February 09, 2006 Regular Meeting
M I N U T E S
OF THE CORPORATION OF THE
MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN
WEST ELGIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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FEBRUARY 9, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Graham Warwick, Deputy Mayor Bernie Wiehle
Councillors Trudy Balint, Mary Bodnar, Mike Mooser
STAFF PRESENT: Joanne Groch Administrator/Treasurer/
Deputy Clerk
Paul VanVaerenbergh Roads Superintendent
Jeff Slater Recreation Superintendent
Lloyd Jarvis Water Superintendent
DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:
No conflicts were declared regarding the published agenda.
SUBJECT: MINUTES
RES. NO. 1 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on the following dates
be adopted as printed and circulated.
January 5, 2006 Special Session
January 12, 2006 Council
January 26, 2006 Council
DISPOSITION: Carried
DELEGATION: WARDEN PAUL BALDWIN
Paul Baldwin, Mayor of the Town of Aylmer and Warden of Elgin County brought
greetings from the County. At the County, we are working together to provide services
to the ratepayers. We have tried very hard to provide equality in the provision of
services throughout the County. Warden Baldwin advised that the priority of Talbot Line
has been changed. The gas tax has been dedicated to Talbot Line for the next four
years. After further discussions Mayor Warwick thanked the Warden for coming to meet
with the West Elgin Council.
SUBJECT: ROADS REPORT
The Road Superintendent presented the monthly report. Paul reported that he is getting
quotes on fire alarms at the Rodney Town Hall and other buildings and will report back
to Council. Councillor Mooser reported that there are 3 trailers to be moved at the truck
parking adjacent to the CHC in West Lorne. If they are not moved shortly then the
municipality will have to remove them. The County will be replacing culverts on Furnival
Road north of Rodney and on Graham Road north of West Lorne. Graham Road will be
closed for two days during construction. The plough on one of the trucks got caught in
the railroad crossing at Black’s Line. It was no fault of the operator as it was due to
weather conditions at the time. There was no one hurt but damage to the plough is
estimated at $5,000. A new plough is $6,000. Council authorized the purchase of a new
plough.
February 9, 2006…Pg 2 of 9
SUBJECT: WEST LORNE COMPLEX FIRE
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The West Lorne Complex was partially destroyed by fire on Wednesday February 8.
The building housed the West Lorne Library and West Elgin Support Services along with
a meeting room for the various volunteer organizations. The basement area was used
for storage of old records.
The fire call was received at 6:15 a.m. Administrator Joanne Groch reported that she
had received the call at 6:30 and was on site by 7:00 a.m. All Administrative staff (roads,
water and recreation) were on sight. Mayor Warwick was called and was manning the
phones at the municipal office.
The Administrator contacted the insurance company and the adjuster was in touch was
us early in the day. The County Library was also contacted. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor
and Administrator met with the West Elgin Support Services to discuss their relocation.
Nancy Mott at Support Services is to contact the volunteer groups. We need lists from
each of the groups as to contents in the building. We also met with the adjusters. Our
policy is replacement value and what was there originally will be replaced. It was insured
for approximately $700,000. We do have the plans for the building, which have been
sent to the adjuster. The Adjuster will secure the building and will arrange for the clean
up of the site. Experts are coming in to look at the structure to determine the damage.
The County Archivist has volunteered his services re records stored in basement.
Due to the extent of damage the Ontario Fire Marshall was called in. Until the building is
released by the OFM we cannot enter the building to determine the extent of damage.
The building should be released by the first of the week.
Mayor Warwick appreciated the professionalism of our staff in an emergency and
thanked the Fire Departments for their hard work in fighting the fire. The volunteer
firemen are trained to do this and are a real asset. We should have a debriefing -
communications are critical. An emergency was not declared as the fire was contained.
The adjacent property to the south was not damaged.
SUBJECT: RECREATION REPORT
The Recreation Superintendent presented his monthly report. Mayor Warwick reported
that he had met with Anna Podebry, Scout leader regarding the use of the Scout Hall for
the Teen Centre. The Scouts need to maintain open space for activities at the Scout
Hall. They will work with the Teen Centre to have some space. They have also agreed
to sign a new lease. Council discussed replacement of the heater and were in
agreement with paying the capital cost with the Scouts paying the monthly utility bills.
(See quotes later in meeting)
SUBJECT: BUILDING
The Chief Building Official was not in attendance. Council reviewed his monthly report
for January 2006. In January, three permits were issued totalling $ 388,500.00 worth of
construction. Changes to Ontario building regulatory system were handed out for
review.
SUBJECT: WATER REPORT
The Water Superintendent presented his monthly report. Lloyd advised that 7 property
owners are committed on Queen Street east and west waterlines. He has received a
written request from Bob and Mary Schnekenburger for the cost of a waterline.
February 9, 2006…Pg 3 of 9
RES. NO. 2 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the Water Superintendent proceed to get quotes as per
the request of Bob and Mary Schnekenburger for a waterline to Thomson
Line and Kerr Road.
DISPOSITION: Carried
DELEGATION: POLICE SERVICES BOARD
Also in attendance: Duncan McPhail – Board Member, Staff Sgt. Ryan Cox, Constable
Michelle Scott – Community Services Officer, Sgt. Glen Kamerman - Operations
Manager, Sgt. Carl Butler – Contract Policing.
Staff Sgt. Cox presented the 2005 Year End Report and the Crime Statistics Report for
West Elgin. Chairman Rock was not able to be in attendance and member McPhail
advised that the contract expired on July 1, 2005 and is up for renewal for a five-year
term. Duncan outlined the grants available for new constables and the service
standards. After having taken into consideration a number of factors the Board
recommends that the contract be renewed with the addition of the four constables
complete with Ministry subsidy for three of them. After further discussion the following
resolution was passed:
RES. NO. 3 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the Municipality of West Elgin approve of the preferred
option for policing (five new auxiliary & four new constables phased in by
2008)
DISPOSITION: Carried
DELEGATION: WEST ELGIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ted Uffin and Ed Kebbel were in attendance to present their budget for 2006. Their own
use allocation is $9200. More than half of this is received from membership fees. The
grant request has increased by $1,000. These monies are spent on the Community
Calendar, special events and advertising and community beautification. The business
and education committee is now becoming one of their operating committees. The
Special Grant requested is $18,000 and is for Business & Education, Business
Development and Downtown Improvements. They are making some solid headway. The
website should be done by late March. The signage project did not work out as
intended. The sign committee is coming up with another proposal to get people off of
Highway 3 into the villages. Signs should be up by end of May with all approvals
received.
DELEGATION: PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS LEASE – LOT 17/18, CONC 10
ASSOCIATED EXPLORATION MANAGEMENT INC.
Phil Mitchell, President of Associated Exploration Management Inc. was in attendance.
He is asking for a lease to a maximum of 10 years for sub service rights only. There will
be no drilling on the property. The lease provides that unless a well is drilled on lands
pooled with these lands within one year the lease will terminate or the lessee may pay
$5 per acre rental. The initial consideration is $175.00. Council authorized preparation of
a by-law to authorize the signing of the lease.
February 9, 2006…Pg 4 of 9
SUBJECT: ACCOUNTS
RES. NO. 4 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the Mayor and Administrator/Treasurer be and they are
hereby authorized to sign Payment Voucher #2 amounting to $392,738.69
in settlement of General, Road, Water and Arena Accounts (including
cheques –14518-14611)
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: SCOUT HALL – NEW FURNACE
The following quotes were received for supply and installation of a new 75,000 BTU
furnace at the Scout Hall:
Mark’s Mechanical $1390.00 + GST
Gerber Electric Ltd. $1735.00 + GST
RES. NO. 5 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that the quote of Mark’s Mechanical in the amount of
$1390.00 for replacement of the heater at the Scout Hall be accepted.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: CORRESPONDENCE
1.* Regional Municipality of Niagara – support of a resolution regarding the funding
of social programs through the municipal tax base
Instructions:
RES. NO. 6 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin is in support
of a resolution put forth by the Regional Municipality of Niagara and
petitions the Government of the Province of Ontario to remove the
obligation of funding the many social programs through the municipal
property tax base.
DISPOSITION: Carried
2.* Municipality of Grey Highlands – support of a resolution regarding Bill 51 that
proposes to exempt all energy projects from the Planning Act
RES. NO. 7 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin is in support
of a resolution put forth by the Municipality of Grey Highlands and the
Town of The Blue Mountains that does not support the position of Clause
23 of Bill 51 that proposes to exempt all energy projects in Ontario from
the Planning Act if they are an undertaking or class of undertakings within
the meaning of the Environmental Assessment Act and that the concerns
be submitted on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry.
DISPOSITION: Carried
3.* Town of The Blue Mountains – support of a resolution regarding Bill 51
Instructions: See Resolution No. 3 above
February 9, 2006…Pg 5 of 9
4.* Township of South Stormont – support of a resolution regarding Bill 25 –
preservation of the gravesites of former Premiers of Ontario
Instructions: File
5.* Town of Greater Napanee – support of a resolution re being a host municipality
for a mega-dump
Instructions: File
6.* County of Brant – resolution regarding “Watertight” Report
Instructions: File
7.* Municipality of Port Hope – resolution regarding “Watertight” Report
Instructions: File
8. OMAFRA – Drainage Act Grants Program
Instructions:
RES. NO. 8 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of West
Elgin approves the application for 2006 OMAFRA Drain
Maintenance/Superintendent Grant Allocation in the amount of $36,000.00
for the Drain Maintenance portion and $36,000.00 for the Superintendent
portion.
DISPOSITION: Carried
9.* West Lorne Library – donation of 1 hour ice time for Boys Book Club
Instructions:
RES. NO. 9 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin donates one
hour of ice time at the West Elgin Arena for the Boys Book Club members
and their families –date and time to be arranged.
DISPOSITION: Carried
10.* Associated Exploration Management Inc. – Petroleum & Natural Gas Lease Lots
17 & 18, Con 10
Instructions: to prepare by-law
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11. Tiny Tots Cooperative Nursery School – Scrap-A-Thon – March 25- waiving of
fees for warm room at West Elgin Recreation Centre
Instructions:
RES. NO. 10 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin waives the
user fee for the use of the Rodney Recreation Centre warm room for the
Tiny Tots Cooperative Nursery School to host a “Scrap-A-Thon” fundraiser
on March 25, 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
12.* Rodney & District Horticultural Club – request for watering of flowers
Instructions: same as in previous year
13. Elgin-St. Thomas Municipal Association – Annual dinner – Wed. April 6th
Instructions: File
February 9, 2006…Pg 6 of 9
14. Minister of Transport – Provincial Gas Tax allocation- $10,601
Instructions: File
15. MS Society of Canada – Carnation campaign – May 11th-14th
Instructions:
RES. NO. 11 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Mooser
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin approves
the request from the Multiple Sclerosis Society to allow them to conduct a
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fund raising campaign in West Elgin between May 11 and 14, 2006 by
selling carnations.
DISPOSITION: Carried
16.* Ontario Provincial Police – 2005 Year End Report & presentations
Instructions: File
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17. West Lorne Lawn Bowling Club – Dessert Euchre – Mar 29 – waiving of
fees at West Elgin Recreation Centre
Instructions:
RES. NO. 12 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin authorize
the waiving of rental fees for the use of the West Elgin Community Centre
on March 29th, 2006 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the West Lorne
Bowling Club Dessert Euchre.
DISPOSITION: Carried
18. AMO - Value of membership in AMO
Energy Conservation Summit – Mar 28-29-Brampton
-
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Bill 206 response to Minister Gerretsen’s Dec 20 letter
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Bill 206 – more amendments – Bill remains flawed
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Bill 206 – Province determined to impose new pension costs on
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municipalities
Province announces improvements to OMPF funding –
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municipalities to receive 2006 funding equal to 2005
Pre budget submission calling on the government to address the
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ongoing provincial municipal fiscal relationship
Instructions: File
19. Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Green Municipal Fund to support environmental projects
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Working to advancing the interest of communities
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Looks forward to working with new government
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Instructions: File
20. West Elgin Community Policing Committee - Minutes
Instructions: File
21. West Elgin Chamber of Commerce - Minutes
Instructions: File
22. Lower Thames Conservation Authority – Family Hike – Feb 11th
-2006 Source Water Protection Map Gallery
-Source Water Protection – Municipal meetings held - minutes
Instructions: File
February 9, 2006…Pg 7 of 9
23.* Minister of Tourism – PASS card
Instructions: File
24. CN Watson & Associates Ltd. – Gary Scandlan – letters from 3 municipalities-
responses re “Watertight” Report
Instructions: File
25.* Caroline DiCocco – MPP Sarnia-Lambton – reply re Bill 123
Instructions: File
26. Ontario Heritage Foundation – Nominations – Young Heritage Leaders Program
Instructions: File
27. St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association – 2005 Year in Review/2006 Marketing
Plan
Instructions: File
28.* Andre Rivest – Ward 3 OGRA – lack of transparency in nomination process
Instructions: File
29.* Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing – reply to resolution on OMB reform
Instructions: File
30.* Minister of Finance & Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing – 2006 Allocation
under OMPF
Instructions: File
31. Pitch-In Ontario – 2006 Program under way – Operation: Clean Sweep
Instructions: File
32. OI Canada – comments to Stewardship Ontario Blue Box Funding Review
Committee
Instructions: File
33. County of Elgin – Bill 206 – OMERS devolution
Instructions: File
34.* Bell Canada Enterprises – to form a local telephone income trust to own and
manage regional access lines in Ontario & Quebec
Instructions: File
35. International Awards for Liveable Communities – 2006 Awards
Instructions: File
36. Foundation for Rural Living – Call for Nominations – Awards of Rural
Excellence
Instructions: File
39.* OGRA – Nomination process & comments re A. Rivest email
Instructions: File
RES. NO. 13 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the correspondence be dealt with as per the instructions
of Council as noted.
DISPOSITION: Carried
February 9, 2006…Pg 8 of 9
SUBJECT: MINUTES
*West Elgin Arena Board – January 16, 2006
SUBJECT: SMOKE DETECTOR PROGRAM
There was discussion on the new requirements for smoke detectors. The Rodney
Firemen are asking for $5.00 per home to visit door to door. The estimated cost would
be $12,500. There was further discussion and it was agreed to defer it until next month
to get more information.
SUBJECT: MARKETING PARTNERS OF WESTERN ELGIN REGION
Mayor Warwick attended a meeting with a group of volunteers who are planning two
events. One event will be at Bachus Page House and one in July – horse event in West
Elgin. Members of the group had concerns re insurance coverage. Insurance coverage
would be in place if this group were a committee of Council. There was discussion on
setting up a committee of Council and paying of bills for this group. Costs are to be
shared with Dutton-Dunwich so further discussion is needed with them. A budget is
needed from the group. A municipal event can be declared. Further information is
needed. Mayor Warwick indicated that Council should be trying to facilitate volunteers in
the community.
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY TRANSITION PROGRAM
Mayor Warwick reported that he and Deputy Mayor Wiehle will be attending a meeting
with Bayham re economic development and trying to get funding through the
Community Transition Program. The proposal will provide for a joint economic
development officer for a two-year pilot project. Aylmer and Malahide have joined to get
funding through the CTP to do economic development. We have a lot in common with
Bayham as to a partnership. More information will be forthcoming after the meeting.
SUBJECT: CONFIRMATION BY-LAW
RES. NO. 14 Moved by Bodnar
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to
confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on February 9,
2006 and this shall be the first and second reading and provisional
adoption thereof.
DISPOSITION: Carried
RES. NO. 15 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of
Council held on February 9, 2006 be now read a third time and finally
passed, signed, sealed and numbered By-law Number 2006-06 –
Confirming By-law February 9 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
February 9, 2006…Pg 9 of 9
SUBJECT: ADJOURNMENT
RES. NO. 16 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that this Regular Meeting of Council adjourn at 5:30 p.m. to
meet again on February 23, 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
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These minutes were adopted on the 9 day of March, 2006.
___________________________ ____________________________
Mayor Clerk