March 23, 2006 Regular Meeting
M I N U T E S
OF THE CORPORATION OF THE
MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN
WEST ELGIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MARCH 23, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Graham Warwick, Deputy Mayor Bernie Wiehle
Councillors Trudy Balint, Mary Bodnar
STAFF PRESENT:
Joanne Groch Administrator/Treasurer
Norma Bryant Clerk
Lorne McLeod Chief Building Official
ALSO PRESENT:
Ted Halwa Planning Consultant
DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:
No conflicts were declared regarding the published agenda.
DELEGATION: AUGUST SACHER RE: PROPOSED SEVERANCE
PART LOT 3, CONCESSION 10
The Planner reviewed the application for lot addition noting that the parcel to which the
lands being conveyed would be added to would be increased in size to 1.1 hectares (2.6
acres), which is greater than the maximum lot area requirement of an A2, Special
Agriculture zone. The zoning on the house lot is presently Rural Residential and should
be changed to A2.
Mr. Sacher noted that the front yard width could be reduced on the west side. The barn
is to remain with the house and distance to lot line should be maintained.
Council agreed in principle with the proposed severance subject to the reduction in lot
area and the usual conditions.
DELEGATION: RANDY REISS, 11904 GRAHAM ROAD
RES. NO. 1 Moved by Bodnar
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin will hear the
delegation from Randy Reiss.
DISPOSITION: Carried
Mr. Reiss explained to Council that there is a problem with the lot line of his lot, which
he purchased last year. There are corncribs on the property line and they are falling
down. His lawyer has advised him that he shouldn’t remove them.
The Administrator reported to Council that the survey for the severed lot did not show
any buildings and that this is a legal issue which needs to be resolved first.
March 23/06…Page 2 of 8
Mr. Reiss reported that there are unsafe buildings and debris behind his house on the
adjacent property and requested that the By-law Officer investigate.
DELEGATION: STEVE VERBRUGGHE RE: PROPOSED SEVERANCE
PART LOT 20, CONCESSION IX
The Planner reviewed the application to dispose of a surplus farm dwelling. The
proposed severance is allowed under the Official Plan and Provincial Policy Statement.
Mr. Verbrugghe noted that property is owned elsewhere and this is surplus to the bigger
farm.
Council agreed in principle with the proposed severance subject to the usual conditions.
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON MELODY CHURCH OMB APPEAL
The Planner reported that the applicants withdrew the application at the Ontario
Municipal Board and therefore the hearing was cancelled. He understood that a
subsequent revised application would not be coming to the municipality immediately.
DELEGATION: JAN LARSSON RE: HICKORY GROVE TRAILER PARK
Also in attendance: Chief Building Official
As requested by Council, Mr. Larsson attended Council to discuss the Hickory Grove
and Enchanted Highway trailer parks. Enchanted Highway has been sold.
1. Mr. Larsson presented a document outlining the vision and plans for Hickory
Grove for the next five years.
It was noted that these trailer parks are for seasonal, not permanent use. Mr. Larsson
indicated that there is only one permanent resident at Hickory Grove and some are
occupied on weekends during the winter.
The Deputy Mayor reported that neighbours would dispute that there is more than one
permanent resident.
Mr. Larsson noted that he does not condone permanent residence and if he had names,
he would contact the individuals. He asked that the municipality provide him with
names.
2. Site plans
The Chief Building Official noted there are 2 or 3 trailers located in the area not
approved for development. Mr. Larsson noted that the previous owner told him that
temporary approval was given. The CBO noted that site plan approval applies. Mr.
Larsson reported that a site plan was submitted in 1994 or 1995 and thought was
approved by Council in 1996. The Administrator reported that the plans were not
considered through the site plan approval process, just plans for Fire Department use,
there was no approval by Council. Mr. Larsson will provide the municipality with a copy
of the plan that he feels was approved by Council. The Mayor noted that site plan
approval is required. The Planner noted that we need a complete plan for entire
property and that any expansion should have proper plans.
March 23/06…Page 3 of 8
SUBJECT: KENNEL PERMITS
RES. NO. 2 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Wiehle
WHEREAS By-law 2005-74, being a by-law for registration and control of
dogs, was passed by Council on October 13, 2005;
AND WHEREAS By-law 2005-74, provides for new requirements
regarding the issuance of kennel permits;
AND WHEREAS existing kennels, previously granted permits, may not
comply with setback requirements of the municipal zoning by-laws;
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin waive the
fees for minor variance applications required as a result of By-law 2005-
74.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: ERIE FLOORING SITE PLAN
The Chief Building Official reported that a lean to storage building has been built without
a building permit. He is working with an engineer to complete the requirements for the
issuance of a building permit.
Erie Flooring has made application for site plan approval for the lean to building.
Recently, Council has given exemptions for site plan approval for such small buildings at
Erie Flooring. The Planner noted that these exemptions have an incremental effect and
we don’t have an overall plan. Council agreed that a detailed site plan is necessary for
the entire site.
RES. NO. 3 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of West Elgin exempt Erie
Flooring and Wood Products from site plan approval for a 2000 square
foot lean to storage building subject to the preparation and submission of a
site plan of the entire operation by June 30, 2006 in accordance with the
requirements of the municipality.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON FORDHAM MOTORS SITE PLAN
The Planner reported that Fordham Motors have been advised that site plan approval is
required but he has not heard anything to date. The Planner advised that issues such
as drainage, sidewalks and other issues will be dealt with through the site plan process.
SUBJECT: PORT GLASGOW HARBOUR STUDY
The Planner reports that Shoreplan has requested a meeting with the committee. A
th
tentative date of April 7 at 9:30 a.m. was set.
SUBJECT: DEFINITION OF TRAVEL TRAILER
The Chief Building Official noted that the definition of trailer parks allows 20 travel
trailers per hectare. With larger lots and larger units, the definition of travel trailer and
trailer park should be reviewed.
SUBJECT: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ACT
The Chief Building Official noted that our by-law is stricter than the Nutrient
Management Act and requests direction from Council. The Mayor advised that
March 23/06…Page 4 of 8
applicants should be told of our by-law and that this is what the municipality wants. If
they proceed under the Act, we have to accept that application.
The Planner and Chief Building Official left the meeting.
SUBJECT: THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
The Mayor brought forward a proposal to send four volunteers to the Rural Development
Conference to be held at Blue Mountains in April. He noted that the attendance at the
conference would assist in their networking and learning experience.
RES. NO. 4 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that Council authorize the payment of registration and
expenses for four volunteers to attend the Rural Conference on April 10 –
12, 2006 in Collingwood.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: CORREPSONDENCE
own of Halton Hills – request for support of a resolution requesting the
1.* T
Government of Canada to make the “Federal Gas Tax Funding” for municipalities
a permanent program
Instruction:
RES. NO. 5 Moved by Bodnar
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of West Elgin is in support of a
resolution put forth by the Town of Halton Hills regarding the “Federal Gas
Tax Funding” for municipalities.
DISPOSITION: Carried
2.* Municipality of Morris-Turnberry – request for support of a resolution regarding
increases in municipal liability insurance premiums
Instruction: File
3.* Northumberland County – request for support of a resolution regarding Bill 206
OMERS
Instruction: File
4.* City of Toronto – request for support of a resolution requesting the Federal and
Provincial Governments to preserve the National Child Care Program
Instruction: File
5.* Scott Hilgendorff – request to alter the flow of traffic on Graham Road on
Saturday July 29, 2006
Instruction: Refer to Roads Superintendent
6.* Town of Collingwood – request for support of a response to the Water Expert
Panel Report
Instruction: File
7.* City of Kawartha Lakes – request for support of a resolution regarding Provincial
Relief
Instruction: file
March 23/06…Page 5 of 8
8.* City of Kawartha Lakes – request for support of a resolution regarding Source
Water Protection
Instruction: File
9.* City of Kawartha Lakes – request for support of a resolution regarding Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation
Instruction:
RES. NO. 6 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of West Elgin is in support of a
resolution put forth by City of Kawartha Lakes requesting the Government
of Ontario to immediately assume responsibility for full cost of MPAC
(Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) and their services.
DISPOSITION: Carried
10.* Canadian Red Cross – Annual Feast or Famine fundraising event, April 27.
Instruction: File
11.* St. Thomas – Elgin Tourist Association – announcement of annual meeting to be
held on April 18, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
Instruction: Mayor Warwick will attend
nd
12.* 31 CER – invitation to annual mixed mess dinner, April 22
Instruction: File
13. Canadian Food Inspection Agency – Notice of Quarantine
Instruction: Notify Parks & Recreation and Roads staff
14. AMO - submission on Bill 36, Local Health System Integration Act
Government announces changes to Ontario Disability Support
-
Program
CUPE Strike
-
Bill 206/CUPE strike update
-
Federal gas tax implementation
-
AMO urges province to protect public from proposed OMERS
-
reforms and an illegal CUPE strike
2006 OGRA/ROMA announcements
-
CUPE strike called off, review of Bill 206 to occur in 2012
-
Province announces funding for forestry sector
-
Update on proposed amendment to municipal council term
-
OMERS Bill 206 – status of supplemental plans
-
Municipal Act reform – update
-
Instruction: File
15. Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Seeking environmental expertise for green municipal fund peer
-
review committee
Instruction: File
16.* Uffen Incorporated – comments regarding police contract
Instruction: File
17. Minister of Finance – decisions relating to education tax rates and municipal
flexibility in setting tax policy
Instruction: File
March 23/06…Page 6 of 8
18. Steve Peters MPP – copy of letter to Premier re: downloading of provincial
programs
Instruction: File
19. Steve Peters MPP – copy of letter to Minister of Finance re: Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation
Instruction: File
20. Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal – acknowledgement of receipt of
resolution regarding the “Watertight” report.
Instruction: File
21. Union Gas – notice of application to Ontario Energy board regarding rates
Instruction: File
22. Ministry of Culture – new regulations under the Ontario Heritage Act
Instruction: File
23. The Ontario Rural Council – membership renewal
Instruction: File
24. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing – copy of letter to AMO re CUPE strike
Instruction: File
25. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing – update on Bill 206 (OMERS)
Instruction: File
26. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – news release: province gives control
of pension plan to members
Instruction: File
27. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing – extension of term of office for
municipal councillors and school trustees
Instruction: File
28. Premier of Ontario – forward resolution regarding funding of provincial programs
to Minister of Finance
Instruction: File
29. Ontario Small Urban Municipalities – announcement of annual conference, May
th
3-5, Leamington
Instruction: File
30. Ontario Property and Environmental Rights Alliance – land use planning by
Conservation Authorities
Instruction: File
31. Elgin Group Police Services Board – minutes of the meeting held on February 15,
2006
Instruction: File
32. Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority – press release regarding annual
meeting and approval of 2006 budget
Instruction: File
33. Steve Peters MPP – copy of letter to Minister of Transportation regarding
resolution to amend Highway Traffic Act
Instruction: File
March 23/06…Page 7 of 8
34. Steve Peters MPP – copy of letter to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
regarding resolution to amend Negligence Act.
Instruction: File
35. West Elgin Seniors’ Project Actions Committee - disbanning of committee
Instruction: File
36. Ministry of Environment – contingency planning for CUPE strike
Instruction: File
37. Track and Field Event for Special Olympics – May 23-25, invitation to participate
in Opening Ceremonies
Instruction: File
38. Township of Southwold – new water rate for Tri County.
Instruction: File
39. LTVCA – public workshops re: fishing in Thames River
Instruction: File
RES. NO. 7 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the correspondence be dealt with as per the instructions
of Council as noted.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: 2005 COUNCIL REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
Council reviewed a statement for 2005 Council remuneration and expenses.
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF WEED INSPECTOR
RES. NO.8 Moved by Bodnar
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of West Elgin hereby appoints
the County Weed Inspector to provide weed inspection services for 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: WATER TEST STATIONS
Council received the following quotations for water test stations:
TOTAL (plus taxes)
Ontario Water Products $945.00 each
EMCO $685.00 each
RES. NO. 9 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Wiehle
RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin accepts the
quote of EMCO in the amount of $3425.00 plus taxes for five water test
stations.
DISPOSITION: Carried
March 23/06…Page 8 of 8
SUBJECT: BY-LAW COMPLAINT
The Clerk presented a schedule of clean-up submitted by a property owner. The By-law
Officer will inspect the property each month and report to Council on the progress.
Councillor Balint expressed a concern that progress would be too slow. If clean-up is
not to Council’s satisfaction, an order will be issued.
SUBJECT: WATER TREATMENT PLANT ANNUAL REPORTS
RES. NO. 10 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of West
Elgin accepts the Annual Reports under Regulation 170/03 for 2005 as
prepared by the Ontario Clean Water Agency and to be presented to the
Tri County Management Committee.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON SIXTEEN MILE CREEK FISH HABITAT
The Administrator reported that DFO are not requiring a pond, but have accepted the
establishment of a buffer zone on the east and west banks. The buffer zone would be
kept un-mowed and planted with shrubs and naturally colonizing species of plants.
West Elgin will provide seasonal labour to install the improvements. Activities will be
supervised for habitat quality by LTVCA.
SUBJECT: CONFIRMATION BY-LAW
RES. NO. 11 Moved by Balint
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the mover be granted leave to introduce a By-Law to
confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on March 23, 2006
and this shall be the first and second reading and provisional adoption
thereof.
DISPOSITION: Carried
RES. NO. 12 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of
Council held on March 23, 2006 be now read a third time and finally
passed, signed, sealed and numbered By-law Number 2006-10 –
Confirming By-law March 23 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
SUBJECT: ADJOURNMENT
RES. NO. 13 Moved by Wiehle
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that this Regular Meeting of Council shall adjourn at 2:30 p.m.
to meet again on April 13, 2006.
DISPOSITION: Carried
th
These minutes were adopted on April 13, 2006.
___________________________ _______________________________
MAYOR CLERK