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March 14, 2006 Minutes COUNTY COUNCIL 14.2006 Tuesday, March n The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:00 AM accordance with adjournment, with all members present efforts In planmng r the Chair. Warden Baldwin thanked Councillors Acre, Faulds and Rock for thei the hospitality suite at the recent ROMA/OGRA Conference Warden Baldwin In Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor MCintyre the minutes for the meeting held on February 14.2006 be adopted THAT Carried DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None DELEGATION The Director of Library Services presented, on behalf of the Manager of Archives, the report entitled "Electronic Document Management System Progress" dated February 7, 2006. The Director noted that the ElginConnects project includes a link on their website for the public to view County documents scanned in through the Laserfiche program. Mrs Diane Wyles, Contract Administrative Assistant, presented an overview of the Laserfiche search and view aspects of the program Ms. Donna Lunn, ElginConnects, attended at 9:15 AM. to provide an update on the tOOlS available through the ElginConnects portal. The ElginConnects project has been completed and the working committee is now developing a governance model for the portal. An enhanced mapping program is being investigated and interest is being solicited from the lower-tier municipalities for inclusion of their documents through the portal. Warden Baldwin thanked Ms. Lunn for her efforts on behalf of the ElginConnects project and the County of Elgin and the delegation left at 9:37 AM. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we do now move Into Committee Of The Whole Counci Carried REPORTS Services rector of Libra ress - D Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre Electronic Document THAT the report "Electronic Document Management System Progress" dated February 7 2006, presented by the Director of Library Services. be received and filed. Carried 14,2006 of Malahide March 2 County Counci Tree Clearin and Munici As r Councillors noted that trees removed from roadsides is a sensitive issue to ratepayers. such, replanting of trees removed should be provided to the property owners at no cost. The Tree Commissioner was directed to contact AIM PowerGen to ensure replanting was done at AIM's expense Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Warwick THAT the County Tree Commissioner be authorized and directed to order the replanting of trees on the properties from which said trees were removed as follows (1) tree (2) trees for everyone Large stock trees would be replanted at the rate of two removed (AIM PowerGen is responsible for replanting) 1 Woodland areas would be replanted at the rate of one (1) seedling for every tree removed (the County supplies the seedlings and the conservation authority plants the seedlings ); 2 the affected Tree seedlings or large stock trees not planted will be returned to Municipality based upon the percentage of trees removed; and 3 and Proposals be issued for a supplier for the large stock trees THAT a Request for further, THAT the Tree Commissioner advise AIM PowerGen that they would be responsible for replanting the large stock trees to ensure survivability and accountability. Carried Unammously. Closure of Stone Church Road - Manaoer of Road Sunset Road Rehabilitation Infrastructure Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Vowe the Stone Church Road approach onto THAT the County of Elgin permanently close Sunset Road, south of Roberts Line; and, THAT the County of Elgin, at its expense, construct a cul-de-sac end treatment at the south end of Stone Church Road and reconstruct the portion of Roberts Line between Sunset Road and Stone Church Road; and, Road Rehabilitation Project. this work would form part of the Sunset THAT Carried Services ram - Director of En date on Ca Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Rock Terrace Lad THAT the report "Terrace Lodge Update on Capital Program" dated February 14. 2006 from the Director of Engineering Services be received and filed. Carried ments - Director of Human Resources Council consensus was that a one-time offer for a benefits package be extended to existing part-time employees. not to exceed the in-lieu of benefits amount being paid currently. Premium Pa Amendment 5.20 Benefit POIIC 14,2006 March 3 County Counci Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Faulds package to THAT Policy 5.20 Benefit Premium Payments be amended to provide a benefit part-time employees hired after January 1, 2006 on a co-share basis and, THAT all current part-time employees in the non-union group be offered benefits on a purely voluntary basis and as a one-time offer. Carried took a break at 10:09 AM. and reconvened at 10:23 AM Counci orate Goal - Chief Administrative Officer Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Rock The Ninth Cor of goals previously the established list to THAT the following corporate goal be added approved: To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic development and sustainable growth. Carried Unammously. Gas and Diesel Ambulance Vehicles - AmbUlance and Emerl Co-Ordinator to Include a rected wasd The Ambulance and Emergency Management Co-Ordinator resale value comparator to the study for future purchases Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the Memorandum entitled "Gas and Diesel Ambulance Vehicles" dated February 23 2006 from the Ambulance and Emergency Management Co-Ordinator be received and filed. Carried Co-Ordinator Preventative Maintenance Mechanical Lifts and Tubs - Purchasln Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a three-year agreement with Arjo Canada, effective January 1,2006 to December 31, 2008, to provide preventative maintenance on all Arjo Equipment in each of the Long-Term Care Homes. Carried Reduction to OMPF 2006-2012 - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services noted that the taxpayer would be funding, through the Levy, all decreases in the OMPF grant from the province which is expected to reach $3.7M by 2011 Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre reserve dollars be THAT in order to lessen the impact of the reduction to the OMPF grant set aside in an OMPF Reserve each year until 2010 and 14.2006 March 4 County Counci to the fina and the future to offset the Impact to the levy related the requirement for the reserve be reviewed each year; THAT this reserve be utilized in reduction of grant monies THAT Director of Financla Carried COllections Officer, Collections Update - Financial Analvst Services Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the report "Collections Update" dated March 3, 2006, from the Financial Analyst, Collections Officer, and Director of Financial Services, be received and filed. Carried 2005 - Financia st. Director of Financial Services and Manaoer of Road Infrastructure Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Vowel be (Appendix B) THAT the outline of 2005 Completed Projects that are ready for closure approved as presented; and be approved as presented (Appendix C) ne of 2005 Carry-Forward Projects the outl THAT and, and 6200- to cover the outstanding 2005 shortfa to partially fund project THAT the remaining $218,136 of the 2005 surplus be used 06-01) Belmont Road Stabilization"; and, THAT $108.854 of the 2005 surplus be used THAT $56,864 be moved from project "6000-01 Bridge Reserve" to "6200-06-01 Belmont Road Stabilization" to complete funding as per recommendations by Council in 2005. Carried Natural Gas - Financial Analvst and Director of Financial Commodit Services Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor HofhUls the from Natural Gas" dated March 6. 2006 THAT the report "Commodity Pricing for Financial Analyst be received and filed. Carried Centre - Director of Financial Services Thomas Seniors Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre Reauest - St. Grant THAT the report entitled "Grant Request - St. Thomas Seniors' Centre" dated February 28,2006 from the Director of Financial Services be received and filed. Carried 14,2006 March 5 County Counci rector of Senior Services. Terrace Lodae Bobier Villa - D Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Vowel Care at Foot up a VON Foot Villa be authorized to set THAT the Director of Senior Services at Bobier Clinic and Chiropody Service for Bobier Villa. Carried Services The Director of Library Services advised that a target date of early April for a temporary facility was envisioned. Councillor Warwick, on behalf of the Municipality of West Elgin, thanked staff and Council for their assistance after the West Lorne Library fire and in quickly obtaining a temporary library facility. Relocation - Director of Libra West Lome Libra Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT the report "West Lorne Library Temporary Relocation" dated February 23.2006 from the Director of Library Services, be received and filed Carried Services Committee - Director of Libra Museum Adviso Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre E THAT the following slate of names and positions as the volunteer representatives on the Elgin County Museum Advisory Committee effective March 14, 2006 for an initial appointment of a one-year term be accepted; and, THAT staggered terms of up to three years for appointments would be determined at the inaugural meeting of the Elgin County Museum Advisory Committee and brought forward to Council: - Carol Judd - Marie Nancarrow - Joan Mansell and Luella Monteith Liaison with other County Museums Appointee "at Large" Two Appointees from Eglin County Women's Institutes - Bertha Vickerman - Perry Clutterbuck - Graham Warwick Order Association One appointee on behalf of the Branches of of the Daughters of the Empire (lODE) One Appointee on behalf of the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist One member of Elgin County Council nternationa (or designate) and Museum staff shall attend meetings as The Director of Library Services non-voting members Carried CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration Karen Landry, Clerk, Town of Halton Hills, with a resolution requesting that the Government of Canada make the "Federal Gas Tax Funding" for municipalities a permanent program 1 Nancy Michie, Clerk Treasurer, Municipality of Morris- Turnberry, with a resolution requesting the Government of Ontario to review and amend the Negligence Act RS.O. 1990, to place limits on court claim settlements where a municipality is found only partially liable. 2 4.2006 RA Fowler, Secretary, Ontario Property and Environmental Rights Alliance, advising that an information package is available upon request concerning Land Use Planning by Conservation Authorities. March 6 County Counci 3 City of Toronto, with a resolution concerning the need to work with the Federal and Provincial Governments to preserve the national child care program and the Ontario Federal-Provincial Child Care Agreement. 4 Mayor Barbara Kelly, Province to: a) provide relief to those groups hardest hit by spikes in the cost of living and property tax increases; end the downloading of provincial programs and the use of municipal property tax dollars to subsidize provincial health and social programs; and develop a plan to begin uploading of provincial program costs back to the Province b) take the necessary action to place Source Water Protection with the Ministry of Natural Resources. c) assume responsibility for the fu requesting the resolutions with Kawartha Lakes City of 5 services Carolyn Downs, City Clerk, City of Kingston, with a resolution requesting Corrections Canada to reconsider placement of long-time sex and violence related offenders at Portsmouth Community Correctional Centre and to review application of long term supervision orders. their MPAC and of cost 6 a) Sharon Vokes, County Clerk/Director of Council Services b) Marion Koepke, Deputy Clerk, City of Owen Sound; with resolutions urging the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Provincia Government to develop a plan to begin to address the municipal financial crisis through a funding commitment. Grey; County of 7 Chris Somerville, Township Clerk, Township of King, with a resolution supporting the Ontario Farmland Trust and their efforts to urge governments to amend their Income Tax Acts to provide benefits to donors of farmland for which donors of ecologically sensitive lands now qualify and farmland conservation incentives to ensure that farmland remains in agriculture. 8 R Millard, CAO/Clerk, Township of Mafahide, with a resolution requesting an amendment to the Medicine Act to permit the licensing of physicians who are in good standing and who have written the necessary examinations to commence practice immediately in our province. 9 Don Pearson, General Manager, Conservation Ontario, addressing correspondence from the Ontario Property and Environmental Rights Alliance to clarify Conservation Authorities' position concerning Ontario Reg. 97/04 Conservation Authorities Act. 10 Item #1 respecting Correspondence recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Acre The following THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Town of Halton Hills requesting the Government of Canada to make the "Federal Gas Tax Funding" for municipalities a permanent program Carried Item #2 respecting Correspondence The following recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Municipality of Morris- Turnberry requesting the Government of Ontario to review and amend the Negligence Act RS.O. 1990, to place limits on court claim settlements where a municipality is found only partially liable Carried 14,2006 Items #3. 5b and March 7 recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence County Counci The following 10: Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Faulds to a future meeting 10 be deferred and Items #3. 5b) THAT Correspondence Carried Item #4 Mr. Chester Hinatsu was in attendance and spoke to Correspondence Item #4 at the request of Council. Mr. Hinatsu indicated the City of St. Thomas has halted efforts on child care initiatives until clarification of ongoing funding has been received. The City supported the resolution from the City of Toronto. respecting Correspondence recommendation was adopted The following the Staff was directed to contact AMO to determine if the Association is reviewing government's funding proposal for child care in Ontario. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis Item #4 be received and filed THAT Correspondence Carried Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Hofhuls THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin requests the federal and provincial governments to preserve the national child care program and the Ontario federal-provincia child care agreement to ensure that the five-year funding commitment to build a national early learning and child care system is fulfilled; and, M.P., Joe Preston THAT copies of this resolution be forwarded to Steve Peters, M.P.P City of St. Thomas, the City of Toronto, and AMO for support. Carried tem #5a respecting Correspondence The following recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Hofhuls THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the City of Kawartha Lakes requesting the Province to provide relief to those groups hardest hit by spikes in the cost of living and property tax increases; end the downloading of provincial programs and the use of municipal property tax dollars to subsidize provincial health and social programs and to develop a plan to begin uploading of provincial program costs to the Province. Carried Item #5c respecting Correspondence recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Vowel The following Item #5c be received and filed THAT Correspondence Item #6 Carried respecting Correspondence recommendation was adopted The following 14,2006 March 8 County Counci Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Wilson Item #6 be received and filed THAT Correspondence Carried Item #7 respecting Correspondence recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Wilson The fOllowing THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the County of Grey and the City of Owen Sound urging the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Provincial Government to develop a plan to begin to address the municipal financial crisis through a funding commitment. Carried Item #8 respecting Correspondence recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Warwick The following Item #8 be received and filed THAT Correspondence Carried Item #9 respecting Correspondence recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Hofhuls The following THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of Malahide requesting an amendment to the Medicine Act to permit the licensing of physicians who are in good standing and who have written the necessary examinations to commence practice immediately in our province Carried Unanimously. Premier Dalton McGuinty, 1) acknowledging Council's support for the resolution passed by the Town of South Essex regarding The Negligence Act.; 2) acknowledging Council's support for the resolution passed by the City of Port Colborne regarding property tax and assessment issues. A nformation (Consent Items for 1 April Gazda, Administrative Clerk, City of St. Thomas, with a resolution confirming City Council's participation in the visioning exercise with the County of Elgin 2 Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance, advising of important decisions for the 2006 taxation year related to education tax rates and municipal flexibility in setting tax policy. 3 Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: 1) with an update on the developments concerning the Act to Revise the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, 2006; 2) advising of the government's intentions related to extending the length of the term of office to four years for municipal Councillors and school trustees 4 Province Gives Control of Pension Plan to Ontario News Release Communique Members". 5 14,2006 nformation", 2006 OGRAlROMA Combined March 9 Your For " County Counci AMO Member Communication Conference Announcements. 6 registration form AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) OMERS B 206 - Status of Supplemental Plans 2) Update on Proposed Amendment to Municipal Counci Term. nformation and 2006 AMO Conference Companion's Program 7 8 Municipal Act 1) Communication FOR YOUR INFORMATION AMO Member Reform Hon. David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources, acknowledging Council's support of the Township of Chisholm's resolution concerning reinstatement of the spring black bear hunting season 9 Curtis O'Nyon, Senior Manager, Networking, Partnerships and Events, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, with information regarding home and car insurance available to its members. 10 Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds Items #1-10 received and filed THAT Correspondence Carried OTHER BUSINESS Members Councillor Wilson handed out and reviewed the brief entitled "Ensuring the Viability of Agriculture" that was presented by the Rural Initiatives Committee to Minister Dombrowsky at the recent OGRAlROMA Conference. The Minister indicated funding would be forthcoming for rural agricultural initiatives. A letter to Minister Dombrowsky, on behalf of Council, thanking her for consideration of the presentation made by the Committee. will be forwarded from the Warden Statements/In Councillor Wilson noted that an Ontario Mayors for Agriculture group has been formed, comprised of Mayors from across Ontario, to lobby for common issues to appropriate government bodies. A recent meeting of this group was supplied with the brief from the Rural Initiatives Committee and the group indicated that a delegation to the Federal Minister of Agriculture would be requested, at which the brief would be presented. The Chair, Vice Chair and Councillor Wilson were appointed by the group to present the brief on behalf of the Ontario Mayors for Agriculture. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Brief entitled "Ensuring the Viability of Agriculture" from the Rural Initiatives Committee. dated February 21 st, 2006, presented by Councillor Wilson be received and filed; and Wilson for the one-day THAT the usual seminar/workshop expenses be paid to Councillor meeting in Ottawa, allocated from the Warden's budget Carried Councillor Acre reported that residents of Corinth are concerned about accidents at Culloden Road and Best Line. The Director of Engineering Services was requested to review and report on options to make this intersection more safe for the traveling public Councillors suggested that Councillor Acre contact O.P.P. Staff Sergeant Ryan Cox to request additional monitoring of this location as well. 14,2006 Councillor Acre advised that the Municipality of Bayham expenditures for maintenance of County Roads exceeds the amounts allocated from the County. The Director of Engineering Services advised that not all maintenance tracking reports have been received from lower-tier road superintendents and requested that Councillors remind their staff to forward these reports as soon as possible. A summary report would be presented to a future Council meeting once all the reports have been received. March 10 County Counci Councillor Acre reminded Councillors that the Elgin Municipal Association Dinner will be held on April 5th, 2006, at the St. Thomas Community Centre and encouraged everyone to attend Councillor Mcintyre requested that the report regarding chevron signs for Magdala Road deferred previously, be brought back to the next Council meeting for discussion Councillor Vowel announced that a new medical doctor would be setting up practice In the Medical Centre in Dutton beginning in July 2006 The Chief Administrative Officer announced that a Visioning Session will take place on April 28th at the East Elgin Community Complex and reminded Councillors to invite their Deputy Mayors and CAOs to attend as well. A detailed agenda will be forthcoming. DELEGATION Mr. Chester Hinatsu, Director, Ontario Works, appeared at 11 :45 AM. to present the Quarterly Ontario Works Report for the period ended December 31, 2005. Mr. Hinatsu noted significant change in Ontario Works activities during 2005, however the programs came in slightly under budget. Mr. Hinatsu indicated they were not successful with their pilot addiction program proposal but will be mandated by the Provincial Program in 2007 which will not properly address the needs of City/County clients. Mr. Hinatsu announced that he is retiring in March and the replacement for his position has not been ratified but expected an announcement to be made shortly. He thanked Council for the co-operation and support of programs and staff during the past several years Warden Baldwin thanked Mr. Hinatsu for his efforts on behalf of the City and the County during the past years and presented a token of Council's appreciation. Mr. Hinatsu thanked the County for the gift and Warden Baldwin invited him to lunch with Council Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre 2005 be THAT the Quarterly Ontario Works Report for the period ending December 31 received and filed. Carried Notice of Motion - None - None Matters of Ur, 04 P.M unch at 12:08 P.M. and reconvened at 1 Council recessed for DELEGATION Ms. Heather Adams, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Aylmer, attended at the invitation of the Warden to update Council on Aylmer's proposed fire hall and possible inclusion of an ambulance base. Ms. Adams circulated the building plan. floor plan. and capital financing options for Council's information. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property, legal. and personal matters of an identifiable individual. Carried 14,2006 the Chair at March to take 11 Warden Baldwin requested Councillor Warwick, as Deputy Warden 1:14 P.M. while discussion ensued regarding a property matter. County Counci 50 P.M at 1 r the Cha Warden Baldwin assumed Faulds left the meeting at 2:27 P.M Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor HofhUls Councillor rise and report. THAT we do now Carried Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Acre the n THAT the County of Elgin thank the Town of Aylmer for the thoughtful offer of a partnership in building an ambulance station adjacent to the newly proposed fire ha Town of Aylmer and indicate that the County wishes to build its own facility on its own property in keeping with past practices; and, THAT the County indicate its intention to honour the current lease arrangement for ambulance space with the Town of Aylmer until it expires in 2008; and, THAT staff be directed to commence planning for the eventual construction of a new ambulance base on Terrace Lodge property for consideration by Council; and further, THAT staff be directed to prepare an Ambulance Station Location Master Plan for Council's consideration in order to address needs across the County; and, the Ambulance and THAT the confidential reports from the Director of Finance and Emergency Management Co-Ordinator be received and filed. Carried Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT an offer be made to TOPIGS Canada Incorporated to lease office and storage space from the County of Elgin at the Administration Building and THAT should TOPIGS Canada Incorporated respond with a counter offer to the proposal from the County of Elgin, the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer have authority to make amendments to the lease terms on behalf of the County of Elgin; and, be Informed in writing of the Council wi THAT when negotiations are completed agreement; and be THAT the funds to renovate the third floor for the Human Resources Department appropriated from the County of Elgin 2005 Surplus Carried Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Wilson the legal advice regarding the King George IV Lift Bridge be approved Carried THAT 14,2006 March 12 County Counci Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Vowel THAT the County of Elgin establish an economic development initiative in 2006 based on the report entitled "Economic Development and Elgin County" dated February 27th, 2006 from the Chief Administrative Officer; and, THAT staff be directed to develop proposals for funding assistance through the Community Transition Program and the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program to help establish said initiative Carried Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Warwick and 14,2006 be approved time effective Apri report entitled "Library Services Realignment' be made fu THAT the contract position of Assistant Archivist and the incumbent be offered the position the confidentia THAT Carried Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Warwick THAT we do now adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Counci Carried BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT By-Law No. 06-07 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the March 14th, 2006 Meeting" be read a first and second time Carried Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis third time and finally passed THAT By-Law No. 06-07 be read a Carried Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Vowel to meet again on March 28. 2006 at 9:00 AM Carried THAT we do now adjourn at 3:04 P.M