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April 25, 2006 Minutes COUNTY COUNCIL 25.2006 Tuesday, Apri n The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:00 AM accordance with adjournment, with all members present. Warden Baldwin In the Chair. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds the meeting held on March 28. 2006 be adopted the minutes from THAT Carried DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None the passing of a family Warden Baldwin extended condolences to Councillor Vowel on member and congratulations on the birth of a granddaughter. The Warden announced that the Municipality of West Elgin had received a grant from the provincial and federal governments of $19M towards a new water facility. Councillor Warwick noted the government financed the project to 90%, in recognition of the particular circumstances rural municipalities face in generating funding. PRESENTATION Warden Baldwin indicated that Mary Brown and Gary Rose were scheduled to receive certificates and awards in recognition of their retirement from the County, however, they were unable to attend the meeting. Warden Baldwin read a brief history of each employees' contributions to Elgin County. DELEGATIONS Mr. Ron Elliott, President, Mr. Dave Mennill, Vice-Chair, and Mrs. Marilyn Fleck, Board Member, St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation, attended at 9:05 AM. to update Council on the current and ongoing work of the Foundation. The delegation indicated capital funding was needed for replacement of beds and that a campaign had begun in November 2005 towards the $1.2M replacement cost. The Foundation requested a donation from the County of $100,000 towards the campaign, over a period of 2-3 years. The City has been approached and may make a donation during 2006. Warden Baldwin thanked the delegation for attending and the delegation left at 9:20 AM. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis THAT we do now move Into Committee Of The Whole Counci Carried and provided a REPORTS The Archivist introduced Ms. Ninette Girody, the new Museum Curator, brief history of her former employment positions Monument - Manaaer of Archives Warden Baldwin noted the Council meeting on July 25. 2006 would be held at the Elgin Manor to coincide with the dedication ceremony. ndust House of 25,2006 Apri 2 County Counci Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT County Council conduct a ceremony on July 25, 2006 to dedicate a monument In honour of those individuals buried on grounds adjacent to the former Elgin County House of Industry; and, THAT the members of the Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society be invited to attend the ceremony. Carried Services Contribution - Director of Libra of Culture Libra Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Vowe Ontario Minist iteracy the Ministry of Culture to strengthen and, THAT the one-time grant of $126,000 from and promote lifelong learning be accepted; Station for each Branch Library; and THAT staff purchase an Early Literacy Computer THAT use of the remaining funds be determined by staff. Carried rector of Senior Services. Terrace Brochure - D ram Marketin Adult Da Lodae Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson the from 2006 11 THAT the report "Adult Day Program Marketing Brochure" dated Apri Director of Senior Services, Terrace Lodge. be received and filed. n Carried n Manor - Director of Senior Services. E E ance Review at Com Annua Manor Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre from THAT the report "Annual Compliance Review at Elgin Manor" dated March 30. 2006 the Director of Senior Services, Elgin Manor, be received and filed. Carried Melodv Lane Productions - Director of Senior Services. Bobier Villa Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis the Director of from 13.2006 THAT the report "Melody Lane Productions" dated Apri Senior Services. Bobier Villa. be received and filed Carried rector of Financial Services 28. 2006 - D arison to Februa Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Acre Bud from 2006 THAT the report "Budget Comparison to February 28,2006" dated March 31 the Director of Financial Services be received and filed. Carried 25,2006 Apri 3 County Counci - Director of Financial Services Council discussed applying the funding directly to a reserve for the ambulance program or buildings as well as placing half in the ambulance reserve and directing the other half to roads expenditures Additional Provincial AmbUlance Fundin Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson 607 be set aside In a the amount of $301 THAT the additional ambulance funding In reserve and, the use of those funds THAT staff prepare a report making recommendations on Carried Unanimously. Semi-Annua nformation on Contract Awards (June to December 2005) and Direct Neaotiation Expenditures (Janua to December 2005\ - Purchasin Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Vowe THAT the report "Semi-Annual Information on Contract Awards (June to December 2005) and Direct Negotiation Expenditures (January to December 2005)", dated April 13, 2006, from the Purchasing Co-Ordinator, be received and filed. Director of Human Carried & Benefits Coordinator ro Renewal 2006 - Pa Annual Benefit Resources Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT, based on the recommendation of Mosey and Mosey Benefit Consultants, the Manulife premium rates presented in the 2006 Renewal Report be adopted for the County of Elgin and the Elgin Member Municipalities, effective May 1, 2006. Services Carried Tender Award for Sunset Road Rehabilitation - Director of En Manaaer of Road Infrastructure. Purchasin Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds itation Road Rehabi and, THAT Birnam Excavating Ltd. be selected to complete the Sunset Project at their total tender price of $8,264,617.54 inclusive of all taxes THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to enter into an agreement with Birnam Excavating for the Sunset Road Rehabilitation Project between Bridge Street (in the Village of Port Stanley) to Glenwood Street (being the southern limits of the City of St. Thomas), with the understanding that the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of Central Elgin are responsible for their portions of the contract. Carried 25,2006 Purchasm Apri 4 Tender Results - Manaaer of Road Infrastructure County Counci Surface Treatment Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Warwick THAT MSO Construction be selected to complete surface treatment and fog sealing on Glen Erie Line (County Road #42) at a total cost of approximately $177,000; and THAT the Municipality of Central Elgin be notified that the County of Elgin accepts the tender submitted by MSO Construction Carried at CUlloden Road and Eden Line - Manaaer of Road Intersection Safet Infrastructure Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Vowe THAT the Municipality of Bayham be instructed to install Stop Blocks at all County Road intersections, following the requirements of the Ontario Traffic Manual; and, THAT the costs associated with this annual activity be funded by the Maintenance Allocations for County Road maintenance Carried 10 AM took a break at 9:53 AM. and reconvened at 10 Counci CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence for Consideration Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister Responsible for Seniors, with information concerning the 2006 Senior of the Year Award, a program to honour an outstanding local senior. 1 Kenneth J. Brooks, Barrister & Solicitor, Executive Director, Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic, with correspondence concerning the hardship caused to local residents by the move to London of the Social Benefits Tribunal for their hearing venue 2 the Judy Currins, City Clerk, City of Kawartha Lakes, with a resolution concerning impact of the Proposed Clean Water Act 2005 3 Town of Caledon, with a resolution requesting that the Federal and Provincial Governments commit to long term programs and delivery of funding to solve the problem of negative incomes and the long term financial viability of Ontario Farmers 4. Graham Hart, Chair, Thames Valley District School Board, advising that the inaugura meeting of the Thames Valley Capital Planning Advisory will take place Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Education Centre and requesting that a member of Council be selected to attend. 5 Chris Somerville, Township Clerk, Township of King, with a resolution regarding recent changes in the delivery of mail to rural communities by Canada Post. 6 St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, with an invoice for 2007 Membership renewal and request for verification of County contact names 7 with a resolution requesting Harold Luckasavitch, Clerk, Township of Algonquin changes to the Current Value Assessment System. 8 Item #1 respecting Correspondence The following recommendation was adopted 25,2006 Apri 5 County Counci Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT, due to time constraints, staff be authorized to forward the nomination of a worthy individual from the municipality to be considered for the 2006 Senior of the Year Award. Carried Item #2 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the concerns of the Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic regarding the hardship to local residents caused by the move to London of the Social Benefits Tribunal for their hearing venue Carried Item #3 respecting Correspondence The following recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Kawartha Lakes concerning the impact of the Proposed Clean Water Act 2005. Carried Unanimously. Item #4 respecting Correspondence The following recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Town of Caledon requesting that the Federal and Provincial Governments commit to long-term programs and delivery of funding to solve the problem of negative incomes and the long- term financial viability of Ontario Farmers Carried Unanimously. Item #5 respecting Correspondence The following recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Vowe THAT Councillor John R. Wilson be appointed as the County of Elgin representative to attend meetings of the Thames Valley Capital Planning Advisory Committee Carried Item #6 respecting Correspondence The fOllowing recommendation was adopted Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Township of King concerning the recent changes in the delivery of mail to rural communities by Canada Post. Item #7 Carried The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence 25,2006 Apri 6 County Counci Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin take out membership with the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce for 2006/2007 in the amount of $185.50; and the names of the County contacts remain as they are currently. THAT Carried Councillor MCintyre noted that the Rosy Rhubarb Group is being recognized at the next St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce Free Enterprise Dinner. Item #8 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Vowel Item #8 be received and filed THAT Correspondence Carried Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, with correspondence acknowledging Council's support of: 1) resolutions from the County of Grey and the City of Owen Sound regarding provincial funding to municipalities and the resolution from the Township of Malahide concerning physician licensing; 2) resolution from the City of Kawartha Lakes concerning provincial relief to municipalities and funding of social programs; 3) resolution from the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry regarding amendments to the Negligence Act, R.S.O. 1990. nformation (Consent A Correspondence for 1 Municipal Property Assessment Corporation: 1) concerning the Preliminary List of Electors and the ongoing efforts of MPAC to provide up to date information; 2) Press Statement MPAC Receives Ombudsman's Report; 3) responding to the Ombudsman's review and recommendations to the MPAC Board. 2 Gloria Kovach, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, with "Members' Advisory' concerning availability of an advocacy kit on the FCM website to help municipal advocates communicate with their Members of Parliament. 3 Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with correspondence responding to the Warden's letter concerning Bill 206 the Act to revise the Ontario Municipal Employee Retirement System Act. 4 Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister Responsible for Seniors, announcing that June has been proclaimed as Seniors' Month and providing a proclamation for consideration 5 Mayor Jeff Kohler, City of St. Thomas, announcing the selection of Sandra Datars Bere as the new Director of Ontario Works, effective May 1, 2006. 6 Municipal Advisory, with New Fine Ranges for Speeding Ministry of Transportation effective March 31,2006. 7 Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with Press Releases: 1) McGuinty Government's 2006 budget good news for Elgin-Middlesex-London; 2) McGuinty government protects Ontarians by strengthening land ambulance services in St. Thomas-Elgin. 8 Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, announcing land ambulance services' grant funding adjustment for 2006 of $863,286 9 25,2006 John Klunder, Regional Coordinator, Community Transition Program, with correspondence urging the County to proceed in applying for funding through the Community Transition Program for Economic Development in the County of Elgin. Apri 7 County Counci 10 Rhonda Barkley, Liaison, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee, announcing that July 7 through July 9,2006 is Ontario Family Fishing Weekend 11 Nancie J. Irving, Clerk, Town of Aylmer, with copy of correspondence to Premier Dalton McGuinty concerning the resolution by the Township of Malahide supporting the Ontario Medical Association's report entitled "Ontario Physician Shortage 2005" 12 EarthTech, City of London, with Upgrades to Hauled Liquid Waste Receiving Facilities, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Schedule "C" Notice of Completion. 13 process Andre Marin, Ombudsman, Final Report under S.11 of the Ombudsman Act, regarding the investigation into the transparency of the property assessment and the integrity and efficiency of decision-making at MPAC. 14 Middlesex, with Press Release announcing Reycraft a Middlesex County, Southwest Candidate for AMO President. 15 Announcements AMO Member Communication, For Your Information. "Severa Related to Energy - Announcements and Synopsis" 16 CMHC/SCHL Home to Canadians, Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing Initiative, with advanced notice for interested parties of a "Call for Expression of Interest" that will ensure the design and building of environmental low-impact housing projects. 17 Mayor Dan Mathieson, City of Stratford, with information regarding "Civic Night' Thursday, June 22,2006 and tickets for "South Pacific" at the Avon Theatre. 18 Announcement by the governments of Canada and Ontario for COMRIF funding for the replacement of the New Sarum Bridge of up to $502,333 from each government. 19 Referring to Correspondence Item #19, the Director of Engineering Services noted that approvals are still forthcoming and the project may not be tendered this year. Council requested that a letter be sent to the Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P. and Joe Preston, M.P., thanking them for their efforts in acquiring the funding. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Acre Items #1-19 be received and filed THAT Correspondence Carried OTHER BUSINESS Elgin be held at the East wi Members Councillor Acre announced the annual Warden's Banquet Community Complex on November 17, 2006. Statements/lnou Councillor Acre advised that the construction of wind turbines in the Municipality of Bayham has increased tourism interest. The Municipality would like permission to clear a triangular shaped piece of property on Nova Scotia Line, and construct a driveway off Orchard Lane where tourists could park and take photos of the turbines. Council directed staff to report on the matter to the next Council meeting. Councillor Wilson informed Council that he had attended a Federation of Agriculture meeting recently at the Saxonia Hall in Aylmer, at which he received a letter of thanks to the County Rural Initiatives Committee for their efforts on behalf of agriculture. He read 25,2006 it nitiatives Committee. and circulated Apri 8 the letter, noting the positive reaction to the Rura for Council's information County Counci Councillor Wilson advised that the Township of Malahide's resolution regarding the doctor shortage was endorsed by nearly 20 municipalities and thanked the County for its support. wold and the to Elgin Councillor Warwick extended a thank you from the marketing partners of West County for providing maps etc. towards a car tour planned for May 29, 2006. Warden Baldwin informed Council that he attended an ethanol meeting in Wisconsin and showed a poster of an operational ethanol plant. Warden Baldwin and Councillor Wilson explained the process used in making ethanol, as well as spin-off growth experienced in the area surrounding the municipality. Notice of Motion - None - None Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Acre Matters of Ur, THAT we do proceed In-Camera to deal with property matters Carried Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Vowe rise and report THAT we do now Carried Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Council of the County of Elgin offer to the Elgin Military Museum for purchase (at a nominal fee) or lease, the property and buildings at 32 Talbot Street, St. Thomas according to specific terms and conditions Carried Unanimously. Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Wilson to sign THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed a lease with Scott D. Avery (Company) Limited; and THAT the lease begin on June 1, 2006 for a two-year term at a lease payment of $13.25 per square foot for the first year and $13.50 per square foot for the second year of the lease. Carried Council discussed the request by the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation for a commitment of $100,000 in support of the "Supporting Our Best to Be The Best... Our Nurses Are Worth a Million" program to acquire beds and room furnishings. Staff was directed to report to Council on the donation amount from the City of St. Thomas and on budget implications. 25,2006 Apri 9 County Counci Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor HofhUls THAT the request from the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation for a donation of $100,000 towards beds and furnishings be deferred to the next meeting and the project their donation towards THAT staff contact the City of St. Thomas to determine and report to Council on budget implications Carried Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Warwick THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Counci Carried BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds Employees THAT By-Law No. 06-10 "Being a By-Law to Establish a Pay Schedule for Covered by the Job Evaluation Scale" be read a first and second time Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Acre third time and finally passed THAT By-Law 06-10 be read a Carried Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis THAT By-Law No. 06-11 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 25th, 2006 Meeting" be read a first and second time Carried Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Vowe third time and finally passed be read a THAT By-Law No. 06-11 Carried Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Vowel to meet again at 9:00 AM. on May 16. 2006 57 AM 11 THAT we do now adjourn Carried Paul Baldwin Warden