April 27, 2006 Regular Meeting
M I N U T E S
OF THE CORPORATION OF THE
MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN
WEST ELGIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
APRIL 27, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Graham Warwick, Deputy Mayor Bernie Wiehle
Councillors Trudy Balint, Mary Bodnar, Michael Mooser
STAFF PRESENT:
Joanne Groch Administrator/Treasurer
Norma Bryant Clerk
Lorne McLeod Chief Building Official
Paul VanVaerenbergh Road Superintendent
Lloyd Jarvis Water Superintendent
ALSO PRESENT:
Ted Halwa Planning Consultant
DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:
No conflicts were declared regarding the published agenda.
SUBJECT: PROPOSED SEVERANCE (AUGUST SACHER)
PART LOT 6, CONCESSION 10
The Planner reviewed the application to create a lot having a frontage of 65 metres,
depth of 155 metres and area of 1.0 hectares for the purpose of disposing of a surplus
farm dwelling. The size of the proposed lot is large but not unreasonable for rural
residential purposes. Trees define the westerly boundary of the lot, and the other
proposed boundaries correspond to an area between the horse shelter and the dwelling,
which is not cultivated. The proposed lot would require rezoning to Special Agricultural.
The retained parcel was previously zoned site specific (A1-41) to restrict the number of
dwellings to one, at the time of a previous severance application (Manneke). A
restriction to the A1-41 would be required to prohibit a new dwelling from being erected
on the parcel in the future to satisfy the PPS and the Official Plan.
Council agreed in principle with the proposed severance subject to the usual conditions
and zoning requirements as noted.
SUBJECT: SEASONAL FARM HELP, TEMPORARY USE AGREEMENTS
Also in attendance: Chief Building Official
The Mayor reported that issue came forward due to a trailer on a farm lot that is
occupied. It is being occupied all year, not just seasonal.
The Planner noted that a mobile home for seasonal farm help is permitted in the zoning
by-law. The Mayor asked how do we monitor? The Planner suggested a temporary use
zoning on a case-by-case basis might be the answer.
April 27/06…Page 2 of 9
The Chief Building Official noted that the trailer in question is a park model trailer, which
is not a permitted use. There is not a proper septic system. Discussion took place
regarding the differences between park models, travel trailers, mobile home and
modular homes. There are different CSA standards for each.
The Planner noted that it was the intention when the by-law was developed that full-time
farm help would be housed in permanent dwellings.
Council determined that for the property in question, a temporary use by-law be
considered and the owner be so advised. Further, approval for septic system and an
agreement with the municipality would also be required.
SUBJECT: NEW OFFICIAL PLAN
After discussion on the status of the new Official Plan, Council directed that the
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document be presented to Council at a special Council meeting on May 18. It is
proposed that the formal public meeting be scheduled for the last week of June.
SUBJECT: PERMANENT OCCUPANCY OF SEASONAL PARKS
Council referred to correspondence item #1 from the Enchanted Hideaway Association.
They request two occupied trailers instead of one that is allowed in the zoning by-law.
The Planner noted that they have provided sound reasons, grounds to allow on a long-
term basis. He suggested that the owner apply for a minor variance and conditions
could be applied if necessary.
It was reported that the letter to the owners of seasonal trailer parks regarding
occupancy has not been finalized to date. Council directed that a copy of this letter be
delivered to all trailer occupants.
SUBJECT: FORDHAM MOTORS SITE PLAN
Also in attendance: Ron Fordham
The Planner presented a report for discussion.
1. drainage issues – need to be addressed and a drainage plan approved by the
Drainage Superintendent
2. sidewalks – sidewalk has been capped with asphalt, should the sidewalks be
restored? Mr. Fordham noted that sidewalks were not there before. If Council
wishes the sidewalk to be built, it would be municipality’s responsibility.
3. landscaping on corner – Mr. Fordham noted that there is a problem with trucks
turning at this intersection. He will look into some landscaping at corner.
4. entrances off Queen Street – it was noted that the County needs to be contacted
for their review. Mr. Fordham noted that the curb along Queen Street should be
repaired. The new addition will house four bays for service. Two entrances as
proposed are necessary for traffic flow.
5. tree planting at rear – Mr. Fordham reported that the neighbour requests their
removal and is in agreement with new building.
6. garbage area – the Planner suggests this area be screened.
Council directed that the matters be discussed between the Planner and Mr. Fordham
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and report back to the May 11 meeting.
The Planner left the meeting.
April 27/06…Page 3 of 9
SUBJECT: CORREPSONDENCE
1.* Enchanted Highway re: permanent occupancy of seasonal parks
Instruction: See discussion above
2.* Rodney Aldborough Agricultural Society re: signs
Instruction:
RES. NO. 1 Moved by Bodnar
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin authorizes a
72” by 12” white sign, as proposed by the Rodney Aldborough Agricultural
Society, be added beneath the Rodney welcome signs at the four
entrances to the village subject to the approval of the Road
Superintendent and the Rodney Horticultural Society
DISPOSITION: Carried
3. Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich re: approval of 2006 arena budget
Instruction: File
4.* Community Transition Program re: authorization to proceed with full application
and business case
Instruction:
RES. NO. 2 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin agrees to
proceed with the filing of a Full Application and Business Case for the CTP
project.
DISPOSITION: Carried
5.* Hickory Grove Investments Inc. re: municipal water
Instruction: Bring forward at next meeting
6.* Hickory Grove Investments Inc. re: meeting with council
Instruction: Bring forward at next meeting
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7.* Rodney Fire Department re: Fire Muster, June 17. 2006
Instruction:
RES. NO. 3 Moved by Bodnar
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin gives
approval to the Rodney Fire Muster to hold a “Beer Garden” in a fenced off
area adjacent to the West Elgin Recreation Centre, on June 17, 2006
DISPOSITION: Carried
RES. NO. 4 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the correspondence be dealt with as per the instructions
of Council as noted.
DISPOSITION: Carried
April 27/06…Page 4 of 9
SUBJECT: ERIE FLOORING
Councillor Mooser asked that a letter be sent to the new Manager at Erie Flooring about
the smoke. Council notes that we are in support of our local industries and hopes that
this matter can be dealt with. A letter to be prepared and approved by the Mayor.
DELEGATION: ED MARKHAM RE: MPAC, TAX RATES, WATER CONSERVATION
1. MPAC AND TAX RATES
Mr. Markham requests Council’s intentions regarding the unfair tax system and MPAC.
He has been fighting with MPAC over his assessment but wants Council to fight MPAC
too.
The Mayor noted that the Ombudsman has spoken and improvements will be made. It
is unfair that owners do not have the right to access information needing to understand
their assessment.
Mr. Markham asked if Council has approached MPAC or the government about
assessment. The Mayor reported on the gravel pit assessment appeals. The Deputy
Mayor noted that the municipality has lobbied the government, supported resolutions
from other municipalities. Further, the current government said they will fix the
problems, the present system is flawed.
Mr. Markham asked if Council would support the Coalition After Property Tax Reform?
The Deputy Mayor asked that resolutions of the coalition be brought in and Council will
review.
2. WATER CONSERVATION
Mr. Markham noted that how sewage charges are applied is ridiculous. With his
research, there is no government agency that mandates conservation for this
municipality.
The Mayor reported that the government supports our approach to water issues. It is
good management practises. The government supports the building of a new water
treatment plant, they wouldn’t if it wasn’t needed; we have to show that conservation is
being addressed.
The Administrator noted that the report of Ken Sherritt includes conservation issues.
Council needs to review again.
Mr. Markham asked what conservation is being used for the non-sewage users? The
Mayor noted we would review that issue. Mr. Markham noted he wanted a fair summer
water levy, was willing to pay for his water useage but not sewage that are tied to it.
The Mayor encouraged Mr. Markham to provide a written submission for Council’s
review.
SUBJECT: ASPHALT TENDER
Council received the following tenders for asphalt and milling:
Quote Quote TOTAL QUOTE
per tonne 2902 tonne Milling 202 sq. m. plus GST
Seal-On Paving $69.02 $200,296.04 $12.00 $2,424.00 $202,720.04
Del-Ko Paving $77.82 $225,833.64 $15.00 $3,030.00 $228,863.64
Huron Construction $62.50 $181,375.00 $25.11 $5,072.22 $186,447.22
April 27/06…Page 5 of 9
RES. NO. 5 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin accepts the
tender of Huron Construction in the amount of $186,447.22 plus GST for
2902 tonne of asphalt and milling of 202 square metres.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: QUOTES FOR FLUSHING AND CAMERA – SANITARY SEWERS
Council received the following quotations for flushing and camera of sanitary sewers:
Rodney Rodney West Lorne West Lorne TOTAL
Flushing camera flushing camera (plus GST)
per metre per metre per metre per metre
Benko Sewer Services $1.57 $1.49 $1.57 $2.49 $16,524.00
Braywood Services $1.82 $2.40 $1.55 $2.34 $21,850.00
C.C. Dance Sewer $2.00 $1.50 $2.00 $1.50 $18,900.00
RES. NO. 6 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin accepts the
quote of Benko Sewer Service in the amount of $16,524.00 plus taxes for
flushing and camera – sanitary sewers and that this amount be included in
the budget.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: COMRIF
The Mayor reported that Joe Preston, M.P. and Steve Peters M.P.P. announced a grant
of $9,797,985.00 grant each for the municipality. This funding represents 90% funding
of the approved projects, which includes the construction of water treatment plant and
extension of Graham Road watermain. The Mayor expressed thanks and noted that
both levels of government recognized the arguments presented regarding the
challenges facing rural areas.
SUBJECT: WATER DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Also in attendance: Water Superintendent
The Administrator/Treasurer presented the 2005 budget, 2005 actuals and 2006 budget
for the water department. No rate increase is being proposed.
The 2006 Capital Projects include the COMRIF grant of $4,814,820 for partial funding of
the extension to Queen Street and north on Graham Road. The municipal portion for all
the proposed projects is $179,250.00.
The Administrator/Treasurer proposes that the reserves for Rodney and West Lorne be
combined in 2006. The balance for Rodney is $229.485 and for West Lorne is
$217,424.00.
RES. NO. 7 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOVLED that a reserve fund be established for water purposes to be
called the West Elgin Water Reserve Fund and that the Rodney and West
Lorne Water Reserves be transferred to this new fund and the Surplus
Account be also transferred to the new reserve fund.
DISPOSITION: Carried
April 27/06…Page 6 of 9
SUBJECT: BY-LAW 2006-20 – AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF LANDS FOR WATER
TREATMENT PLANT
RES. NO. 8 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to
authorize the purchase of certain lands for the purpose of the installation
of a water treatment plant and this shall be the first and second reading
and provisional adoption thereof.
DISPOSITION: Carried
RES. NO. 9 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that a By-law to authorize the purchase of certain lands for
the purpose of the installation of a water treatment plant be now read a
third time and finally passed, signed, sealed and numbered By-law
Number 2006-20 – Purchase of land for water treatment plant
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: BY-LAW 2006-21 – AUTHORIZE AGREEMENT WITH MPAC
RE: ONTARIO PARCEL LICENSE
RES. NO. 10 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to
authorize the execution of an agreement between the Corporation of the
Municipality of West Elgin and the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation for the use of OPMA assessment mapping data products and
this shall be the first and second reading and provisional adoption thereof.
DISPOSITION: Carried
RES. NO. 11 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement
between the Corporation of the Municipality of West Elgin and the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation for the use of OPMA
assessment mapping data products be now read a third time and finally
passed, signed, sealed and numbered By-law Number 2006-21 – Ontario
Parcel License Agreement
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: BY-LAW 2006-22 – AUTHORIZE AGREEMENT FOR POLICE SERVICES
RES. NO. 13 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to
authorize the execution of an agreement between the Ministry of
Community Safety and Correctional Services of Ontario and the
Municipality of West Elgin for the provision of police services under
Section 10 of the Police Services Act, and this shall be the first and
second reading and provisional adoption thereof.
DISPOSITION: Carried
RES. NO. 14 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement
between the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services of
April 27/06…Page 7 of 9
Ontario and the Municipality of West Elgin for the provision of police
services under Section 10 of the Police Services Act, be now read a third
time and finally passed, signed, sealed and numbered By-law Number
2006-22 – Police Services Contract
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: CONTRACT FOR 1000 OFFICERS PARNTERSHIP PROGRAM
RES. NO. 15 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of West
Elgin is in favour of entering into a contract with the Ministry of Community
Safety and Correctional Services for the Safer Communities – 1,000
Officers Partnership Program.
And further that the Chair of the Police Services Board and the CAO of
Elgin County are authorized to sign the agreement and necessary
documents.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR POLICE SERVICES
RES. NO. 16 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of West
Elgin authorize the Chair of the Police Services Board and the CAO of
Elgin County are authorized to sign grant applications for police services
on our behalf.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: LIVESTOCK CLAIM
RES. NO. 17 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin approves
payment of the livestock claim of Darryl Swain for three calves killed by
coyotes valued at $1,582.50.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: GRUB SPRAYING
The Administrator/Treasurer reported that the one contractor has indicated that
chemicals to control the white grubs in Miller Park must be ordered as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, the Recreation Superintendent has only been able to obtain one
quotation. The Mayor asked that the Recreation Superintendent provide further
information on the product, regulations and alternatives explored. It is suggested that
Council approve an upset limit and the Recreation Superintendent continue to get
quotes.
RES. NO. 18 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin authorizes
the expenditure to a maximum of $10,6 00.00 for the spraying for the
control of white grubs on 24 acres of municipal property.
DISPOSITION: Carried
April 27/06…Page 8 of 9
SUBJECT: UNCOLLECTIBLE WATER ACCOUNTS
RES. NO. 19 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED the balance on the following accounts be written off as
uncollectible:
001006232 $ 955.01
001066241 $ 69.56
001066257 $ 25.00
001066261 $ 69.56
$1119.13
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: CLOSED SESSION
RES. NO. 20 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin adjourn to a
closed session to receiving of advise that is subject to solicitor-client
privilege.
DISPOSITION: Carried
RES. NO. 21 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin do now rise.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: MILEAGE RATES
Councillor Mooser enquired if Council would consider increasing the mileage rates due
to the increase in cost of gas. Council noted that this was discussed in January and
determined at that time not to change the rate. However, staff were instructed to survey
the County, Dutton/Dunwich, Chatham/Kent and Southwest Middlesex for their rates
and report back to Council
SUBJECT: DISPOSAL OF BUILDING DEMOLITION MATERIALS.
The Deputy Mayor noted he had received an enquiry regarding the disposal of
demolition materials of Lashbrook buildings. It was suggested that Sam Kirschner was
taking the materials to our landfill. The Mayor reported that Sam does not do this; he
has watched him and discussed this issue with him previously. Sam takes concrete
elsewhere.
SUBJECT: GARBAGE ON ROADS
The Deputy Mayor asked if the municipality had a littering by-law. The Administrator
reported that in the past the OPP have ticketed but need an eyewitness and license
number. Legislation may have changed and staff was asked to investigate.
SUBJECT: CONFIRMATION BY-LAW
RES. NO. 22 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to
confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on April 27, 2006
and this shall be the first and second reading and provisional adoption
thereof.
DISPOSITION: Carried
April 27/06…Page 9 of 9
RES. NO. 23 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of
Council held on April 27, 2006 be now read a third time and finally passed,
signed, sealed and numbered By-law Number 2006-23 – Confirming By-
law April 27 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: ADJOURNMENT
RES. NO. 24 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that this Regular Meeting of Council shall adjourn at 4:30 p.m.
to meet again on May 11, 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
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These minutes were adopted on May 11 2006.
___________________________ _______________________________
MAYOR CLERK