05 - April 11, 2017 County Council MinutesCOUNTY COUNCIL MINUTES
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Accessible formats available upon request.
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building at 9:00 a.m. Councillor
Martyn (ill) regrets.
Warden Jones in the Chair.
Council considered correspondence from the Township of Malahide recommending the
appointment of Jim Jenkins as one of Malahide's representatives on County Council. This
Council position was left vacant as a result of the recent passing of Councillor Mike Wolfe.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Currie
THAT at the request of the Township of Malahide and in accordance with Article 13 of the
Minister's restructuring order, Mr. Jim Jenkins be authorized to replace Councillor Mike Wolfe
as one of Malahide's representatives on County Council, commencing on April 11, 2017 and
terminating upon the end of the current Council term; and,
THAT the correspondence from the Township of Malahide be received and filed.
- Carried.
OATH OF OFFICE
Councillor Jenkins took the Oath of Office, administered by the Chief Administrative Officer.
The Councillor then took his seat on County Council.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on March 14, 2017 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF —
None.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
Terrace Lodge Long Term Care Home Redevelopment Update — Chairman Terrace Lodge
Redevelopment Building Committee
The Director of Homes and Seniors Services presented the report updating Council on the
progress of the redevelopment of the Terrace Lodge Long Term Care Home in regards to the
project schedule, peer review of the schematic design, and the Request for Expression of
Interest (RFEI) for repurpose options for the current Terrace Lodge facility.
County Council 2
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
April 11, 2017
THAT the report titled "Terrace Lodge Long Term Care Home Redevelopment Update" from the
Chairman of the Terrace Lodge Redevelopment Building Committee, dated March 14, 2017 be
received and filed.
- Carried.
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Funding Update — Economic Development
Coordinator
The coordinator presented the report informing Council that Elgin County was awarded a grant of
$75,000 from the Municipal Innovation Fund; Innovative Immigration Initiatives by the Ontario
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. Elgin County Economic Development will partner with
the YWCA to use the funding to develop a protocol for fielding inquiries related to the new
Welcome to St. Thomas -Elgin Portal as well as identifying and addressing gaps for hiring
internationally trained immigrants to fill work gaps in the County.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT the report titled "Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Funding Update" from the
Economic Development Coordinator, dated March 27, 2017 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Connect to Innovate RFP Results — Manager of Information Technology
The manager presented the report informing Council that the RFP seeking partnerships in order
to apply for funding through the Connect to Innovate Program has closed and that Packetworks
responded to the RFP with a proposal to build backbone fibre infrastructure from Dutton to
Wallacetown. Staff is recommending that Council provides a letter of support for Packetworks.
Moved by Councillor McWilliam
Seconded by Councillor Currie
THAT County Council provide a letter of support to Packetworks for their Connect to Innovate
funding application.
- Carried.
Provincial Offences Administration (POA) Facilities — Provincial Offences Administration
Supervisor
The supervisor presented the report providing Council with an update on negotiations with the
Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) regarding additional POA courtroom space. The report
recommended that Council authorize staff to enter into negotiations with MAG for per diem
courtroom usage for lengthy trials or emergency situations.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT staff be directed to enter into discussions and negotiations with Ministry of the Attorney
General (MAG) for per diem courtroom usage; and,
THAT staff evaluate the facility needs for Provincial Offences Administration (POA) for both
function and security and provide recommendations to Council once the outcomes of POA
Modernization are known.
- Carried.
County Council 3 April 11, 2017
Landfill Tax Ratio from Province and 2017 Budget By-law — Director of Financial Services
The director presented the report informing Council that the Province had issued the landfill tax
ratio allowing for Elgin to adopt its budget by-law. With the establishment of the new landfill
class, MPAC has moved two local municipally owned landfills in Dutton Dunwich and West Elgin
from the exempt class into the new landfill class. The landfill ratio would unfairly penalize these
municipalities that previously have not paid taxes on these properties; therefore, staff
recommended that Council grant relief on the full portion of the County property taxes on landfills
in the municipalities of Dutton Dunwich and West Elgin.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT the large industrial class be chosen as an optional property class.
2. THAT the multi -residential ratio be reduced to 1.9999 to avoid provincially imposed levy
restrictions; and,
3. THAT the municipalities of Dutton Dunwich and West Elgin be granted relief on the full
portion of the County property taxes on the landfills that these municipalities use for local
resident waste.
4. THAT the 2017 tax ratios for the County of Elgin set out on Schedule "A", attached hereto
and forming part of this by-law, be approved and adopted by Council.
5. THAT the 2017 budget of the County of Elgin set out on Schedule "B", attached hereto and
forming part of this by-law, which incorporates estimates for revenue and for expenditures
be approved and adopted by Council.
6. THAT the 2017 tax rates for the assessment in each property class set out in Schedule "C",
attached hereto and forming part of this by-law, be approved and adopted by Council.
- Carried.
Homes —West Elgin Community Health Centre (WECHC) Meals on Wheels (MOW) Contract
— 2017-2018 — Director of Homes and Seniors Services
The director presented the report recommending that Council authorize staff to sign a contract for
Meals on Wheels services with the West Elgin Community Health Centre for the 2017-2018 year.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT the current price of West Elgin Community Health Centre Meals on Wheels increase to
$6.60 for regular portions and $3.30 double portions for the 2017-2018 contract year; and,
THAT Council authorize staff to sign the 2017-2018 Meals on Wheels contract with the West
Elgin Community Health Centre.
- Carried.
Homes — Long -Term Care Service Accountability Agreement for 2017-2018 — Director of
Homes and Seniors Services
The director presented the report seeking Council authorization to sign the Long -Term Care
Service Accountability Amending Agreement for 2017-2018 with the South West Local Health
Integration Network.
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT Council authorizes staff to sign the Long -Term Care Service Accountability Amending
Agreement for 2017-2018 with the South West Local Health Integration Network for Bobier Villa,
Elgin Manor and Terrace Lodge.
- Carried.
County Council 4 April 11, 2017
Homes — Administration Policy Manual Review and Revisions 2017 — Director of Homes
and Seniors Services
The director presented the report recommending that Council approve revisions to the Homes
Administration Policy Manual.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Currie
THAT Council approve the County of Elgin Homes and Seniors Services Administration Policy
Manual review and revisions effective April 11, 2017.
- Carried.
Homes — Infection Control Policy and Procedure Manual — Director of Homes and Seniors
Services
The director presented the report seeking Council's approval of the Infection Control Policy and
Procedure Manual.
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT Council approve the County of Elgin Homes and Seniors Services Infection Control Policy
and Procedure Manual review and revisions effective March 31, 2017.
- Carried.
Homes — Long -Term Care Homes Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) — 2017-2018 Submission
to Health Quality Ontario — Director of Homes and Seniors Services
The director presented the report informing Council that the annual Long -Term Care Homes
Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) have been submitted.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT the report titled: "Homes — Long -Term Care Homes Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) —
2017-2018 Submission to Health Quality Ontario" from the Director of Homes and Seniors
Services dated April 11, 2017 be received and filed.
- Carried.
County Road #54 — Boundary Road Agreement — Director of Engineering Services
The director presented the report informing Council that the boundary road agreement for County
Road #54 between Elgin and Oxford Counties has expired and a new agreement is required.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign the
agreement once approved by the County Solicitor.
- Carried.
Reduced Speed Zone and Community Safety Zone By -Law Amendments — Deputy Director
of Engineering Services
The deputy director presented the report summarizing amendments to speed zone and
community safety zone by-laws.
County Council
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Currie
April 11, 2017
THAT By -Law 17-11, being a by-law to authorize speed limits, and By -Law 17-12, being a by-law
to designate Community Safety Zones be adopted; and,
THAT the OPP be circulated a copy of these by-laws.
- Carried.
Opening Date for Southwold Township Library, Shedden — Director of Community and
Cultural Services
The director presented the report informing Council that the Southwold Township Library,
Shedden will open April 25, 2017 for use by the public.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT the report "Opening Date for Southwold Township Library, Shedden" from the Director of
Community and Cultural Service, dated March 23, 2017 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Upgrades to County Website to 2019 — Director of Community and Cultural Services
The director presented the report to Council seeking authorization to engage in activities that
would result in a new version of the County's website to be launched as soon as fall 2017.
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT staff be authorized to utilize commercial content management software for the creation
of the next generation of the County website subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the
report "Upgrades to County Website to 2019" dated March 15, 2017; and,
THAT a contract position be created to facilitate the necessary work to re -develop the County's
website; and,
THAT all associated costs, including wages and software, be contained within the approved
budget of $43,510 for the period April 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.
- Carried.
Tender Award — Elgin County Heritage Centre Construction — Director of Community and
Cultural Services
The director presented the report recommending that Council award the tender for the Elgin
County Heritage Centre to Elgin Contracting and Restoration.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT Elgin Contracting and Restoration be selected for the Elgin County Heritage Centre
Construction Project, Contract No. 2790-16-07 at a total price of $893,000 exclusive of H.S.T.;
and,
THAT the separate prices noted in the report be added to the contract at a total price of $44,000
exclusive of H.S.T.; and,
THAT additional funding required in the amount of $46,100 be re -allocated from the surplus from
the Brooks Bridge Replacement project, Project No. 62901701; and,
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the contract.
- Carried.
County Council 6 April 11, 2017
The Warden took a moment to recognize Mike Baker, Curator of the Elgin County Museum for
the work that went into the Centennial Commemoration for Ellis Sifton and the Vimy Lecture that
was held at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Tyrconnell on April 9, 2017. The event included the
unveiling of a new headstone for Ellis Sifton, with a full pipe band in attendance. The Ellis Sifton
Victoria Cross (part of the Museum's collection) was on hand for the event. The turnout was
excellent and the event well organized.
Council recessed at 10:03 a.m. and reconvened at 10:15 a.m.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
Geoff Hogan, Executive Director, Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology Inc. (SWIFT)
seeking execution of the Municipal Capital Funding Agreement for Elgin County to contribute
their portion of the Initial Costs of Phase 1 of the SWIFT Network project in the amount of
$527,793.
2. Michael Andrews, President, Packetworks seeking a one-time grant of $10,000 or more from
Elgin County to support their Connect to Innovate (CTI) program application.
3. M. Casavecchia-Somers, Chief Administrative Officer, Township of Malahide notifying Council
of the appointment of Rosemary Kennedy as the Malahide representative to the Elgin County
Land Division Committee.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #1:
The Chief Administrative Officer cautioned Council about the risks associated with signing this
agreement. It has not been indicated how many points of presence will be in Elgin nor has it
been determined what will happen to Elgin's contribution if no local telecommunications
companies bid on the project. There is also no indication as to when these projects might
begin in Elgin. There are many municipalities that are signing and some are contributing while
others are waiting to sign the agreement when the business plan has been developed and the
RFPs are done. Signing this contract constitutes a leap of faith on the part of Elgin County.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin approve the execution of the Municipal Capital
Funding Agreement for Elgin County to contribute their portion of the Initial Costs of Phase 1 of
the SWIFT Network project in the amount of $527,793; and,
THAT a letter of concern be issued along with the expected contribution towards Phase 1.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor McWilliam
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT staff be directed to provide in-kind assistance to the project where feasible; and,
THAT the request for financial contribution be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin appoint Rosemary Kennedy to the Land Division
Committee as a representative for the Township of Malahide for the duration of the current term
ending in 2018.
- Carried.
County Council 7
Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
April 11, 2017
1. Nancie Irving, CMO, Town of Aylmer with Town of Aylmer council resolutions regarding
Relocation of the Aylmer Library to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC).
2. Matt Reid, Chair, Thames Valley District School Board responding to County Council's
resolution regarding Elementary Pupil Accommodation Review -01 (SPAR -01) as well as
providing the link to view the Final Senior Administration Report for Elementary Pupil
Accommodation Review -01 from the TVDSB Planning Department.
3. The Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Network with a press release titled
"SWIFT to Release a Two Stage Request for Pre -Qualification (RFPQ) in May 2017".
4. Lori Van Opstal, interim Board Chair and Michael Barrett, CEO, South West Local Health
Integration Network announcing that recruitment is underway for South West LHIN groups to
support Patients First Action Plan for Health Care.
5. Automated External Defibrillator (AEDS) School Policy response from Thames Valley District
School Board and support resolutions from:
a) Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
b) Town of Ingersoll
6. Kathleen Vukovics, Environmental Coordinator, Hatch Ltd. with Notice of a Proposal and
Notice of a Public Meeting on April 25th, 2017 at the Shedden Keystone Complex and April
27th 2017 at the Belmont Arena and Community Centre regarding the MNO Solar FIT 4 LP —
Twelve Solar Projects Proposed in Elgin County.
7. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister, Health and Long -Term Care announcing approval to the County of
Elgin for the operation of 100 beds for the Terrace Lodge redevelopment project.
8. Grace McGartland, Director, The Arts & Cookery Bank thanking Council for continued support
for the Savour the Flavour Boot Camp.
9. Nancie Irving, CMO, Town of Aylmer with resolution receiving for information the 2016 Library
Usage and Statistics Report.
10. AMO Communications with Breaking News re: AMD's Key Amendment to Bill 68 — Municipal
Act and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; and School Review as well as AMO's Bill 68 Standing
Committee Submission.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT Correspondence Items #1 —10 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/Inquiries by Members
Councillor Marr requested that staff investigate and bring forward a report regarding the
modernization of Council Chambers to improve issues of sight lines for the media and members
of the public in the gallery.
Councillor Currie informed Council that the Town of Aylmer had an update from Spriet and
Associates regarding putting the Aylmer Library in the East Elgin Community Complex. A
resolution has been passed to create a committee to study the options provided and come back
with recommendations. The Town will likely be asking for County input on this committee.
Notice of Motion — None.
Matters of Urgency —None.
County Council
Closed Meeting Items
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
April 11, 2017
THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act to
discuss matters under Municipal Act Section 239.2;
(a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board; two items — ARC Financial
Planning Group Ltd. - Lease Extension; and, Potential Land Acquisition: Business Case.
(d) labour relations or employee negotiations — Labour Relations Matters - Seeking Approval for
New Collective Agreement with the Ontario Nurses' Association.
(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board —
Dexter Line Land Acquisitions - Final Update (#10).
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Currie
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a lease
agreement with ARC Financial Planning Group Ltd. for Rooms #237, 238, 239; and,
THAT the lease commence on May 1, 2017 for a lease rate of $16.40 per square foot for year
one, ($8,200.00 annual payment), plus the HST, and $16.75 per square foot for year two
($8,375.00 annual payment) plus the HST.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Jenkins
Seconded by Councillor Currie
THAT County Council approve the confidential report titled "Labour Relations Matters — Seeking
Approval for New Collective Agreement with the Ontario Nurses' Association", from the Director
of Human Resources, dated March 27, 2017, subject to being ratified, and the recommendations
contained therein; and,
THAT the necessary by-law be prepared.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McWilliam
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT the General Manager of Economic Development be authorized and directed to undertake
a business case that would inform County Council on the potential acquisition of lands for
recreational purposes as proposed in the in -camera report dated March 24, 2017.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT the confidential report titled "Dexter Line Land Acquisitions — Final Update (#10)", from
the Chief Administrative Officer, dated March 20, 2017 be received and filed.
- Carried.
County Council
Motion to Adopt Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
April 11, 2017
THAT By -Law No. 17-09 "Being a By -Law to Establish a Pay Schedule for Employees Covered
by the Job Evaluation Scale" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT By -Law No. 17-10 "Being a By -Law to Provide for the Adoption of the 2017 Budget of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin and to Establish the 2017 Tax Ratios, and to Establish the
2017 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first, second and third time
and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Currie
THAT By -Law No. 17-11 "Being a By -Law to Authorize Speed Limits" be read a first, second and
third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT By -Law No. 17-12 "Being a By -Law to Designate Community Safety Zones on County
Roads" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT By -Law No. 17-13 "Being a By- Law to Authorize a Municipal Capital Agreement between
the Corporation of the County of Elgin and the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology
Network" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Currie
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT By -Law No. 17-14 "Being a By -Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 11, 2017 Meeting" be read a first, second and
third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
County Council 10 April 11, 2017
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor McWilliam
Seconded by Councillor Currie
THAT we do now adjourn at 11:27 a.m. and meet again on May 9, 2017 at the County
Administration Building Council Chambers at 9:00 a.m.
- Carried.
Chief Administrative Officer.
ant Jones,
Warden.