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September 13, 2001 Regular Meeting M I N U T E S OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN WEST ELGIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS th SEPTEMBER 13, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Duncan McPhail, Deputy Mayor Graham Warwick Councillors: Trudy Balint, Michael Mooser, Brad Bandeen STAFF PRESENT: Joanne Groch Administrator/Treasurer Linda Cranston Clerk/Deputy-Treasurer Rick Jackson Road Superintendent Jeff Slater Parks & Arena Superintendent Mayor McPhail greeted and welcomed everyone to the meeting. The Mayor took a few moments to reflect on the horrific tragedy that has taken place in the United States earlier this week. Our Municipality wish to express condolences and sympathy to the thousands who have lost family members and friends as a result of this terrible event. The Mayor went on to describe the activities that took place at the County, once they were alerted to the crisis, in the event that they would have to activate their emergency plan and procedures. He was impressed by their quick response. SUBJECT: MINUTES RES. NO. 1 Moved by Balint Seconded by Mooser RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings of Council held on the following dates be adopted as printed and circulated. th August 9, 2001 Regular Meeting rd August 23, 2001 Special Meeting rd August 23, 2001 Public Meeting rd August 23, 2001 Public Meeting DISPOSITION : Carried SUBJECT: COUNCIL REPORTS Councillor Mooser reported that Gar Knutson’s office will not be able to re-establish the old Post Office location in the Village of West Lorne, and he is still corresponding with Steve Peters Office regarding the Erie Flooring issue. Mr. Mooser also brought up the issue of an area of sidewalk that was in very poor condition, and should be replaced. The section needing repairs is across from the Baptist Church in West Lorne. It was estimated to be approximately $700.00 to fix it. Council authorized the Road Superintendent to proceed with replacement of the sidewalk. Deputy-Mayor Warwick reported that the Police Services Board was quite pleased with the “No Parking” signs painted on the streets in Rodney and they requested that the Village of West Lorne receive the same type of signage. Council directed the Road Superintendent to arrange to have this done. Deputy Warwick also mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce is working on Economic Development for the area and they would like to be able to access this OSTAR grant through OMAFRA that promotes communities and their unique rural flavour. 1 th September 13, 2001/council mtg Mayor McPhail reported that he had attended the “Connect Elgin” meeting that was organizing a group to access some grants for the area, and he reported that the County was working on the rebuilding of the Elgin Manor Long Term Care facility. Councillor Bandeen reported that the Rodney Fire Dept. had received their new air paks, and the department has paid back their temporary loan from the municipality. The old pumper truck that the West Lorne Department had requested from the Municipality actually belonged to the Rodney Department, and was only on loan to the West Lorne Department, however they have agreed to let West Lorne have it. Councillor Bandeen reported that he had attended the Hospital Finance Committee Meeting for Four Counties Hospital They are currently running with a $50,000.00 deficit, however they feel that the new affiliation of joining efforts with the Strathroy Hospital may prove to be a positive move. The new Doctor on staff seems to be working out well, and they are still actively pursuing the hiring of another Doctor for staffing. Councillor Balint reported that the Tiny Tots sent their appreciation for the painting that was completed in the Rodney Town Hall building. The Arena Board is getting repairs done to the compressor at the Arena the repairs done to the change room and washroom areas look good. She also reported that the Downhill Derby on Labour Day Weekend went very well. Councillor Balint brought up a concern from constituents about the poor public relations attitude at the Landfill Site. It was also requested that better signage be erected to let people know very clearly where certain items are to be dropped off. This will be discussed further at the landfill meeting. SUBJECT: BUILDING REPORT Council looked at the written report from Lorne McLeod, Chief Building Official, for the month of August indicating that eleven permits have been issued during the month of August totalling $457,700 worth of construction. Total permits to date is 69 equalling $2,818,200 worth of construction. SUBJECT: ROAD REPORT Rick Jackson gave a report on his monthly activities. The work crew has been working on cold mix patching, mowing and road sweeping. The electric company from Chatham that was to install the West Lorne streetlights has still not indicated when they will be able to install the new lights. Rick will contact them again. The winter maintenance schedule was discussed, and it was decided that the night shift for the winter would be scheduled similar to last year. It was noted by council that if Larry was still unable to come back to work in the winter, that the Road Department would possibly have to advertise for a temporary part-time position for the winter control night shift, with an AZ license. SUBJECT: RECREATION REPORT Jeff Slater reported that the ice will be in and operational before the week-end. He reported a problem with some missing tables, and that the Fair Board will have to borrow some from Dutton/Dunwich for the Fair. There was a break-in at the Rodney Town Hall and it was determined that beyond the vandalism the P.A. System was stolen again. They were discussing the possibility of purchasing a portable replacement that would be kept in a more secure place and could be utilized better with it’s portability. The new playground equipment for the Old Boys Park and the Rodney Park will be delivered and installed next week. Jeff passed around a layout design for the proposed new storage facility to be built on Chestnut Street near the Park location. Councillor Mooser brought up the issue about the estimate for the old PUC building in West Lorne. Jeff stated that Mr. Bradley from Hydro One was to get back to us with a price, and that hasn’t happened. The clerk will communicate with him, to try to get a cost on the building. After council discussions, Jeff was requested to bring back a scaled down modified version of the design, along with at least two estimates from contractors for the next meeting. 2 Jeff also reported that the Optimists had only received half of the funding they had applied for, to construct the Skate Board Parks. They are still discussing details. It is hoped that they will be able to proceed as soon as possible with the project. SUBJECT: ACCOUNTS RES.NO. 2 Moved by Warwick Seconded by Mooser RESOLVED that the Mayor and Administrator/Treasurer be and they are hereby authorized to sign Payment Voucher #9, amounting to $875,450.05, in settlement of General, Road and Water Accounts. (Cheques #914 – 1148, 1166 – 1201 including General/Roads and Water Payroll plus Arena Voucher of $7691.16 Chq. #1007 – 1024) DISPOSITION: Carried SUBJECT: BY-LAW 2001-36 – ZONE AMENDMENT – THOMSON RES. NO. 3 Moved by Balint Seconded by Bandeen RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to amend Aldborough Township Zoning By-law No. 90-50, to change the zoning of lands in Part of Lot 13, Concession X, from the Agricultural (A1) Zone to the Rural Residential Three (RR3) Zone and that this shall be the first and second reading and provisional adoption thereof. DISPOSITION: Carried RES. NO. 4 Moved by Mooser Seconded by Warwick RESOLVED that a by-law to amend By-law No. 90-50 to change the zoning of lands in part of Lot 13, Concession X, from the Agricultural (A1) Zone to the Rural Residential Three (RR3) Zone, be now read a third time and finally passed, signed, sealed and numbered. By-Law 2001-36 – Zone Amendment – J & R Thomson. DISPOSITION: Carried SUBJECT: BY-LAW NO. 37 – ZONE AMENDMENT – LEWINSKY RES. NO. 5 Moved by Balint Seconded by Warwick RESOLVED that Council will now recognize Ed Lewinsky as a delegation to speak to Council regarding the proposed Bylaw No. 37. DISPOSITION: Carried Mr. Lewinsky requested that council consider changing the set-back from 100 metres to 106 metres, from Talbot Road. This would allow sufficient room for his son to build the new residence where he needs to locate it. After discussions, council agreed to change the set-back to 107 metres. RES. NO. 6 Moved by Warwick Seconded by Mooser RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to amend Aldborough Township Zoning Bylaw No. 90-50, to change the zoning of lands in Part of Lot 6, Concession XII, from the Agricultural (A1) Zone to the Hamlet Residential (HR) Zone and also to include the set-back measurement from Talbot Road to be changed from 100 metres to 107 metres, and that this shall be the first and second reading and provisional adoption thereof. DISPOSITION: Carried 3 RES.NO. 7 Moved by Balint Seconded by Bandeen RESOLVED that a Bylaw to amend the Aldborough Township Zoning By- Law No. 90-50 to change the zoning of lands in Part of Lot 6, Concession XII, from the Agricultural (A1) Zone to the Hamlet Residential (HR) Zone, and also to include the set-back measurement from Talbot Road to be changed from 100 metres to 107 metres, and that this bylaw shall now be read a third time and finally passed, signed, sealed and numbered – By- Law Number 2001-37 – Zone Amendment – Ed Lewinsky. DISPOSITION: Carried SUBJECT: GEORGE VANCEEDER – WATER DIS-CONNECTION The Clerk was directed to allow George Vanceeder an extension to his water disconnection date, if it is determined that a new well is being constructed. The maximum time limit will be a 30 day extension. SUBJECT: CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION Mayor McPhail was proud to present to Chad Yokom, his Certificate I Water Class. It was also noted that Lloyd Jarvis has also earned his Certificate II Water Classification, however he was not present to receive his presentation. SUBJECT: WM. PRIEKSAITIS – WEST ELGIN NATURE CLUB Mr. Prieksaitis gave a presentation on behalf of the West Elgin Nature Club and Stewardship of Elgin Club to request the use of the area surrounding a part of the West Elgin Sewage Lagoon to be used for a Prairie Grass Pilot Project. He also requested that the group be allowed to construct an 8’ X 10’ viewing stand located on the east side of the entrance road. After the presentation, council directed the Clerk to prepare a Lease Agreement document to include the acreage, describe the project and the length of time required, when Mr. Prieksaitis is ready to proceed with the project. The group was also given permission to add an information page to our Web site. Mr. Prieksaitis thanked council for their time. SUBJECT: RODNEY FIRE DEPT. – JEPP APPLICATION RES. NO. 8 Moved by Bandeen Seconded by Balint RESOLVED that the Mayor and the Administrator be directed to sign the JEPP application on behalf of the Rodney Fire Department, for a funding grant through the Ministry of the solicitor General to provide a mobile command centre and educational vehicle for the use of emergency services and residents of the Municipality of West Elgin and surrounding municipalities. DISPOSITION: Carried SUBJECT: CORRESPONDENCE 1. Municipal Drain Petition received for East Main Street Drain in West Lorne – signed by the West Elgin Community Health Centre, West Elgin Pharmacy and the Town & Country Restaurant owners. RES. NO. 9 Moved by Mooser Seconded by Warwick RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality or West Elgin accepts the Municipal Drain Petition from representatives from the West Elgin Community Health Centre, Town & Country Restaurant and the West Elgin Pharmacy for drainage work on the East Main Street Drain replacement under Section 78 of the Drainage Act. DISPOSITION: Carried 4 2. Elgin County O.P.P. Business Plan was reviewed by council and discussions took place. Instruction: The Clerk was instructed to correspond with the O.P.P. that council has no major concerns, they are pleased with the business plan, and the only recommendation they could make at this time, is to request continued visible police presence in the Municipality, especially within the two villages. 3. County of Elgin is hosting a four day Health & Safety Training Course in October. Instruction: Clerk to pass the information on to the employee health & safety representative. 4. Landscape Ontario has presented an action plan document on pesticide risk reduction in Canadian neighbourhoods. Instruction: File 5. Notice of an Alcohol & Gaming Hearing for a proposed Liquor License will be th held hereon September 14, 2001 at 9:30 a.m. Instruction: File 6. Elgin County Land Division Decision on H. Jasinskas severance –approved, subject tot eh normal conditions. Instruction: File 7. AMO Advisory – that a new municipal act will be proposed to the legislature this fall, and also the criteria for the CFR funding for this year. Instruction: File th 8.* Invitation to attend Food Fest for United Way on September 18, 5 to 7 p.m. Instruction: File 9. Ministry of Municipal Affairs will be hosting the annual AMO Regional Conference th in London at the Lamplighter Inn on Friday, November 16, 2001. Instruction: Clerk to register Council to attend. ththth 10. Rodney-Aldborough Fall Fair will be held on September 14, 15 & 16. Instruction: File 11.* OMAFRA is hosting a program for economic development in the surrounding th counties, including Elgin on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 Instruction: File 12. Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit is hosting a free Special Occasion Permit workshop nd on Tuesday, October 2, in St. Thomas. Instruction: File 13. Ministry of Municipal Affairs report on the implementation for Smart Growth across Ontario. Instruction: File 14. Ontario Heritage Foundation – Young Heritage Leaders Program 2001 – requesting names be submitted. Instruction: Info passed on to the Chamber of Commerce 15. OMAFRA is offering a Rural Economic Development Initiative of OSTAR in a grant form, to assist rural Ontario to address economic growth which will ensure the rural communities remain viable and vibrant places to live and work. This grant is available to either community groups or municipalities. Instruction: Information will be passed on to the Chamber of Commerce. 5 16. Ministry of the Environment letter regarding the Erie Flooring environmental problem, which they are aware of and trying to work with the company to come up with a satisfactory solution. Instruction: File 17. Minister of Economic Development and Trade are requesting nominations to the Ontario Global Traders Awards to recognize any companies, or individuals who carry on successful business trade outside of the country. Instruction: File 18. Ministry of the Environment – publication on Economic Value on Wetlands surrounding the Great Lakes. Instruction: File 19. Nominations for the Junior Citizens of the Year Awards are requested. Instruction: Information will be passed on to the Chamber of Commerce. 20.* AMO Conference 2001 copies of proceedings and output from the workshops held during that time. Instruction: File 21. Township of Armour requesting support of a resolution to urge the Canadian Government to assist the American people within their hour of crisis. Instruction: File RES. NO. 10 Moved by Bandeen Seconded by Balint RESOLVED that the correspondence be dealt with as per the instructions of Council as noted. DISPOSITION: Carried SUBJECT: HARVEY NEWPORT DRAIN RES. NO. 11 Moved by Warwick Seconded by Mooser RESOLVED that Burnside & Associates be appointed to prepare a report under Section 4 of the Drainage Act for the Harvey Newport Drain, at the request of the owners for work on Concession 1, Lot 10 and that the report be submitted within six months. DISPOSITION: Carried SUBJECT: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE After council discussions it was decided that the Municipal Office would be closed from thnd December 24, 2001 to January 2, 2002. It will be advertised in the local paper, and a memo will go out to the staff that they will be required to retain three and a half days as holidays to cover the time off. It is understood that the snow removal/arena ice time/water breaks must still be covered by ongoing regular service, during this time. SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE HIRED Council was informed that a new employee, Marilyn Sanderson had been hired for the administration department. 6 SUBJECT: LANDFILL MEETING The Clerk was directed to organize a landfill meeting this month, to review some issues in that department. SUBJECT: PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Joe Fischer had approached council to have discussions concerning the amendment to the Property Standards By-Law which addresses the issue of truck parking. There were approximately thirty people in attendance to participate in the discussions. The Mayor welcomed everyone to the council meeting. Mr. Fischer acted as the spokesperson for the group and requested that council re- think their decision on the issue of truck parking. The Mayor responded that council was looking for a solution to the problem, which was mostly the fact of trucks and trailers parked in the Todd Place Subdivision area. There were other sporadic problem areas, however this was the area where the most complaints were coming from. With problems like this, that involve safety issues, the council is bound to create a bylaw by which enforcement can be used to regulate those that are causing the problem. A lengthy discussion period took place, where it was felt by the Truckers’ group that the bylaw was far too restrictive. The Mayor reminded the group that enforcement of any by-law is at the discretion of council, and a compromise was agreed upon. RES. NO. 12 Moved by Warwick Seconded by Mooser RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of West Elgin agrees that upon completion of the County Parking By-Law, the Council have agreed to rescind Bylaw No. 2001-31, and until that time this current Bylaw No. 2001-31 will only be used in severe cases, balancing the rights of both the truckers and the residents involved. DISPOSITION: Carried SUBJECT: ADJOURNMENT RES. NO. 20 Moved by Mooser Seconded by Warwick RESOLVED that this Regular Session of Council adjourn at 4:50 p.m. to th meet again on October 11, 2001. DISPOSITION: Carried th These minutes were adopted on the 11, day of October 2001. ___________________________ ____________________________ Mayor Clerk 7