the Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guideline #1, by Gender, Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2011-2012. Source- CC H S 2007-2012 30.0 : 6E0 : 25.0 \ 50.0 \ ; 2E0 \ ; 40.0 \ 9 # { 15.0 \ { 30.0 \ _ — 10.0 \ 2E0 \ 5.0 \ 10.0 \ . E0 \ E0 \ — - STPH Peer ON ESTPH Peer ON ■ vale :5.9 :E0 224 a Malo 55.8 52.4% 5$1% m Female 22.3% . 2£3« . I9.8 . m Gm@o 40,7 . 36,8% . aye 22.7% in Elgin St. Thomas drank in 45.2% in Elgin St. Thomas drank in excess of the LRDG #] excess of the LRDG #2 Fig 4.28- Age-tndarZed Proportion O the Population who Exceeded the Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guideline #1, by Gender, Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2011-2012. Source- CC H S 2007-2012 More than half of adults in Elgin St. Thomas had a Body Mass Index (BMI) above the normal weight range (38% overweight and 19% obese) -Similar to Ontario and peer health units 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% to rZ 0.0% 4- 20.0% .0.0% 0.0% ETPH PrA O Normal l 4 .6% 4&0% 49.2% Overweight . .6% 315% 33.4% an Obese 18.8% 183% 17.5% Fig. 4.46 Age -Standardized Proportion of Adults by BMI Category, Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2011-2012. Source: e 62.1 % of people in Elgin St. Thomas reported eating fewer than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis e Males were less likely than females *Low income group was less likely than upper income group 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% r W 40.0% U 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% ETP H PeerA ON Males 75.7% 66.9% 66.6% Females 49.1% 55A% 56D% Fig. Age -Standardized Proportion of the Population Eating less than 5 Servings of Fruits and Vegetables per Day, by Gender, Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2011-2012. Source- CCHS 2011-2012 64% of people spent more than 15 hours of free time a week on screen time -Men more than women -Oldest group (65+) had highest rates (70.5%) 0.0% 60.0 50.0% 440.0%M " 30.0% Qj 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2007-2008 2011-2012 E TPH 50.8% 643 PeerA 55.1% 64.6" ON 53.1% 6 .6% CCHS Cycle Years Fig 4.60 Age -Standardized Proportion of Respondents Spending 15+ hours per week on Screen Time, Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2007-2012. Source- CCHS 2007-2008, 2011-2012 •Elgin St. Thomas had higher rates of emergency department visits due to all unintentional injuries than Ontario. •Rates of hospitalization were also higher than Ontario for: •Sports and recreation •ATV -related, •Falls •Motor vehicle collisions. •Similar rates of all intentional injuries Three Year Average Age -Standardized Emergency Department (ED) Visits and Hospitalization, Elgin St. Thomas and Ontario, 2010-2012 a1 1 ITI, Sports and Recreation 1,841.4§ 61.8§ ATV -related 113.8§ 15.9§ Burns 207.9§ 8.7 Poisoning 226.9§ 28.6 Cycling 251.1§ 12.7 Animal Bites 299.9§ 4.5 Falls 3,845.4§ 279.2§ r Vehicle Collisions (MVC) 840.3§ 79.3§ €€ Assault and Abuse 322.4 17.9 Self-Harm/Suicide 102.1 43.7 Three Year Average Age -Standardized Emergency Department (ED) Visits and Hospitalization, Elgin St. Thomas and Ontario, 2010-2012 _I.S .D Visif Fig 5.12 and 5.15 Age -Specific Rates of ED Visits and Hospitalization due to Falls, by Age Group, Elgin St. Thomas, 2007-2012 combined. Source: IntelliHEALTH 2007-2012 • ESTPH had significantly higher rates of ED visits due to falls than Ontario. • Hospitalizations were not significantly different • Elgin St. Thomas had a 30% increase in hospitalizations due to falls between 2007 and 2012. - regnanca_ - _ _ 40.0 25.0 35.0 Ln 20.0 - - - - - - �r - ,ti 5a 77 15.0 2a.a - CU : 15.0 CD 10.0 C 10.0 C) 5.a C riri 0.0 5.0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 ESTPH 33.7 32.6 34.5 30.3 28.8 24.4 31.0 27.9 24.8 PeerA 13.9 14.4 14.2 15.1 15.8 15.4 14.9 13.9 12.8 ®0N 31.7 30.0 24.3 29.5 30.1 24.5 28.3 26.1 24.4 Teen Pregnancy Rates (per 1,000 women aged 15-19) and Teen Therapeutic Abortion Rates (aged 15-19), Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2003-2011 *Rates of teen pregnancy in ESTPH were similar to ON and decreased over time *More than 40% of teen pregnancies in ESTPH were in 19 year olds *Rates therapeutic abortion were much lower than ON and peers 25.0 20.0 - - - - - - - - ,ti 77 15.0 - CU : 10.0 C) C 5.0 0.0 Cr 2003 2004 2005 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 '2011 ESTPH. 123 75 120 11.6 9.6 89 11.1 110. 107 PeerA 17.5 16.2 15.4 15.4 15.9 16.0 15.7 14.1 14.2 ON 19.4 s 17.8 i 17.2 i 17.6 s 17.9 s 17.5 s 16.6 15.0 i 14.1 Teen Pregnancy Rates (per 1,000 women aged 15-19) and Teen Therapeutic Abortion Rates (aged 15-19), Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2003-2011 *Rates of teen pregnancy in ESTPH were similar to ON and decreased over time *More than 40% of teen pregnancies in ESTPH were in 19 year olds *Rates therapeutic abortion were much lower than ON and peers Fig .6.7 Teen Live Birth Rate (aged 15-19), Elgin St. Thomas, Peer Group A and Ontario, 2003-2011. Source: Inpatient Discharges, IntelliHEALTH, 2014 0. Ln 25.0 to 20.0 E x.5,0 � 1000 5.0 rzCr_ 0.0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 . ES PH . .. 24.9 22.E 18.E 19.2 15 20.0 16.8 14.1 PerA 13.9 14.4 14.2 15.1 15.8 15.4 14.9 13.9 12.E ON 12.E 12.2 12.1 12.1 12.2 12.1 11.6 11.1 10,2 *Rates of births to teen moms in ESTPH decreased between 2003 and 2011. *The birth rate in ESPTH before 2011 was significantly higher than Ontario or the peer health units; by 2011, it was no longer different. •2,876 students in Elgin St. Thomas were screened in 2013-2014 •Schools requiring high screening intensity decreased over time •from 63% in 2010-2011 down to 23% in 2013- 2014. •Fewer students in Grade 2 had two or more decayed teeth at the time of screening Fig. 7.2 Number of Schools in Elgin St. Thomas, by Level of Oral Health Screening Intensity, 2010-2014 Source: ESTPH Oral Health Database Fig. 8.1 -Top 10 Most Common Reportable Diseases, by Gender, Elgin St. Thomas, 2005-2013 combined. Source: (PHIS 2014 Fig. 10.1 Most Common Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Elgin St. Thomas, 2005-2013 Combined. Source: iPHIS 2014 Questions? Thank you! \Wn Coun-y Cou ri )UQ@ /132//1\ Elgin Clean Water Program E es- wev-Hgam_gg egg g _ __megg _ _g _= Point g= _ g __ g �g =_ g __ _ _ g ty = = _)Vogv = = = g g g g _Drovia a eS, g g _ ge C, eS, S, a ry _t eg g_ I xp_ _ _ g_ _ _ g_ g _ g _ g g _ __ g _ __ g __ g g_� g _ g grn _ g__ g g ge,,% t a -g Elgin Clean Water Program gg__ g g _ g a _ g—__ _ g g_ gow,ri _) g__� g T. _-- - be char T. s _ __g-= _ __g gg _gam__ _g_gg _g _gggg _ === ___ g g__ _s Co,'%%eCteD _ e c,%IUoDtEoII_Ioar a Elgin County's livelihood is linked to lake Erie ....but lake Erie is under stress Program Process 1. Landowner contacts local CA staff 2. Site Visit with CA staff 3. Landowner completes application form, obtain quotes for work 4. Review v Committee invoices5. Complete project, pay d e Categories «caz==�_�� «eaa 50 to max $ 5500 «caz==�_�� «» © 50 to max %4:000 «coxa=�_�� «4 aaa 50 \o max $3,000 / W%k Progress to Date have been uce 2n' 2. 6n_lete) g �_ g ECWP-ls Successes V 0aKes-43 __ U-1 Is e Support_ _ _ eem s _ - _ _ _ _ a e D- -ec- diversify an =_ eces env =WS =_ul Completed Projects Completed Projects Completed Projects Completed Projects Completed Projects landowner Testimonials have wanted to build this projectillor- have owned is j years) but could never qfIjilordi until ECWVP comealong! Overallwe are ver ver= c- have _ done this without the he 3 9 1 have more deer, _ other wI _ hie attracted to t ponds!he Ourj-amilies loveto - explore the valley _- ; n commentsw ., h arealooks! membershiph Club has had an overwhelming positive opinion oy , the improvements to this area, 7016 project will provide excellent erosion _ urs arm. structures installed should reduce theseoop ect Productive land area loss was minimal. The Continued Interest totalling0 21 project applications already submitted for 2015 $60,,000 in grant 512 0, CX 0` SF80,000 ,60,0 0' 1 Project Funding X012 z J.J RBS gee?« un n f'- lv MAR 2015 Project Funding umext Steps ©)/ \ ) g r 7 ) )) } \)) �)) © Acilve-rlise anal ) / mote ( g/ ( F\g\.- : / 1 �- . -�--§ -- ! * \;) c a) ) \ ) ) -rull ) ) � �~WIX ! . EER Questions? REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF June 23, 2015 Staff Reports —(ATTACHED) Deputy Director of Engineering Services — Tender for Bradley Creek Culvert Replacement on John Street South in Aylmer (Contract No. 6290-14-02) Deputy Director of Engineering Services — Award of Tender for Players Bridge Hill (County Road 45) Storm Sewer Rehabilitation (Contract No. 6200-15-01) Deputy Director of Engineering Services — Approval to Award Tender/Traffic Signal Replacement and Intersection Control Beacon Installation Director of Community and Cultural Services — 2015-16 Ontario Library Capacity Fund Grant Director of Homes and Seniors Services — Homes - Medical Director Agreement - Terrace Lodge Director of Homes and Seniors Services — Homes - Policy Manual Review and Revisions - Nursing Sections H - M Director of Homes and Seniors Services — Homes - Policy Manual Review and Revisions - Maintenance Director of Homes and Seniors Services — Homes - Multi -Sector Service Accountability Agreement - Schedule G - Form of Compliance Declaration Director of Financial Services — May Budget Performance Director of Financial Services — Capping and Claw -back Director of Financial Services — 2014 Annual Report Chief Administrative Officer — Results of Council Survey for Visioning Session (2015 — 2018) .E REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Deputy Director of Engineering Services Mike Hoogstra, Purchasing Coordinator DATE: June 8, 2015 SUBJECT: Tender for Bradley Creek Culvert Replacement on John Street South in Aylmer (Contract No. 6290-14-02) INTRODUCTION: As part of the approved 2015 Capital Budget, a tender was advertised and issued as per the County's Procurement Policy for the replacement of the Bradley Creek Culvert on John Street South (County Road 73) in Aylmer. DISCUSSION: A total of eighteen (18) general contractors downloaded / picked up documents for this project. One (1) contractor submitted a bid for this Tender; the bid price was as follows: Company Bid Price (exclusive of taxes) Murray Mills Excavating & Trucking (Sarnia) Ltd. $624,174.00 The bid submitted exceeds the approved budget for this project. The County's consultant (Cyril J. Demeyere Limited) estimated the project to be valued at approximately $450,000. Staff assumes that the construction schedule which coincided with the Town's water line project in the vicinity may have inflated pricing and deterred bidders. Staff recommends that the bid not be accepted and that the project be re - tendered for construction next year. Staff also recommends re -issuing the tender later this year for construction during the summer of 2016 to permit contractors the opportunity to schedule the work and encourage competitive bidding. CONCLUSION: A tender was issued for the replacement of the Bradley Creek Culvert in Aylmer in accordance with the County's Purchasing Policy. Only one bid was received and the submitted price exceeded the approved budget and engineer's estimate. Staff therefore recommends re -issuing the tender later this year for construction during the summer of 2016 to afford bidders the opportunity to schedule the work and to encourage competitive bidding. 61 RECOMMENDATION: THAT Contract No. 6290-14-02 for the Bradley Creek Culvert Replacement is re -issued in the fall of 2015. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Peter Dutchak Deputy Director of Engineering Services Mike Hoogstra Purchasing Coordinator Clayton Watters Director of Engineering Services W Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Deputy Director of Engineering Services Mike Hoogstra, Purchasing Coordinator DATE: June 12, 2015 SUBJECT: Award of Tender for Players Bridge Hill (County Road 45) Storm Sewer Rehabilitation (Contract No. 6200-15-01) INTRODUCTION: As part of the approved 2015 Capital Budget, a tender was advertised and issued as per the County's Procurement Policy for the Players Bridge Hill Storm Sewer Rehabilitation contract on County Road 45 in the Municipality of Central Elgin. DISCUSSION: A total of ten (10) general contractors downloaded / picked up documents for this project. Four (4) contractors submitted bids for this tender; bids were received as follows: Company Bid Price (exclusive of taxes) Gary D. Robinson Contracting Ltd. $453,765.00 All Season Excavating $499,552.50* Murray Mills Excavating & Trucking (Sarnia) Ltd. $556,843.00 R. Russell Construction $578,938.60 * corrected amount Gary D. Robinson Contracting Ltd. submitted the lowest compliant bid for the project. The total price for the supply of all labour, equipment and materials for the Rehabilitation of the Storm Sewers on Players Bridge Hill (County Road 45) is $453,765.00, exclusive of HST. The lowest bid is within budget estimates. CONCLUSION: Staff are pleased with the results of the tender and the recommended Contractor has completed many projects for the County in the past. Work on this project is expected to begin in July with completion scheduled for the end of September. As per the County of Elgin's Purchasing Policy, if change orders are required and the cost increases above the tender amount approved by Council by less than 10%, and the amount is within the overall budgeted project amount, work will proceed upon authorization by the Director. However, if the cost increases above the tender amount approved by Council by more than 10%, the Director will prepare a further report to Council outlining the expenditures. 63 RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT Gary D. Robinson Contracting Ltd. be selected for the Players Bridge Hill (County Road 45) Storm Sewer Rehabilitation Tender, Contract No. 6200-15-01 at a total price of $453,765.00 exclusive of H.S.T.; and, THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the contract. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Peter Dutchak Deputy Director of Engineering Services Mike Hoogstra Purchasing Coordinator Clayton Watters Director of Engineering Services MI Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer m/1 N REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Deputy Director of Engineering Services Mike Hoogstra, Purchasing Coordinator DATE: June 17, 2015 SUBJECT: Approval to Award Tender— Traffic Signal Replacement and Intersection Control Beacon Installation INTRODUCTION: Staff has issued a tender, per the County's purchasing policy, to accelerate a project timeline that forms part of the capital budget. This report is requesting permission for staff to award one tender prior to the July 28, 2015 Council Meeting in an effort to expedite the project. The tender will be awarded following the County's Purchasing Policy. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: One tender has been issued for the replacement of the Traffic Signal infrastructure located at Sunset Road and John Wise Line and for the installation of a new Intersection Control Beacon at the Ron McNeil Line and Dalewood Road, both of which are included in the approved capital budget. The tender is scheduled to close in early July and the next Council meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2015. The traffic signal equipment requires twelve (12) weeks to be delivered, therefore, time is of the essence to award the tender so materials can be ordered. In order to expedite the project, staff is requesting permission to award this tender, if the lowest tender is selected and within budget allocations. Results will be reported to County Council at the July 28, 2015 meeting. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT staff award the tender according to the County's Purchasing Policy and within budget allocations for the following two projects: (a) Traffic Signal Replacement (Sunset Road and John Wise Line) —Contract No. 6290- 15-05 (b) Intersection Control Beacon (Ron McNeil Line and Dalewood Road) — Contract No. 6290-15-04; and, THAT staff report back to Council with the results at the July 28, 2015 Council meeting. All of which is Respectfully Submitted, Peter Dutchak Deputy Director of Engineering Services Mike Hoogstra Purchasing Coordinator 65 Approved for Submission, Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer E�, REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Brian Masschaele, Director of Community and Cultural Services DATE: June 8, 2015 SUBJECT: 2015-16 Ontario Library Capacity Fund Grant INTRODUCTION: Staff were recently informed that the Elgin County Library will receive a provincial grant of $13,824 through the Ontario Library Capacity Fund. This report recommends that the funding be accepted and outlines eligible expenses. DISCUSSION: The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport recently notified staff that the Elgin County Library will receive a grant of $13,824 from the 2015-16 Ontario Libraries Capacity Fund. Eligible expenses under this fund are geared towards supporting information technology and service capacity improvements, including the following: • Hardware/software to improve user services and access • Library staff development for improved IT, program and service capacity • Collection development (e.g. e -books) • Website development • Integrated Library System (catalogue) improvements or consortium expansion • Increased wireless access • Faster Internet connections Funds are to be expended by March 25, 2016 and there is no matching requirement. Council will recall that the library received $16,558 under this program earlier in 2015 and plans are now unfolding to improve wireless access in the branches. 2015-16 funds may be used for the library's migration to a new catalogue system, to purchase technology and equipment for "makerspaces" in the branches, and to support on-line databases in light of an imminent reduction of provincial funding for these databases. A report on this matter is forthcoming. CONCLUSION: This funding is greatly appreciated to help sustain and enhance the library's IT network for the benefit of library patrons. Staff recommend that the Warden on behalf of Council issue a letter of appreciation to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport to acknowledge these funds. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT Warden and CAO enter into a funding agreement with the Province of Ontario in the amount of $13,824 under the Ontario Library Capacity Fund and that a project be established in the 2015 and 2016 budgets of the Elgin County Library according to the terms of the agreement; and, THAT the Warden on behalf of Council issue a letter of appreciation to the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Brian Masschaele Director of Community and Cultural Services 67 Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rhonda L. Duffy, Director of Homes and Seniors Services DATE: June 5, 2015 SUBJECT: Homes -Medical Director Agreement—Terrace Lodge INTRODUCTION: The Medical Director agreement for Terrace Lodge expired May 2015. As per Council direction, staff has negotiated terms of a new agreement effective June 1, 2015. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: On January 12, 2015, Council directed staff to engage in negotiations with the current Homes' Medical Directors for a 3 -year term, with an option for 2 -year renewal. Agreements were reached for Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor and an agreement has now been reached for Terrace Lodge with Dr. Michael Toth. The Terrace Lodge agreement mirrors that of Elgin Manor and Bobier Villa with one minor content change. An additional provision, which was carried over from the previous Terrace Lodge agreement, provides for coverage of Medical Director Services to Bobier Villa and/or Elgin Manor should the situation arise. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council authorize staff to sign the 3 -year agreement from June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2018 with Dr. Michael Toth for the provision of Medical Director Services to Terrace Lodge. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rhonda L. Duffy Mark G. McDonald Director of Homes and Seniors Services Chief Administrative Officer r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rhonda L. Duffy, Director of Homes and Seniors Services DATE: June 5, 2015 SUBJECT: Homes -Policy Manual Review and Revisions- Nursing Sections H -M INTRODUCTION: Departmental policy and procedure manuals ensure consistency and quality in the services provided by Elgin County Homes and Seniors Services, ensure inclusion of Best Practice Guidelines and align with the Long Term Care Homes Act, 2007. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The Homes' Policy Manual for Nursing Sections H -M have been reviewed and revised as required. Policy updates include practices related to hydration, Intravenous Therapy, continence products, medication administration and medical directives for each County Home. The above noted policy manual sections may be reviewed upon request through the Clerks' office and through the County Website at: http://www.elgincounty.ca/seniors- services/our-team/em ployee-portal-0. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approve the County of Elgin Homes and Seniors Services Policy Manual review and revisions for Nursing Sections H -M effective June 23, 2015. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rhonda L. Duffy Mark G. McDonald Director of Homes and Seniors Services Chief Administrative Officer r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rhonda L. Duffy, Director of Homes and Seniors Services DATE: June 5, 2015 SUBJECT: Homes -Policy Manual Review and Revisions- Maintenance INTRODUCTION: Departmental policy and procedure manuals ensure consistency and quality in the services provided by Elgin County Homes and Seniors Services, ensure inclusion of Best Practice Guidelines, health and safety requirements and align with the Long Term Care Homes Act, 2007. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The Homes' Policy Manual for Maintenance has been reviewed and revised as required. The revisions ensure inclusion of current practices related to preventative and routine maintenance, work order processing, emergency procedures in the event of loss of essential services, etc. The above noted policy manual sections may be reviewed upon request through the Clerks' office and through the Elgin County Website at: http://www.elgincounty.ca/ seniors-services/our-team/employee-portal-0. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approve the County of Elgin Homes and Seniors Services Policy Manual Review and Revisions for Maintenance effective June 23, 2015. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rhonda L. Duffy Mark G. McDonald Director of Homes and Seniors Services Chief Administrative Officer 70 r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rhonda L. Duffy, Director of Homes and Seniors Services DATE: June 4, 2015 SUBJECT: Homes — Multi -Sector Service Accountability Agreement -Schedule G — Form of Compliance Declaration INTRODUCTION: The Corporation of the County of Elgin has a current Multi -Sector Service Accountability Agreement (M -SAA) in place with the South West Local Health Integration Network (SWLHIN). The SWLHIN requires the submission of a signed annual Declaration of Compliance — Schedule G. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The Local Health System Integration Act, 2006 requires that the SWLHIN and Health Service Providers (HSP) enter into a service accountability agreement referred to as the M -SAA. The service accountability agreement supports a collaborative relationship between the SWLHIN and the HSP. This collaborative relationship focuses on improving the health of Ontarians through better access to high quality health services, to co-ordinate health care in local systems and to manage the health system at the local level effectively and efficiently. The M -SAA process requires submission of an annual Declaration of Compliance - Schedule G. To the best of staffs' knowledge, the St. Thomas -Elgin Adult Day Program has complied with the requirements of the M -SAA. RECOMMENDATION: THAT staff be directed to sign the 2014 — 2015 Multi -Sector Service Accountability Agreement Declaration of Compliance — Schedule G. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rhonda L. Duffy Mark G. McDonald Director of Homes and Seniors Services Chief Administrative Officer 71 DECLARATION COMPLIANCE Issued pursuant to the M -SAA effective April 1, 2014 To: The Board of Directors of the South West Local Health Integration Network (the "LHIN"). Attn: Board Chair. From: The Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Corporation of the County of Elgin (the "HSP") Date: June 4, 2015 Re: April 1, 2014 — March 31, 2015 (the "Applicable Period") Unless otherwise defined in this declaration, capitalized terms have the same meaning as set out in the M -SAA between the LHIN and the HSP effective April 1, 2014. The Board has authorized me, by resolution dated June 23, 2015, to declare to you as follows: After making inquiries of the Adult Day Program Coordinator, Dawn Burridge and other appropriate officers of the HSP and subject to any exceptions identified on Appendix 1 to this Declaration of Compliance, to the best of the Board's knowledge and belief, the HSP has fulfilled, its obligations under the service accountability agreement (the "M -SAA") in effect during the Applicable Period. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the HSP has complied with: (i) Article 4.8 of the M -SAA concerning applicable procurement practices; (ii) The Local Health System Integration Act, 2006; and (iii) The Public Sector Compensation Restraint to Protect Public Services Act, 2090. Rhonda Duffy, Director of Homes and Senior Services 72 m urrn lef, ,Ir ,, r?` i P1 ,1, *M.,0 �Y, xy;,tiR REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh, Director of Financial Services DATE: June 16, 2015 SUBJECT: May Budget Performance INTRODUCTION: Attached is the budget comparison for May 2015 for the County with favourable performance for the month of $113,000 bringing the year-to-date to $298,000 favourable. DISCUSSION: Highlights of the May budget performance as shown on the attachment are as follows: Line 17 — Engineering Services: $85,000 favourable performance predominately due to moving permits. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "May Budget Performance" dated June 16, 2015 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jim Bundschuh Mark G. McDonald Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative Officer 73 N M V LOQ 0� 00 O 0 � N CO V LO (D 1— 00 O N N N CO N N LO N N N gm O (A V a0 (9 (9 (9 Lo T V N f- M LOCO V LC) O (9 O CO O N (0 co CO tb C0- V (D co — a0 N O LO (0 = M I* L 0 - r _ LO V N N � L(- L M co r r r r a O I— LC) N V LC) O O CO 1— O N = LC) = V O (o O (D (D 00 N 00 O (D 00 00 N LC) N 00 I— O 00 LC) LC) V LC) LC) (D O 4-0 V ' 00 ' M LC) O M 1— CO N_ I-- N CO CO CO ' (h LC) O (b (9 O O 00 N C6 CO- O N O I� LC) I� (A V LC) I� 00 CO co 0) N ('� V V CO O N CO V (D N (D z CO 4-j N 4% 1— LC) i M V LC) (A (A 00 N V (C) (C) LC) LC) (A V c7 O N N 00 (A LC) N v 00 (A 00 1— N 00 O LC) O O V N CO CO I-- (D I-- N N CO = 00 N LC) 00 (D V N N LO (D L ++ O 00 O (A O V N O O 00 N Q O 00 (h N CO V V LC) N T CO LC) I --V LO 00 M ~ U x M M i 00 i (D O L07 L07 V 00 LC) V C) (D ui (b 00 (D LC) 00 (b C) 00 00 00 (b V O O 0) O 1f) (D (A (D 00 V N (D N V V O (D N CO IT N 00 M M O N LC) O O 0 0 O 0 0 LO 1— O CO (A O (A O (D (A O O (C) I-- N LC) LC) (A V CO 00 00 LC) 00 LC) V (A (A O 00 O Cl) L 4a ' (D ' ('7 (A N (C V = CO (D � CO O LC) (h 00 V ' O LO O LOQ I-- (D N � V O C7 N C7 (9 C7 00 f. f. z r (h 00 O `-' (h O O Cl) N a (V LC) (A L07 V O O i (D O O = N I-- LC) (D V LC) CO N ('7 (A N I N r (h 00 O O LC) 00 f- CO (A 00 N LC) N V N LC) I-- V CO 00 (D O (b p M ' O O O = N O V N_ N N V LC) (3) LC) V I-- ' I* 00 V C7 (A C7 N O O � 00 O 00 G (9 N (A (9 C6 V ('7 1n O N O O O (c) O 'I LC) N = V (D O O 00 00 � O (D N Cl) z O V M `-' M 0 N N= V N N= 00 N� `-' N V r I- LO LO N Cl) LC) (A V O i r O O (9 V L07 O O (9 ('7 L07 V L07 (h 00 ' O ' 00 M (h (3) (b 00 (A V (A N V (b V 1— (h 1— ' 1 = (A C7 O C7 N O r V � N_ N 00 CO C7 = (9 LC) 1— G V LC) 00 V LC) 1— V V O (D 00 (A = V O (D V LO 00 co O �.+ O O (D O LC) N N 00 (D V O 00 V O 00 00 O (C) LO :.j N O V (h (h r N N N V (D (D (A CO CO 00 LOQ r M r 00 C7 00 O QQ x r r W 1n LC) O i f� (D CO O V ui) M O L07 O COC7 N LC) O (A C) O O (b LO 1!) = CO7 O LO 0 (� C7 LC) V (A (9 4 L r N O O ('7 ('7 00 (A CO CO I* 00 O (9 (D V ('7 `-' LOQ I O N O � LL W U Cl) Cl) Cl) 0 W Q of Cl) � W U U 06 +� O O z Cl) O > } = z U Z w O z � Cl) CO Co LUz 06 � w� U> � U � 0� O w Z Q O +�+ W O Co w< U w U m> w= W w w W w W W W U O w � z� w U z> U w>4-0 W Q O Z U>> w O W co W= U> W O co 06 W ami Cl) M _> �_ w R o p o w z U Z a Cl) 0 Q J w Of Q Q LU Q 0 U w Z Of O co to ++ J= J w W U U W D z Q W a W U O Z U z Z 0 Z Cl) W O W 0 a) O ALU J z H 0- Q—) — Z Q W Cl) Q > J D Z O V O X W U Q Q z 0� 0 rOf Q � O of 0 0 J m O Q z O W of W of Z of 0 p z_ o O z O m_ z of O U 0 0 U = Q H z Cl) S U' Of (Z O m H >Q > Q E= Q U W S J— 0- U Q W H H N M V LOQ 0� 00 O 0 � N CO V LO (D 1— 00 O N N N CO N N LO N N N gm r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh, Director of Financial Services DATE: June 11, 2015 SUBJECT: Capping and Claw -back INTRODUCTION: Each year Council has the opportunity to review its current tax policy. The current policy includes a Current Value Assessment (CVA) threshold for protected (increasing) properties at $250, as well as a $250 threshold for claw -back (decreasing) properties. DISCUSSION: When CVA assessment was introduced in 1998, the goal was to have fair taxation in which properties of equal value would pay equal taxes. This new system created an outcry amongst property owners that had previously enjoyed relatively lower taxes in comparison to their neighbours. Despite the fact that this new system was ultimately fairer than the prior system, the significant increase in taxes for some properties caused by the transition was a concern. As a result, the province introduced a capping/claw- back program to soften the blow. Under the capping program, properties owners that previously were paying taxes lower than their property's CVA taxes had their tax increases capped to a manageable increase. Since the capping/claw-back program is revenue neutral, those properties that had been paying taxes below their CVA tax level bear the cost of the capping program through claw -backs. These properties are enjoying reductions in their taxes, but not to the full extent due to this claw -back feature of the program. The workload of the program becomes less each year, however it is still a significant workload issue for the local treasurers. The numbers of capped and clawed -back properties has reduced from 153 properties in 2014 to 100 properties in 2015. The province introduced some optional mechanisms into the program to help reduce the workload. The county has previously implemented the optional tools to their full extent. These tools include excluding properties from the program if they crossed over from capped to clawed -back, or vice versa. Once a property is at CVA tax, they will stay at CVA tax. The county also selected the option that would exclude properties from the capping program if the amount of the cap was below $250. Also selected is the option that would exclude properties from a claw -back if the amount of the claw -back was below $250. The local treasurers were polled regarding the capping options and all agree that the following options should be retained: a) Set the annualized tax limit increase to a maximum of 10%; and 75 b) Set an upper limit on annual increases at the greater of the amount calculated under a) and up to 5% of the previous year's annualized CVA tax; and c) Establish a capping adjustment threshold of up to $250 for increasing properties, decreasing properties or both, whereby no capping/claw-back adjustments less than the threshold amount would be applied; and d) Exclude properties that were at CVA tax in the previous year from the capping and claw -back calculation in the current year; and e) Exclude properties that would move from being capped in the previous year to be clawed back in the current year or from being clawed back in the previous year to be capped in the current year as a result of the changes to the CVA tax. CONCLUSION: The previously selected capping options are beneficial for reducing the number of properties in the capping program and should be retained. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT County tax policy set the annualized tax limit increase at 10%; the prior years current value assessment (CVA) tax limit increase at 5%; the CVA threshold for protected (increasing) properties at $250; the CVA threshold for clawed -back (decreasing) properties at $250; exclude properties that were at CVA tax in the previous year from the capping and claw -back calculation in the current year; and exclude properties that would move from being capped in the previous year to be clawed back in the current year or from being clawed back in the previous year to be capped in the current year as a result of the changes to the CVA tax; and, THAT the necessary by-laws be adopted. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jim Bundschuh Mark G. McDonald Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative Officer 76 r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh, Director of Financial Services DATE: June 8, 2015 SUBJECT: 2014 Annual Report INTRODUCTION: The attached draft 2014 Annual Report is a document that allows Council to communicate the state of the Corporation to the residents of Elgin County. It speaks to the achievements, the financial results and performance measures for 2014. DISCUSSION: The Financial Information Return (FIR) is provincially mandated reporting documents in a standardized format required to be reported to the province and published for the public. The intent of the Annual Report is to make the information from the FIR easy to understand through the use of charts and explanations. The Annual Report and FIR are to be published on the County's website for access by the public. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT the report titled "2014 Annual Report" dated June 8, 2015 be received and filed; and, THAT the 2014 Annual Report and Financial Information Return (FIR) be approved for publication. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jim Bundschuh Mark G. McDonald Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative Officer 77 a00Fill, 2 0 4 , N N (J A I III �° III n�u Ilf III n III III of Caii° iii t eii° iii ts Message from the Warden (2014)..................................................................... 3 2014 Awards and Achievements....................................................................... 5 2014 Budget.............................................................................................. 7 2014 Financial Results.................................................................................. 10 Revenues and Costs.............................................................................. 10 Municipal Position............................................................................... 13 Municipal Performance Measures Program........................................................... 16 Cover: Alternative forms of transportation in Elgin County. County Council has further promoted cycling with its Cycling Master Plan launched in 2014. Above: Trillium Grant award ceremony for youth employment counselling program with Elgin County Warden (2014) David Marron d MPP Jeff Yurek. 1vIJv1, ALJAL R 11., ORT' 2 On behalf of Elgin County Council and staff, we are pleased to provide you with the Annual Report for the year ending in December 31, 2014. The County of Elgin is comprised of seven partner municipalities and spans an area of 186,000 hectares. Strategically located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Elgin's diverse economic base includes agribusiness, manufacturing, and a myriad of creative industries. Idyllic rural landscapes, charming towns and villages and the best sandy beaches on Lake Erie's north shore draw thousands of tourists to the area each summer. The County government is committed to services for its 50,000 residents and provides a broad range of services that include: maintenance of County roads and bridges, three long-term care homes, ten library branches, an extensive archival collection, economic development services, tourism promotion and a museum that preserves Elgin's rich cultural heritage. Elgin County recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of its economy and its partnership with the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC) remains strong. The County - funded EBRC offices in Aylmer and Dutton continue to provide a steady influx of new and existing businesses with counselling, access to loans and other support services to help them grow and thrive in a competitive world. Additionally, Elgin completed two Business Retention and Expansion surveys for the County's tourism and manufacturing sectors designed to improve communications and foster deeper relationships with the local business community. Youth are the building blocks of a sustainable future for Elgin County and in 2014 the Elgin County Library, in conjunction with Employment Services Elgin, implemented a youth employment counselling program at Elgin's ten library branches. The goal of this program is to provide youth with the assistance they need to obtain rewarding employment and ultimately to retain them in the community. 2014 Elgin County Warden — David Marr Elgin County remains committed to keeping its infrastructure in top condition for residents. In 2014, the County completed several improvement projects including extensive renovations to the Port Stanley Library and upgrades to its three long term care homes. Most notable was Elgin County Council's commitment to construct a new Terrace Lodge building for residents. Shoreline erosion is a major issue and Elgin County was pleased to be the recipient of provincial funding that will enable the relocation of a portion of Dexter Line (County Rd. 24) making it a viable transportation route for residents and visitors for years to come. The Elgin County Library sought to be at the forefront of technological innovation with the planning of a Maker Space for the Aylmer Library. This maker space will open in 2015 and will provide the public with access to a variety of technologies including a 3D printer. Council and Staff are proud to be part of such an innovative and progressive community. In 2015, we look forward to strengthening existing partnerships, forming new ones and continuing to develop programs and services to meet the needs of Elgin citizens making Elgin a great place to live, work and raise a family. David Marr 2014 Elgin County Warden March Break — Craig the Science Guy Event at the Aylmer Old Town Hall 1v11v1 J k I S I L, 0R' F 4 (V�'��. AAJC I��"ds 'j I�"'I� d��w,� I� III .` . I��li' I�"'I�o In 2014 Council and staff continued to reach for new levels of achievement and innovation, remaining committed to the mind -set of Progressive by Nature. The County forged new partnerships, committed to new facilities, launched new programs and maintained support for new jobs. The details of the achievements are as follows: A grand re -opening celebration of the Port Stanley Library was held in June 2014 after the completion of extensive renovations that lasted several months. The end -result is a vastly improved library space that is more accessible and visually appealing, while also providing better functional space to support staff activities. These improvements, along with the enhanced view of Port Stanley Harbour, have already been well received by library patrons. The Library launched a youth employment counselling service as a result of a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This project is having the intended impact of helping young people to find meaningful jobs. This feeds into the County's larger goal of retaining County youth who will then serve as the building block for future growth and sustainability. The Library gratefully accepted a $40,000 contribution from the estate of the late Dorothy Fay Palmer for the creation of a "makerspace" at the Aylmer Library. This includes the purchase of a 3D printer, video/music creation software as well as loanable Raspberry Pi computers. The makerspace will launch in 2015. Community and Cultural Services made several contributions to proceedings for the grand opening of the redeveloped Elgin County Courthouse, including laying a cornerstone in the building in partnership with the City of St. Thomas. The Elgin County Museum developed a permanent exhibit on the history of the courthouse and the Elgin County Archives contributed several historic photographs which are now re -represented on large panels in the building's atrium. Upgrades were made to the County Administration Building including the replacement of storm and sanitary sewers and the installation of LED lights resulting in energy savings. Council adopted a Cycling Master Plan to serve as a blueprint for future bikeway planning, design and implementation. In 2014, Elgin County achieved a Capital Budget surplus of $538,000. Elgin County's $2,000,000 bid in 2014 for funding from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund for the relocation of a portion of Dexter Line was approved in 2015. Several improvements were made to Elgin's three long-term care homes including a new nurse call and phone system at Bobier Villa, upgrades to the Building Automation System (BAS) at Bobier Villa, repairs to the main electrical feed at Elgin Manor and upgrades to washrooms and accessible sidewalks at Terrace Lodge. In 2014, Council committed to a new Terrace Lodge building for residents. Economic Development completed two Business Retention and Expansion surveys in the Tourism and Manufacturing sectors. These surveys are designed to improve communication with the business community and determine how best Economic Development can meet its needs. Elgin County maintained its commitment to entrepreneurs through business support at two satellite offices located in Aylmer and Dutton. In total 24 new businesses were started, 33 jobs were created and 162 jobs were maintained as a result of work done through these offices. The County of Elgin in partnership with the Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich and five private land owners came together to market 145 acres of industrial land adjacent to the 401 under the Dutton Business Park name. Elgin County was the recipient of two Economic Developers Council of Ontario awards: one for the Elgin County Economic Development Year in Review report and another for the Artastic Elgin event. 1\1 1\1 U A 1 I S I L, (:) R' F 6 1411''0',"14j Council's strategic vision has been to maintain service levels with an affordable tax increase. In order to achieve these objectives in the face of declining revenues in the form of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) and Ford property tax, council included in their vision the low to moderate use of reserves. In addition to the past revenue issues, 2014 also saw a decline in Federal Gas Tax funding as a result of a new allocation model. To further compound the challenges for the current year's budget, costs were projected to rise on a number of fronts as discussed below. However, Council's focus on efficiencies over the last few years enabled the county to absorb these impacts while maintaining the vision of an affordable tax increase. The levy increase of 4% translated into a tax rate decrease of 0.5% as a result of increased property assessment values. This resulted in an increase in county taxes on the average home of approximately $32 or 2.4%. An average cost home with no increase in assessment saw a $7 or 0.5% decrease in county taxes. In addition to service level improvements in 2013, further improvements were planned for 2014: 1. Anew ambulance base was opened in Dutton/Dunwich and ambulance response times in Bayham were improved. 2. Council's emphasis on economic development led to the opening of a second satellite office for the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC), located in Dutton to provide service to the western end of the County, complementing the service provided to the east out of the Aylmer office. 3. Council also supported the development of new library buildings in both Aylmer and Shedden with the offer of loans to the municipalities. The 2014 budget added costs for library staffing in anticipation of the larger branches. 4. Western Ontario Warden's broadband project added $25,000 to the budget. 5. The county continued its commitment to providing a $3.5 million grant to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital with a further $250,000 contribution bringing the contribution to date to $1.5 million. 6. A $2,500 grant to The Arts & Cookery Bank was added for 2014 to promote youth programming and will assist this tourism attraction in their goal of enhancing economic development in the west end of the county. The county roads received $8.1 million in 2014 capital budget funding, with a further $90 million for the next nine years. Prior to the provincial/federal funding announcement for the relocation of Dexter Line, Council was able to ensure the road remained open in the short term with a temporary relocation of the road away from the eroding shoreline. To ensure the road remains open for the long term, Council set aside $5 million as part of the ten-year capital plan to allow a full relocation of the road regardless of government infrastructure grants, $0.5 million of which was allocated for 2014. In addition, the 2014 budget included $75,000 funding for a shoreline erosion study. Significant road projects for 2014 included Road 44 ($1.8 million), Road 45 ($0.8 million), and Road 5 ($0.5 million). 8. The capital budget included $5 million for renovations at the Terrace Lodge long- term care facility Subsequently in the year, Council approved the development of architectural plans for an entirely new Terrace Lodge valued at $30 million. Funding for this new construction was now been approved in the 2015 budget. Cornerstone Laid at New Terrace Lodge in 1976 - Andrew Bruce, Colonel, the Honorable, the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, laid the cornerstone for the new Elgin County home for the aged at Aylmer Tuesday. From left are Springfield Reeve lack Hodgson, former chairman of the building committee of County Council, • Lord Elgin; M.A. Schafer, Elgin County Warden; and F.J. Boyes, administrator of Elgin Manor." 9. The capital budget also included $5 million for an addition to the administration building for museum, POA courts and council chambers. As an alternative to new POA court construction, Council initiated discussions with the province to share their newly renovated court facilities in St. Thomas. 10. Membership fee for SCOR of up to $30,000 had been reserved in the budget pending council's final decision regarding rejoining the organization. 1v11v1 U A 1 I S I L, 0R'1 8 Cost efficiencies ensured that these various service improvements were containable within the targeted levy increase. Council has lead staff in the delivery of $3 million in efficiencies over the last five years, with plans for further annual savings of $0.4 million annually in each of the next ten years. The 2013 surplus to budget of $1.9 million (split between tax write-offs and staff efficiencies being better than budget) together with $0.9 million of the achieved capital budget spending efficiencies contributed to offsetting the cost pressures to achieve the 4% levy increase target: a) The ambulance contract was tendered in 2013 resulting in a cost increase for the county for the base operation of $160,000. As well, the impact of start-up costs and provincial funding timing added a further $60,000 in costs. Together with the benefit of the Bayham trial hours now being included in the new base program and the added cost of cross-border billing, the net negative impact to the county in 2014 was $56,000. b) In anticipation of ongoing challenges by the County's labour partners, $175,000 was added to the 2014 budget for arbitration costs. c) Social services costs net of OMPF funding was budgeted for a $56,000 increase. d) Insurance costs, including the estimated impact of a higher deductible, added $80,000 annually. e) Federal gas tax revenue reduced by $75,000. All of these cost pressures would have added over 1% to the 4% levy increase target without the above noted efficiency offsets. As a result of the lost revenue from OMPF and Ford property tax, the county has been budgeting for cost greater than revenue for the last three years, using reserves to fund the shortfall. The gradual levy increases over this time frame have served to reduce this cost to revenue gap down to $1.7 million with the 2014 budget, and it is anticipated that the county will balance its budget by 2016 and then be able to begin rebuilding its reserves to its prior levels. Starting in 2021, tax increases will be reduced to inflationary levels. The $1,063,000 budget increase in levy resulted in a budgeted $1.5 million reduction in the municipal position and a corresponding reduction in reserves contained within the municipal position as a result of the previously discussed revenue losses. A primary purpose of reserves is to soften the impact of external shocks to the ratepayers. Given the impact of these revenue losses, the next two year period will require the use of reserves until measured increases in residential taxes bring net income back to a favourable position. Subsequently the municipal position will rise to $208 million representing a 1% increase per annum from the 2013 Municipal Position of $188 million. Although this rate of increase is below inflation, it is expected that efficiencies from new construction technologies (such as micro -surfacing) will allow the County's future municipal position to be lower in real terms without undermining the condition of its assets. 2 IIIIIIIIIIII"IIII Restf "' The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for local governments as recommended by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. The statements and related information are the responsibility of management and include the County's share of the financial activities of the Elgin -St. Thomas Board of Health. The Municipal Act, 2001 requires that the County appoint an independent auditor to express an opinion as to whether the financial statements present fairly the County's financial position and operating results. As part of the annual audit, the auditors will deliver a written report providing their opinion on the results of the financial statement audit. Revenues and Cbsts The consolidated statement of operations reports annual revenue and expenses for 2014 on a comparative basis to the prior year and the budget. The net of revenue and expenses is the change in economic resources available to the County and thereby results in a change in the accumulated surplus. Sources of Revenue (millions) User Charges Other Contributions $6.0 $3.6 9/ 6% Requisitia11b U1 Local Muncipalities $29.3 Transfer Payments $25.8 45 40 In 2014, the County received revenue of $64.8 million and incurred expenses of $63.6 million for a net gain of $1.2 million, an improvement of $0.7 million over the prior year. The vast majority of revenue is derived from property tax revenue and transfer payments from the provincial and federal governments. 1,41°4 l J A k. R [1!! 'r R'F 10 2012 was the first year that transfer payments were less than tax revenue, and now stands at 45% of revenue being derived from taxes and only 40% from transfer payments. Annual OMPF (Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund) payments have been reduced resulting in a cumulative loss of $3 million in OMPF transfer payments placing an increased burden on Elgin County rate payers. Spending by Cost Element (millions) External Transfers 4.6 7% Amortization Tax Write- offs/Rents/Other 1.3 2% Wages & Benefits 25.5 40 Contracted Services 16.5 26 Other �f//////111111111/gIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII��iiiiiii 'Homes ' »� ��llllllll11111110111��t111111111111111111111111 17.2 Of the total expenditures of $63.6 million, wages and benefits account for 40% of those expenditures, with two-thirds of these expenses occurring at the long-term care homes. Contracted services and materials combined account for a further 35% of cost with over half attributed to ambulance and roads -bridges. Sixteen percent of expenses are a result of amortization with this sector being dominated by roads -bridges with 80% of the amortization cost. External transfers are predominately to the City of St. Thomas for providing Social Services. In addition, Provincial Offences fines collected net of expenses flow through as transfers to the local municipalities. 11 ('DU1v1I"Y(D F L l°i A reduction of municipal position of $1.5 million was budgeted due to the funding losses from OMPF and Ford property tax. However, due to tight financial controls and other factors, Elgin more than offset these losses and achieved a net gain of $1.2 million providing performance to budget of $2.7 million. Significant performance to budget is as follows: Other Budget Performance (millions) Taxes $0.5 19% Homes Move Permits $0.4 $0.3 15 11% WSIB 0.5 19% Tax performance of $0.5 million is the result supplemental taxes and tax write-offs. Worker's Compensation (WSIB) delivered a further $0.5 million in favourable performance. Performance of $0.4 million in Homes was predominately favourable performance in wages and benefits in the County's Long -Term Care facilities. Moving permits were favourable by $0.3 million due to wind turbines being moved from their manufacturing facility east of the County to their installation location north-west of the County. The County's net gain of $1.2 million is comprised of net spend after revenue from transfers, user fees, fines and investment income of $28.1 million more than offset by property tax revenue of $29.3 million. The net spend of $28.1 million is broken out by services to the County's residents as outlined in the chart below: 1\1 1\1 JA1,, I SI I'DR]" 12 Net Spending by Service Category (millions) Transportation Services $10.3 36% Property Tax 7Government Related Costs$1.4 5%G Planning & Public Health Services Development $1.0 $1.1 4% 4% Assistance to Aged Persons $4.2 15% Social Services $2.8 10% Library & Cultura Ambulance Services Services $2.5 $2.9 9% 10% Transportation is the single largest net cost to Elgin County with 36% of expenditures. Assistance to Aged Persons, Social Services, Library, Ambulance and Public Health services combined account for almost half of the County's net expenditures. Expenditures of 11% are the result of general government and planning and development. It is important to note that general government includes the costs of information technology, finance and human resources departments required to support the above mentioned services being provided to Elgin's residents. It also includes a $0.25 million grant to the hospital redevelopment as part of $3.5 million ten-year commitment. The Property tax related costs are 5% comprised of Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAQ costs and tax write-offs. MPAC is a not-for-profit corporation whose main responsibility is to provide its customers - property owners, tenants, municipalities, government and business stakeholders - with consistent and accurate property assessments. Every municipality in Ontario is assessed its share of the cost of operating this corporation. PositionMunicipal The consolidated statement of financial position reports the County's financial and non- financial assets, liabilities and accumulated surplus as of December 31St, 2014 on a comparative basis. Financial assets are those assets on hand, which could provide resources to discharge liabilities to finance future operations. The difference between financial assets and liabilities, or net financial assets, is an indicator of Elgin County's 13 ('Dk. 1,4]"Y F I f l°i ability to finance future activities and to meet its liabilities and commitments. Non- financial assets represent economic resources that will be employed by the County to deliver programs and provide services in the future. The sum of financial assets and non- financial assets represents the accumulated surplus, or municipal equity/position of the County. By the end of 2014, the municipal position was $1.5 million below the 2010 level of $191 million, with the decline being funded out of reserves. A decline and the corresponding use of reserves was approved by Council to achieve affordable tax increases in the face of declining revenues in the form of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) and Ford property tax. Had it not been for favourable performance to budget of almost $8 million over the last four years, the actual decline in reserves would have been greater. Gradual and measured increases in property taxes planned by Council will result in the municipal position, represented by the green bars in the chart below, growing starting in 2017 and reaching $210 million by 2024. This represents an average annual increase of 0.7% over the 14 year period; however, assuming a 1.9% inflation rate, the 2024 ending municipal position represents a $38 million reduction in value in real terms as represented by the blue bars in the chart below. Municipal Position ($millions) ❑ Actual/Forecast Municipal Position 0 Shortfall to Inflation 240 220 200 O ri N M RT M W P% W M O ri N M RT ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri N N N N N O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N 1v1Jv1l J A k. R [1!! 0 R' 1" 14 Maintaining the municipal position in real terms is essential to maintain the integrity of the county's assets, such as roads and bridges. Despite the loss of municipal position in real terms, this will not lead to financial issues in the long-term. As a result of efficiencies in asset management, through new technologies such as micro surfacing, the county will be able to maintain its existing infrastructure at lower cost. Elgin County's municipal position is composed of both financial and non-financial assets. The financial assets of $5.9 million, up $0.9 million from the prior year, comprise 3% of the County's equity. These financial assets are approximately equal to one quarterly levy payment. These financial assets play a major role in allowing the County of Elgin to meet its financial obligations during the three-month period between receipts of property tax revenue. Capital spending efficiencies combined with the operating efficiencies provided over 1% tax reductions in 2015, thereby being an enabler to the construction of a new Terrace Lodge long-term care facility. Municipal Position (millions) Land & Buildings Improvements Roads &Bridges $24.0 $19.3 $131.3 13% 69% 10% Equipment, Furnishings & Vehicles $4.0 2% Assets under Construction $3.6 2% Pre-PaidBooks Financial Assets $0.4 $1.3 $5.9 0% 1% 3% The County's equity in non-financial assets is predominately comprised of roads and bridges (6.9%), buildings (13%) and land and land improvements (10%), which includes land for roads as well as building. Buildings increased significantly in value as a result of the construction of the new Public Health building. The County's consolidated share of the $8.6 million building is $4.9 million. Since this building was financed predominately through debt, $5.0 million of debt has being consolidated onto the County's balance sheet. A further $24 million of debt will be added over the next two years to help fund the $30 million construction of the new Terrace Lodge. 15 (,'0 U 1,4]"Y F I dI",I Nlf ep � a 2 iG,, i es MPMP is a performance measurement and reporting system that promotes local government transparency and accountability. It also provides municipalities with useful data to make informed municipal service level decisions while optimizing available resources. The following are the highlights comparing 2014 to prior years. A road is adequate when surface distress is minimal and no maintenance or rehabilitation action is required. A bridge or culvert is rated in good to very good condition if distress to the primary components is minimal, requiring only maintenance. Primary components are the main load carrying components of the structure, including the deck, beams, girders, abutments, foundations. The past deterioration of the road and bridge system that occurred for approximately two decades starting around the 1990s is being addressed by Council through the long-term planning that sees the annual capital spending on the road system increasing from $4.9 million in 2010 to $11.9 million by 2024. Paved roads are defined as roads with asphalt surface, concrete surface, composite pavement, portland cement or surface treatment. Maintenance includes frost heave/base/utility cut repair, cold mix patching, hot mix patching, shoulder maintenance, surface maintenance, surface sweeping and surface flushing. Surface maintenance activities include crack sealing, spray patching and slurry seal. Also included in these costs are bridge maintenance and winter control costs, but amortization is excluded. The County of Elgin contracts with its seven member municipalities to provide road maintenance based on a set per kilometre dollar amount. General government administration includes departments primarily involved in general administration, financial management and human resources. The costs provide governance, corporate management and support to the operational departments. Excluded from these costs are amortization, MPAC and tax write-offs. A1v1Jv1 JAL R1 1 OR'1" 16 2012 2013 2014 Adequacy of Roads % of paved lane kilometres 56.3% 56.3% 60.1% rated adequate Adequacy of Bridges % of bridges and culverts where the condition is rated as 83.5% 83.5% 83.5% good to very good. Maintenance Costs Per paved lane kilometre $3,136 $3,034 $3,042 General Government General Government - % of costs for governance, corporate management and 3.9% 3.9% 3.9% program support. A road is adequate when surface distress is minimal and no maintenance or rehabilitation action is required. A bridge or culvert is rated in good to very good condition if distress to the primary components is minimal, requiring only maintenance. Primary components are the main load carrying components of the structure, including the deck, beams, girders, abutments, foundations. The past deterioration of the road and bridge system that occurred for approximately two decades starting around the 1990s is being addressed by Council through the long-term planning that sees the annual capital spending on the road system increasing from $4.9 million in 2010 to $11.9 million by 2024. Paved roads are defined as roads with asphalt surface, concrete surface, composite pavement, portland cement or surface treatment. Maintenance includes frost heave/base/utility cut repair, cold mix patching, hot mix patching, shoulder maintenance, surface maintenance, surface sweeping and surface flushing. Surface maintenance activities include crack sealing, spray patching and slurry seal. Also included in these costs are bridge maintenance and winter control costs, but amortization is excluded. The County of Elgin contracts with its seven member municipalities to provide road maintenance based on a set per kilometre dollar amount. General government administration includes departments primarily involved in general administration, financial management and human resources. The costs provide governance, corporate management and support to the operational departments. Excluded from these costs are amortization, MPAC and tax write-offs. A1v1Jv1 JAL R1 1 OR'1" 16 For your online source of information regarding: • Consolidated Financial Statements • Financial Information Return (FIR) • Municipal Performance Measures Program (MPMP) • Council Remuneration • Salaries over $100,000 Fm r° ginmr° i6 gi r°c fir°c ies.php Please visit: h wr�wr�wr�mci„ ,,r � s,,Jv ° by Nature 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1 Tel: (519) 631-1460 Web: elgincounty.ca 17 U 1,4]"Y L l,I Elgin ti "Kw ° Up REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL �YG;�¢I"p551 L 15bL fKUYK FROM: Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: June 2, 2015 SUBJECT: Results of Council Survey for Visioning Session (2015 — 2018) INTRODUCTION: In preparation for council's discussion of priorities and challenges facing the County over the short and long term, a nine question survey was issued in April 2015. Those questions and responses (verbatim) have been recorded in Appendix 1 attached to this report. Please note that, in order to encourage free and unfettered replies, the name of the respondent and the corresponding response(s) have been purposely omitted. DISCUSSION: In an effort to facilitate the discussion, each of the responses has been grouped and tabulated below. It is hoped that council will then be able to rate/rank priorities in order of importance. Question #1 - LIST THE TOP 5 PRIORITIES FOR THE TERM OF COUNCIL (Long-term vision) 4 votes -financial sustainability/self sufficiency is the goal by holding tax increases to a reasonable rate while following the 10 year financial plan - rebuilding Terrace Lodge 3 votes - strengthen upper- tier/lower-tier partnerships (ie. closer ties with economic development) - maintain existing assets and continue to rebuild infrastructure - economic development focussing on promoting Elgin for business to attract people and to sustain finances - measurable outcomes should be advanced 2 votes - move Dexter Line (and water line) - relocate Provincial Offences Court to a better location - succession planning for Chief Administrative Officer position 1 vote - doctor recruitment - review landfill capacity and options - greater understanding and emphasis on the environment and importance of sustainable living - new County Building - new Museum, necessary and important to the understanding of who we are and where we came from - assume ownership of Wonderland Road 95 -2- 1 vote - better promotion of excellent Archives so that it is better utilized - more road work in western end of County - service levels should be continuously reviewed - maximize support from Federal and Provincial Governments - ensure that reserves are getting the biggest bang for the buck - museum storage should be clearly defined, culled and existing space better utilized - County Council should support the lowering of policing costs at lower -tier - County should support library services in Aylmer at a focal point in that community Summary: Based on the results above the top 5 priorities for council during the next 4 years are: 1) - financial sustainability/self sufficiency —following the 10 year financial plan with modest tax increase(s) 2) - rebuild Terrace Lodge 3) - strengthen upper-tier/lower-tier partnerships (ie. economic development, fire inspection services, aerial fire truck in east and west) 4) - invest in (rebuild) County infrastructure and maintain assets 5) - promote Elgin for business and attract people to communities - measure success of this through outcomes Question #2 - TOP 3 GOALS FOR 2015 (Short-term vision) 3 votes - stay within approved budget with reasonable tax increase (ie. road projects on time and under budget/maintain road infrastructure at reasonable cost/ realize efficiencies in long-term care) - relocate Dexter Line - rebuild Terrace Lodge 2 votes - promote Elgin as a place to live and work 1 vote - more doctors - move water line (Dexter Line) - resolve (POA) Court location issue - convince school boards of importance of rural schools - change roadside policies to encourage natural ecosystems that help protect environment - better communication of actions with lower -tier - continue to build reserves - begin discussion on succession planning - encourage seniors at home (ie. VON) Summary: Based on the results above, the top 3 goals for 2015 are: 1) - stay within approved budget with reasonable tax increase 2) - rebuild Terrace Lodge 3) - relocate Dexter Line 96 -3 - Question #3 - WILLINGNESS TO REDUCE CONTRIBUTION TO RESERVES TO REDUCE COUNTY LEVY INCREASE 3 votes - (moderate propensity - #3 out of 5 on scale) 3 votes - (high propensity - #4 out of 5 on scale) 3 votes - (low propensity - #1 or #2 out of 5 on scale) Summary: These results may be interpreted to mean a moderate to high propensity to reduce reserves to reduce the county levy. Question #4 - WILLINGNESS TO CUT SERVICES TO ACHIEVE A BUDGET TARGET 5 votes each for #1 and #2 (unwilling or low propensity) 4 votes for #3 or #4 (moderate to high propensity) Summary: The majority chose low to moderate inclination to cut services to achieve a budget target. Question #5 - ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT THE COUNTY 2 votes - change nothing 1 vote - County control of fire services to avoid duplication and eliminate boundary issues for stations - continue to improve working relationship with business and lower -tier - greater oversight over road work being done by lower -tier on County's behalf - find a way to measure the success of expenditures on Tourism to ensure value for the investment - think more globally - more equal distribution of resources east to west - hold information session with local councillors to help them better understand county operations Summary: Council should discuss this and determine a priority (or priorities for this section). Question #6 - PRIMARY STRENGTH OF COUNTY 4 votes - unified council and staff and common local interests 2 votes - location (401, 402 and 403 highways) 2 votes - diversified agricultural base with lakeside opportunities 1 vote - diversity of business, people, trades and skills Summary: Unified Council -staff relations and common municipal interests at local level. 97 Question #7 - PRIMARY WEAKNESS OF COUNTY 3 votes - low assessment/tax base/insufficient funds 2 votes - geography (distance east to west) 1 vote - lack of job opportunities for young workers 1 vote - not recognized by federal and provincial gov'ts as a potential growth area 1 vote - distance from large metropolitan hub with large population Summary: The primary weakness is low assessment/tax base. Question #8 - PRIMARY OPPORTUNITY AT THE COUNTY 5 votes - increase small business and particularly agri-business opportunities 1 vote - bring more tourism to the County - location ideal for food processing plant distribution fed by local producers - attractive shoreline should be promoted - more formal cooperation/partnerships between County and lower -tier - ensure all municipalities plan appropriately when developing and protecting the natural environment Summary: Growing the business sector, particularly agri-business, is a major opportunity. Question #9 - PRIMARY THREAT TO THE COUNTY 3 votes - lack of funding coupled with increase demand for services 2 votes - volatile economy 1 vote - aging demographics - businesses relocating due to tax burden - not thinking beyond borders Summary: Lack of sustainable funding sources is the largest threat CONCLUSION: Thanks to Council's participation in the visioning survey, a strategic plan can be developed to guide discussion throughout the term. This plan will be formalized in a reference document for Council and staff following the conclusion of the discussion on this report on June 9, 2015. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council determine the most appropriate response(s) to the questions above and direct staff to develop a reference document and, where applicable, an action plan to assist council in achieving its priorities throughout its term. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer APPENDIX 1 2015 Visioning Survey Results 1. List your top 5 priorities that you would like council to consider accomplishing during the next four years of your council term. - economic development - continue rebuilding infrastructure - continue to strengthen upper/lower-tier relationships - doctor recruiting - self sufficient re: revenue sources without turning business away - complete Terrace Lodge new building with 100 beds - move Dexter Line - move the water line - move Provincial Offences Courts to a better location - succession planning for Chief Administrative Officer - succession planning - review of landfill capacity and options - becoming self sustainable/grants become a bonus - hold taxes to a reasonable rate - look for partnerships with lower -tier ie: fire inspections - greater understanding and emphasis on the environment and how important it is to sustainable living - work toward being financially sustainable in a depressed region - develop a County wide fire service at least concerning inspection, officers and perhaps aerial trucks (2 for the County - one east, one west) - a new museum is very necessary and important to the understanding of who we are and where we came from - our archives is excellent and needs to be promoted to make more use of by citizens - assume ownership of Wonderland Road - new County building - continue to rebuild - keep on track with budget or under - promote Elgin for business and pleasure - maintain assets owned by the County - Terrace Lodge redevelopment - Dexter Line project completed - closer association of County economic development with lower -tier economic development activities - stay the course on 10 year financial plan - more road work done in the west end of County - POA court relocated to County -owned space - County Council to support the lowering of OPP costs at lower -tier - Terrace Lodge rebuild during this term - provide Aylmer library services at a convenient focal point in the community - museum storage should be clearly defined, the collection culled and use existing available space - service levels should be continuously reviewed - hold tax increases to rate of inflation or lower - continue to search for support from provincial and federal sources - attract new business and people into our communities - continue to document our successes in measurable terms - ensuring our resources are getting the biggest bang for our buck 2. What are your top three goals for the County in 2015? - reasonable tax increases - promote Elgin as a place to live and work - more doctors - finalize Terrace Lodge - move the water line to Dexter road allowance - move forward with Dexter Line - complete plans for Terrace Lodge - resolve court issues - convince the school board of the importance of rural schools - change our roadside policies to encourage natural ecosystems that help protect our environment - better communication of our actions with the lower -tier municipalities - continue to rebuild reserves - stay within our budget - promote Elgin County - stay within approved budget - Ministry approval to rebuild Terrace Lodge - complete road projects on time and on or under budget - begin the discussion on succession planning - maintain road infrastructure at reasonable costs - encourage seniors at home programs ie. VON - realize cost efficiencies in our long term care facilities 3. Given that the use of reserves cannot be a long-term funding source to replace the loss of unconditional grants (OMPF), and that per the Municipal Act any use of reserves must in subsequent years be followed by a corresponding increase in taxes and/or a reduction in expenditure services, please answer this question. Are you willing to reduce contributions to reserves to reduce the County levy? Rate your willingness from 1 to 5 with 1 being unwilling and 5 being very willing. - 4 - 1 — I am unwilling — we have already drawn from reserve to mitigate loss in revenue from OMPF funding and the Ford plant - 3 - 2 - 2 — not very willing, reserves are very important - 4 - 3 - 3 - 4 100 4. Rate your willingness to cut services to achieve a budget goal from 1 to 5 with 1 being unwilling and 5 being very willing. - 3 - 1 — I am unwilling — no cuts in service - 3 - 3 - 2 — some what unwilling - 2 - 2 - 2 - 4 5. If you could change one thing about the County and how it operates, what would that be? - Improve working relationship with business & lower -tier, this is being done now, but needs more work to keep moving forward. - We are spending a large amount of money on tourism with no real way to gauge our success outside of awards. It would be useful if we had a way of quantifying our expense with results. - There seems to be an issue of lower -tier councilors understanding County operations. Open line of communication with them by holding an information session. - I would like to see County control of the fire service to prevent duplication and to eliminate boundaries by municipality for stations. - County should have great oversight over road work done on their behalf by the lower - tiers. - Nothing - More equal distribution of resources east to west. - To think more globally. SWOT ANALYSIS: 1. What is the primary strength of the County? - diversity of business & people — trained & skilled - location to the 401, 80k of Lake Erie shore line, staff and municipal councilors who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the County - our location to major transportation ie. 401/402/403 - all municipalities in our County are similar in nature - all municipalities working together on common goals - agriculture is strong throughout Elgin - Staff — good atmosphere — level of cooperation and professionalism amongst Council too - unity — unified council - its combination of agriculture and lakeside opportunities 101 2. What is the primary weakness of the County? -job opportunities for young workers - the assessment in the County is not large enough to meet our financial obligations - we do not seem to be recognized by the provincial and federal governments as potential growth areas -the length of Elgin - tax base is mainly residential and farms - never enough money - geographical separation - location from a major hub of population 3. What is the primary opportunity? - the Lake Erie shoreline is attractive for those looking to live near a rural area near water - agriculture remains a great asset to the County - I believe our location would be great for food processing plant distribution centre. We have some of the largest vegetable farmers around and the availability to move product is second to none. - to make sure all municipalities plan appropriately when developing and protecting the natural environment - bringing more business and tourism to the County - tourism and agriculture - small business developments - more formal cooperation and relationship with County & municipal partner economic development - modern technology should be used more often — skype for meetings of Council - change the Municipal Act - bringing more business and tourism to the County - agricultural business 4. What is the primary threat? - funding - economy downturn - business will relocate outside of Elgin - tax burden becomes too great and people leave the County - volatile economy — aging demographics - there is increasing demand on the County for services without the revenue to act - not being able to think beyond our borders - costs rising — need to be creative to be sustainable - the continued lack of support for rural areas outside the GTA from infrastructure funding to support our local small schools 102 �i 6 I I A I �_ I Privatization (Gale) of'Hydro One: a) Katrina Miler, Keep Hydro Publ'iic, requ�estin g endorsement of resolution opposing the privatization of'Hydro One. b) I Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC), seeking adoption of resol ution to stop the sale of Hydro One assets. 2. Mja Dirks, Director, Transportation Planning Branch, Ministry of Transpot,tation requesting the, County of IElgin appoint a representative (by June 24'h) to participate in ,an information sess,ion re, High Speed Rafl, (HSR), service in the, Toronto to Windsor corridor., 103 KEEP HYDRO PUBLIC WWWAFEEPf WDROPUBLIC, CA Mark McDonald CAO', County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, OjjtajjN,5R 5VII 5.ubect, Resolution rffLardiD y, th L221td riw�gj�ga ion qLljydro Q12 Dear Mr, McDonal& VIED COUNTY 0-� WIN XfNa I I A, rWi a a The Ontario goldernnients, plan to sell 60 per cent of Hydro, One, the provIncW elactdcity t nSj�rjjj,5,5ion Utility, farreaching iml)[ications for every c4izen and municipality in the province, ra on behalf of Ke2p Hydro Public, a broad-based coalition created to strip the sell -Off, I am writing to, encourage YOUr rnunicipahty to add it's voice to the rnany othersthat are alreadytelling thp p rovi ncla I gioverin m ent to change course and keep Hydro 0 n e in public hands. By now I am sure couincH rnernbers will have heard -the many a rg uj me r't$ aga 1 nst the sale; • Selflng the majority of slhareti In Hydro One wN take control of this vital asset away from tlhO_ people in Ontario, and put it in the hands of private investors, including, forelgin investors w'ho, may niot even, care whether we have rellaWe, af"fordable electricity. • Privatization will incirease electricity prices for residential, busines5, and goveMii custorners alike. Under the plan proposed by the government, oversight of Hydro One by independent offj�ers of the legiiislalure would end. the Auditor Cieneral and the Financial Accountablifty Officer would no longer be able, to scrutHze the Utility's booksor its operatioris, consumers would no Drager be- able to appeal to the Onibuldsman when problems arise; dtizens would not be able to, access information abOUt Hydro One through the Frvedorn of Mformotion and Protection of PrivacyAct, salaries of top Hydra one officials would no longer be rnade [DLA clic under the PubUr Sector Salary Okclosire Act; the integrity Commissioner would not Ise &e to revew exponsies of 110ro one officials; and Hydro one would no longer be subject to the French WilquageServices Art, In otherwords, transparency and public accountability would end Oi'itariOn$ Would trLAV be "In the dark, J` with respect ton Hydro One operations. 104 (Plouse [urn over) Privatization will provide governrnent Mth ashort-teirm cash injecflon that will soon be spent in exchange for giving tip a steady, long-term source of revenue that pays for public services we all depend on, The cost to Ontarlans will be hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Perhaps r-nore significant than thcse strong arguments is the simple fact that the provincial government has no mandate frorn the people of Ontario to make a sale of this magnitude. (This may explain why the government chose to put the Hydro One sale [nslde Its W15-16 Budget bill and push, it through the legislature with rrliolmal opportttnity for public input) It 1,5 crystal clear that the 1peops e of Ontario do not Support tile sale of ally part of, Hydra, One, Pulilkhod'opiNon polls , show 0!',)Por)PrAs of the 4e 0UtflVTT1ber-jPrLJ, SUpporters by a three -to -ore "nargin. Editorial opinion is simflarly opposed. if deniacracy nieans anyth,ing, we must stop this sale. At this time? Keep Hydra Public is asking r-municipalcouncils, from the parg ' est to the smaliest, to pass a resok,ition opposing the S@le Dr' pardal sale of I lydro One and tocoml-nunicate that opposition to the goverrunent, area IMPPs, and the Association of Municipalities oft ntario. Included with this letter you rill) fund a draft resolut[on which municipal council's are, of course, free to use, and r-nodify as they see Your assistance in Ipnutting this i,,sstie on the agenda of your council as suon as possible is greatly .a.ppreclated; we would also appreWte hearing back frorn your rnuni6pafity if and when council takes action on'this rnatter. For more inforrylation about Hydra, One priwatizatlon or the ever-growing Keep Hydro Public, please visit our web site at vvvv JcREY. h dr -o ub,l ic, ca or contact rine directly at ILILO lope hvd rooLAUic,ca or ( 7) 272-50,24. Thank you for your th-nem Sincerely, Katri'na, Miller On behaifof Keep Hydro PO kc P -S, If your rnunicipall council has already considered this matter, thank N,GLJ for doing soi 105 RESOLUTICIA DATE: MOVED BY� SECONDED BY� 1 1111,11;11 11 IN 111111 10 Mill WHEREAS the public electricity, systema in Ontario is a critical asset to the econorny and vital to the living standard and well-being of all Ontarians; AND WHEREAS it is essentlial that Ontari'ans maintain public control and public decision-niaking with respect: to electricity; AND WHEREAS experience in, other jurisdictions shows that privatization typica,lly means consumers pay more for electricity: AND WHEREAS a privatized Flydro One will no longer be subject to scrutiny by the Auditor General, the Ombudsman, the Financial Accountability Officer, or the Integrity Commissioner, and will no longer be required to provide in -formation or services to citizens, under the Freedom of Inforrnation and Prolection of Privacy Act, the Public, Sector Sairary Disclostme Act, or the French Language Services Act; AND WHEREAS our public electricity system currently generates hundreds of rniflions of dollars in irevenue -for the provincial government every year to help pay for public services we all depend on; AND WHEREAS the, sale of shares in Hydro, One will provide a short-term financial gain for the province in exchange to a much larger long-term financial 1 AND WHEREAS the provincial government has, no mandate -frena voters to sell any part of Hydro One; AND WHEREAS, opinion polls, show Ontarians appose the privatization of Hydro One by a significaint margin in every pai-tofthe province,; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Cit y/T'own/Towns,,hiplMuillcipli'ty of -.-_ c0 on the, provinciall government to,, Halt the sale of any part cif' Hydro One, and maintain Hydro One as a public asset for the benefit of all Ontarians,, 106 Strengthen Hydro One by investing in the next generation of wormers and upgrading aur electricity transmission infrastructure; Respect the autonomy and local decision-making powers of local distribution companies bnot forcing these companies into mergers or sales; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CitfTown/Townsliip/MIunici'.lpalit y of communicate this resolUtion to the Premier, with copies to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Energy, area MPPs,, andthe Association of Municipalities of Onta,ric (AMO); AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City/Ta ,wii/TownishipiMunicip,ality of work through ASO to encouragepath er Ontario municipaiNes to express,their opposition to the privatization, of Hydro On . 107 "WHEREAS the public electricity system in Ontario is a critical asset to the econa,my; and WHEREASthe public elect0city systerri generates significant revenue fear rnunicipM and provincial governments and gives Ontarlic, a competitive advantage, and WHEREAS, Hydro One is a provInciai utility; and WHEREAS local control and decision makingis, important to meet the needs of our communities and residents; and WHEREAS, local electricity distribution comparilies provide a source of stable and predictable revenue to our COMMUnifies, and WHEREAS, sorne Ontario municipalities have examined possible sale,,$ or mergers of their local distribution companies, and have decided not to sell to H�rdro One rthe private sector; and WHEREAS the privatization, partial or whole, of electricity has led to h[oher rates and less cointrol, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: A, THAT the Western Ontario, Wardens" Caucus (WOWC) rnember counties Call on the Provincia I Govern me nt to; Stop the, sale of any part of Hyd ro One, a nd rna I ntain Hydro One as a wholly public asset for the benefit of all Ontarians; Strengthen Hydra, One by investing in the next. generation of workers and upgrading aging infrastructure, Respect the autonomy and local decision-rnakin8 powers of local di'stribution cornpainies by not forcing these companies into mergers or sales; B. THAT the Municipality maintain ownership and control of its local distribution company; and C. THATthe Provincial Government MIll negotiate with a Municipality to negotiate the selling of the Custorners/a5sietswithin the muni(Jipality's bDkjndary„" D, THATthe WOWC rnernber counties circulate this resolution to the WOWC the Association of Municipolitle5 of Ontario AMO) and the Electricity Dstributors Association,, and work for its acloption., IM MWIstry of Transpartation VAnlstke des Transports Polity and Plarinlng OlAsIon D M s! on, des pc I Riquies et de na pl a nifice on Transportatibn PUnrilrig Branch Direction do la pLanificaflori des transports M"' r[cor 30@ Mage 777 Bay Stree-t 777 rue, Bay Toronto ON R"M 2J8 Torooto, ON UTA 218 Tar.:416.555.'7238 Tdl. : 415-555-7,238 Fm 416.5�5-7�24 T616c : 416,585,7524 Tlia . Dirks@onta rio.ca, Affle 15, 2015 Mr,, Paul Ens, Warden Elgin County 8941 Mitchell IRoad StaffordVille ON NOJ 1Y0 Dear Warden Ens: Ontario Over the next decade, the government's 10 -year transit and infrastructure plan, Moving Ontario Forward, will make nearly, $31.5 billion available to improve public transit and Other priority infrastructure projects such as roads,, bridges and highways across the province, High speed rail, (HSR), between 'Toronto, Kitchener - Waterloo, London and Windsor i's part of that plan, A map illustrating the HSR study area is inctuded with this letter. The MiNstry of 'Transportation is moving forward with the environniental assessment process for HSR service in the, Toronto to Wndsor corridor.This, process, will Ibe used to examine state-of-the-art transportation technology options, identify the most appropriate route and complete an environmental impact evaluation, Over the next several months we will be developing an approach to identifying and evaluating options for HSR technologies in the Toronto to Windsor corridor. This process will be guided by consultation with Ihlusiriess groups, municipalities and other stakeholders, as well as engagementwith First Nation and 110 ti communities. To learn more about our efforts on HSR, I respectfully request that you appoint a representative to parficipate in an information session, to, be held this surnmer (date and location to, be determined). Please provide the appropriate contact info rrvation to Ms, Kelly Brown at 4M585-725E� or via ema I I at Kel ly., Brown @ontario, ca I wou 11 d appreci ate a res ponse by Wednesday June 24th,, IN 109 We look forward to working with you as -we move forward,to shape the future of HSR, in southern Ontario, Sincerely, Tija IN irks Director Attachmen't 110 111 -- - - -- -- ------------------- - - - --- ----- Mad e16'ne Meilleur, Attorney General, responding to, MPP Jeff Yurek's request for a rneeting, to discuss the use of space at the new Elgin County Courthouse for Provincial Offences Act (POA) courtfacilities. 2. Hon, Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry,, responding to letter of support regarding the Ontario Imagery Strategy. 3. Ken Loveland, Acting CAO/Derk for the township Of SOLIthwold., announcing Ili$ resignatbn frorn the Elgin County Lend Division Committee. 112 RECEIVED Attorney Gonaral Pmeureure g6n0ale MdVurIry--ScMl Budding edfte hlcfkdr�-Scott 14AY t 9 2015 VA 720 as ay Street 720, rue Say I I th Floor I V 6tage ToronIDON WAM Toronto �ON WA 280 mI V 0 F w 0 Tal: 4'16-326-4000 16U 416-34-4000 m Fax: 4%-32E-4016 l"&&:416-3,20 04 Kay 14, 2015 Mr. Jeff Yurek, MPP Elgin- Middlesex -1. oridon 750 Talbut trect, Suite 201, West"Vingr ,St, Thom as, ON N5P 1.12 Dear Mr. Y71cmr Im Our Refereneo, #� MC -2015-1773 rhmik you for your request to meet to discuss the otinty of Elgiri using space at tbo roc w E'.1gia Coulity Cmwtbouse: for Provincial Offences Act POA) court facilities. 'T'be winistry isreviewing yotir requestarid, will be in tumh with you shDrGy to discuss your request. Thank you al,',min for writing. sitmerely, Madcleirle, Attorney Gene=4 c: Warden ,David Marr & Council, County of Elgin Mark MacDonald, CAO, County of Elgin Jim 3unds6uh, Director of Financial Service,% Co unty 0,f Eigiii Leesa bard y, P,OA Supervisor, County ofUgin Wendell Graves, CAO, City of SL T'hornas 113 June 5, 2015 Ms.. Kathe6nc Thompson f arketingi and Communications Coordinator Elgin County kthoruin psoiia,elaini-county,cn,c,a Dear Ms. Thompson.: Thank you for your letter regarding the Ontario Imagery Strategy, I appreciate receiving your COUncWs resolutim, It is gratifying to knothat the County has found the aerial inventory vat"Liable and recornmends that the strategy be extended, I have shared your letter with staff for their consideration, Thank you again for your support. Sincerely, Bili Mauro Minister of Natural Rescurces and Forestry c' Paula Reid, Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management and Information Division 114 County Of El 450 Suriset Drive St. Uamas, Ontario MR 5V I Atlenion ',Mark Me Donald CAO Dear MaTk Ken Loveland R0, Box W8 29752 Talbot Line Wallas clown Ont,ario Nolf, 2MO U33mm IM: Appointment to Land Division Commiffm I have J, en -m , oyed y time on flie Elgin Comity Und Division Conunittec but sincemy appointment a,s the Acting CA0/CIcfk for tho Tow ship of Soudiwold, is, going io be ext ondeil somml I feel that it is in the best interta of allparties that I resigg from the Committee, I vim honoured to have my nu me put forward by Dutton Dunw1ob and that the Couray of Elgin gave me the opportunity to lac a m=bc'eft his committee, Yours Truly, Ken Loveland 115 K�1�L 111 WY0] = 1101 0l By -Law No. 15-19 "BEING A BY-LAW TO ESTABLISH REVENUE NEUTRAL CLAWBACK PERCENTAGES FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY CLASSES" WHEREAS Section 330(1) OF THE Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, c.25 states that the Council of a municipality other than a lower -tier municipality, may pass a by-law to establish a percentage by which tax decreases are limited for a taxation year in respect of properties in any property class subject to Part IX of the said Act in order to recover all or part of the revenues foregone as a result of the application of Section 329 of the said Act to other properties in the property class; and WHEREAS for the purposes of this by-law, the commercial classes shall be considered a single property class and the industrial classes shall be deemed to be a single property class; and WHEREAS limits to tax decreases for any class may only be established in order to recover all or part of the foregone revenue in respect of the same property class. NOW THEREFORE, the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin enacts as follows: 1. THAT for the taxation year 2015, the percentage determined under Section 330(1) of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001 are as follows: Multi -residential II Commercial II Industrial Decrease Clawback 0.0000% 134.1475% II 36.8058 % Decrease Retained 100.0000% 165.8525 % II 63.1942 % 2. THAT in accordance with the provisions of the Section 330(1) of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001 the County is deemed to be the banker and no lower tier member municipality shall have a surplus or a shortfall as a result of the application of this By -Law, and further, if the County experiences a shortfall or excess as a result of the application of the banking function under this By -Law, any such shortfall/excess shall belong to the County. 3. THAT the intra -municipal adjustment due to the application of this by-law, with the County acting as the banker, shall be paid by the member municipalities on December 15th, 2015. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 23rd DAY OF JUNE 2015. Mark G. McDonald, Paul Ens, Chief Administrative Officer. Warden. 116 COUNTY OF ELGIN By -Law No. 15-20 "BEING A BY-LAW TO ADOPT OPTIONAL TOOLS FOR THE PURPOSES OF ADMINISTERING LIMITS FOR THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND MULTI -RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY CLASSES" WHEREAS the County of Elgin (hereinafter called the "Municipality"), in accordance with Section 329.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended (hereinafter called the "Act"), may modify the provisions and limits as set out in Section 329 of the Act, with respect to the calculation of taxes for municipal and school purposes payable in respect of property in the commercial, industrial and multi -residential property class; and WHEREAS the Municipality must similarly modify the provisions and limits as set out in Section 332 of the Act with respect to the "tenant cap" calculations; and WHEREAS this by-law shall only apply to properties in any of the Commercial, Industrial and Multi -Residential property classes to which Part IX of the Act applies; and WHEREAS for the purposes of this by-law the commercial classes shall be considered a single property class and the industrial classes shall be deemed to be a single property class; and WHEREAS "CVA taxes" means, the taxes for municipal and school purposes that would be levied for the taxation year, but for the application of Part IX of The Act; and AND WHEREAS "capped taxes" means, the taxes for municipal and school purposes that shall be levied for the taxation year as a result of the application of Part IX of The Act, and WHEREAS the Council may pass a by-law to apply any one or any combination of the following options: a) Set the annualized tax limit increase to a maximum of 10%; and/or b) Set an upper limit on annual increases at the greater of the amount calculated under a) and up to 5% of the previous year's annualized CVA tax; and/or C) Establish a capping adjustment threshold of up to $250 for increasing properties, decreasing properties or both, whereby no capping/claw-back adjustments less than the threshold amount would be applied; and/or d) Exclude properties that were at CVA tax in the previous year from the capping and claw -back calculation in the current year; and/or e) Exclude properties that would move from being capped in the previous year to be clawed back in the current year or from being clawed back in the previous year to be capped in the current year as a result of the changes to the CVA tax. WHEREAS a by-law passed to adopt the provisions of Subsection 329.1 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Act, provides that such provisions shall also apply to Section 332 of the Act with respect to the "tenant cap" calculations; and WHEREAS the Council has reviewed the provisions of Section 329.1 of the Act and hereby deems it necessary and appropriate to adopt optional tools for the purpose of administering limits for the Commercial, Industrial and Multi -Residential property classes. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin hereby enacts as follows: 1. THAT paragraphs 1, 2, and 3, of Subsection 329.1(1) of the Act shall apply to the Commercial, Industrial and Multi -Residential property classes for 2015. 117 dAE 2. THAT: a) In determining the amount of taxes for municipal and school purposes for the year under Subsection 329(1) and the amount of the tenant's cap under Subsection 332(5), the greater of the amounts determined under paragraphs i) and ii) as set out below shall apply in determining the amount to be added under paragraph 2 of Subsection 329(1), and the increasing amount under paragraph 2 of Subsection 332(5), i) The percentage set out in Subsection 329(1) paragraph 2 and in Subsection 332(5) paragraph 2 shall be ten per cent (10%), and ii) The amount of the CVA taxes for the previous year multiplied by five per cent (5%). b) The amount of the taxes for municipal and school purposes for a property for a taxation year shall be the amount of the uncapped taxes for the property for the year if the amount of the uncapped taxes exceeds the amount of the taxes for municipal and school purposes for the property for the taxation year as determined under section 329, as modified under section 329.1 of The Act and this By-law, by two -hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) or less. c) The amount of the taxes for municipal and school purposes for a property for a taxation year shall be the amount of the uncapped taxes for the property for the year if the amount of the taxes for municipal and school purposes for the property for the taxation year as determined under section 330, as modified under section 329.1 of The Act and this By-law exceed the uncapped taxes, by two -hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) or less. d) Exclude properties that were at CVA tax in the previous year from the capping and claw -back calculation in the current year; e) Exclude properties that would move from being capped in the previous year to be clawed back in the current year or from being clawed back in the previous year to be capped in the current year as a result of the changes to the CVA tax. 3. THAT this By -Law shall come into force and take effect upon its passing. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 23rd DAY OF JUNE 2015. Mark G. McDonald, Paul Ens, Chief Administrative Officer. Warden. 118 CLOSED MEETING AGENDA June 23, 2015 Staff Report: 1) Chief Administrative Officer -Municipal Act Section 240.2 (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board — Update #6 Dexter Line Land Purchases. (verbal)