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February 13, 2007 Minutes The delegation left at 10:07 AM Carried THAT the grant deliberations request from Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor Wilson the St. Thomas Public Art Centre be referred to budget Mr. David Bobier, Executive Director, St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, attended at 9:40 AM. The Centre was requesting an annual grant of $15,000. Mr. Bobier reviewed cultura trends and the importance of maintaining funding to the Centre. Warden Acre thanked the delegation for attending Warden Acre thanked the delegation for attending and Ms. Datars-Bere left at 9:40 AM THAT the Ontario Works Fourth Quarter Ontario Works, be received and filed. Carried Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Marks Report from the Director, St. Thomas-Elgin Ms. Sandra Datars-Bere, Director, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, attended at 9:30 AM to present the 2006 Fourth Quarter Report. Ms. Datars-Bere noted an energy bank has been established to assist any person to pay heat, hydro bills, etc. The Dutton Affordable Housing Proposal was not successful but additional funding is being requested for this project. Mr. Graham Hart, Past Chair, and Elgin County Trustees, Mr. Frank Exley and Ms. Tracy Grant, Thames Valley District School Board, attended at 9:00 AM. to discuss rural school issues. The delegation provided background on school populations and where enrollment shifts are occurring. Municipalities were encouraged to continue to speak with school trustees about issues of concern and to look at developing creative partnerships between the local school and community, such as housing a library in a school. Warden Acre thanked the delegation for their open discussion and encouraged Councillors to attend the March 7, 2007 meeting of the Capital Planning Committee at the local Board office. The delegation left at 9:29 AM DELEGATIONS None DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - Carried THAT Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Menn the minutes of the meeting held on January 23. 2007 be adopted Warden Acre In the Chair. The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:02 AM accordance with adjournment, with all members present n Tuesday, February COUNTY COUNCIL 13.2007 Carried Unanimously. THAT this resolution be forwarded to the individual municipalities in the tobacco growing region, and included with further communication to the Federal and Provincial Ministers of Health, Finance, Labour, Treasury Board and Agriculture. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, by support of this resolution the Federal and Provincial Governments commit to and implement a full and complete "exit strategy" similar in principle and objectives of the program introduced by the OFCTGMB, be implemented prior to March 1, 2007; and furthermore, WHEREAS the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers Marketing Board (OFCTGMB) have developed, in consultation with and support from the growers that they represent, an "exit strategy" that proposes a responsible, dignified and absolute support mechanism for the individuals and families who have invested their livelihoods in the tobacco industry, and to the communities that their social and economic contributions have historically benefited WHEREAS representatives (Mayors and Wardens) of this impacted region have met to identify their common challenges and to review our collective strengths and weaknesses, to ultimately provide the opportunity for "choice" to those residents in our region most impacted by the downturn in the tobacco industry and to review support for a complete exit from this same industry; and, WHEREAS this same deterioration continues to impact our infrastructure, our ability to supply increasing demands on our social system and most importantly on the local individuals, service and commercial entities that service our population; and WHEREAS the communities within the tobacco growing regions of Southwestern Ontario have now collectively felt the impact of the deterioration of this once strong rural economy; and Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson Councillor Habkirk reviewed the outcome of a recent meeting regarding the Tobacco Exit Strategy and was seeking support for the resolution that resulted from that meeting. Economic m act and the Tobacco Exit Strate - Councillor Habkirk REPORTS Carried THAT we do now move Into Committee Of The Whole Counci Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT the grant request from deliberations Carried the Thames Valley Children's Centre be referred to budget Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Marks Council took a break at 10:07 AM. and reconvened at 10:15 AM. Mr. Doug Nicholson, Regional Volunteer, and Mr. Bill Petti pas, Campaign Chair, Thames Valley Children's Centre, attended at 10:15 AM. to present a grant request for 2007. Mr. Petti pas presented an overview of the Centre and the services it provides. The City of St. Thomas has committed $10,000 for 2007. A 15 year-old client at the Centre, addressed Council to explain how he has been helped to overcome his challenges to live a full life. Warden Acre thanked the delegation for attending. County Council 2 February 13,2007 The Main Motion as amended was then voted on and Carried Carried THAT Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson the grant amount to the St Thomas-Elgin Art Centre be amended to $10.000 An amendment was- THAT a grant to the St. Thomas-Elgin Art Centre for $15.000 be approved for consideration in the 2007 Composite Budget. Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Marks Carried THAT a grant to the Quad County Support Services of $2,000 and for Seniors Picnic of $2,500 be approved for consideration in the 2007 Composite Budget. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Warwick Carried THAT a grant to the Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre for $5.000 be approved for consideration in the 2007 Composite Budget. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Marks Much discussion ensued regarding the grant request from the Tillsonburg & District Service Centre of $6,232 and the rationale for the increase in funding. Multi- Aylmer & East Elgin Agricultural Society Rodney-Aldborough Agricultural Society Shedden Agricultural Society Wallacetown Agricultural Society Elgin 4-H Association Carried 7,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 2,000 $ THAT Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Warwick the following grants be approved for consideration In the 2007 Composite Budget: A discussion ensued regarding guidelines for grant requests and consideration of requests after the deadline had passed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated Council's practice was that each request is considered on its own merit, with a few stipulations regarding a deadline for grant requests and provision of information relating to the request. Council consensus was that the grant deadline would be maintained and any groups with late requests be informed they may make a request next year. Councillor Hofhuis handed out a chart detailing fundraising initiatives undertaken by the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre and the benefits of providing a grant to the Centre 2007 Grant Reauests - Director of Financial Services County Council 3 February 13.2007 Councillor THAT the grant of $50,000 to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation be amended to provide for the grant over a two-year time period. Menn requested a recorded vote These were recorded as follows Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Menn An amendment THAT a grant to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation of $50,000 for the "Tools For Technology Campaign" be approved for consideration in the 2007 Composite Budget. was- Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Vowe Councillor Mennill noted the fund raising for the "Bed Campaign" was achieved in total, however, funding for other equipment is not covered by the Ministry of Health and the Foundation is embarking on a "Tool for Technology Campaign". Council discussed the pros and cons of providing a grant to the Foundation and the continued downloading of emergency and hospital services by the Province to the municipalities. THAT a grant to the MedQuest 2007 Composite Budget. Carried Project for $5.000 be approved for consideration In the Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre Carried THAT reference to the Elgin County Plowmen's Association and the Ontario Conservation Officers Association that contain no grant requests for 2007 be filed. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Wilson The Chief Administrative Officer noted the International Plowmen's Association would be attending Council on March 13, 2007 to request a grant and that the County hosts the International Plowing Match in 2010. The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation would also be attending the meeting to request funding and that the County establish a reserve for future hospital building requirements. Carried THAT a grant to Second Stage Housing for $5,000; to YWCA for $10,000; and to Nutrition Partnership for $5,000 be approved for consideration in the 2007 Composite Budget. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Habkirk Carried THAT a grant to the Town Crier for $2,000 and Non-Specific for $5.000 be approved for consideration in the 2007 Composite Budget. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Menn County Council 4 February 13.2007 Carried THAT the report "2007 Tax Policy Study" dated February Financial Services be received and filed. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis 1 2007 from the Director of 2007 Tax Polic - Director of Financial Services Carried THAT the request for funding from the Canadian Cancer Society and from Stroke Foundation be received and filed. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson the Heart and Carried THAT a grant to the Thames Valley Children's Centre for $10.000 be approved for consideration in the 2007 Composite Budget. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Menn As a resu It of the Recorded Vote the Main Motion as amended was Carried TOTAL 7 Menn Acre 2 o Hofhuis Marks Habkirk Wilson Warwick Vowel MCintyre YEAS NAYS ABSENT A recorded vote on the main motion as amended was conducted as follows As a result of the Recorded Vote the amendment was Carried TOTAL 5 4 o Acre Menn Habkirk Wilson Hofhuis Marks Warwick Vowel MCI ntyre YEAS County Council NAYS 5 ABSENT February 13,2007 The Director of Engineering Services updated Council on the actual infrastructure needs and that each year we are continuously providing more maintenance to keep operations running as efficiently as possible. The Director of Financial Services $6,143,170. reviewed the 2007 Capital Budget request of rector of Financial Services Council recessed for unch at 12:05 P.M. and reconvened at 12:48 P.M Carried THAT the report "Pedometers Available in Elgin County Libraries" dated February from the Director of Cultural Services. be received and filed Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Warwick 1 2007 Pedometers Available m E Libraries - Director of Cultural Services Carried THAT THAT a contest be held among all County staff for naming the County newsletter with the final decision on the successful submission made by the Management Team and, the winning entry be entitled to receive a day off with pay. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Warwick NeWSletter Namm Contest - Manaaer of Cultural Services Carried THAT the report "Homes 2007/2008 CMI Results" dated January 29.2007, presented by the Director of Senior Services, Elgin Manor, be received and filed. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Habkirk Homes 2007/2008 CMI Results - Directors of Senior Services - T/L. BN. ElM Carried THAT Acclaim Ability Management be selected to provide Disability Management Service that will follow a Best Practice model and that Mosey and Mosey be thanked for their contribution through the RFP process. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Habkirk Disabilit Service Provider - D rector of Human Resources THAT the report "Leasing Arrangements" Financial Services. be received and filed. Carried Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis dated January 16.2007 from the Director of Leasm County Council ements - Director of Financial Services 6 February 13, 2007 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 b Carried THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Town of Minto petitioning the Federal and Provincial governments to reimburse the fees paid to COMRIF by those municipalities who were unsuccessful in all three COMRIF Intake applications. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Habkirk The following Mayor Tony Van Bynen, Town of Newmarket, requesting that the Province of Ontario amend the Highway Traffic Act regarding school area and school crossing zone signage to approve the use of Fluorescent Yellow Green school signage. recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 a 7 Mary Kirkham, Clerk, Township of Lanark Highlands, requesting the Province of Ontario review with municipalities and associations the issue of regulations governing the use of A TVs on public highways. 6 Mark Weaver, Assistant Superintendent of Business, London District Catholic Schoo Board, asking if the County would like to send a representative to serve on a committee that will be reviewing the school accommodation framework. 5 4. a) Eric Harvey, Counsel, CN, with copy of correspondence concerning an application filed by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society under subsection 144(3.1) of the Canadian Transportation Act. A John Sanders, Sanders, Cline Barristers and Solicitors, with a copy of correspondence concerning the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society proposed purchase from CN-CP Rail of the CASO Subdivision. 4 Jean D. Patenaude, Assistant General Counsel, Canadian National, with correspondence to the County of Elgin, City of St. Thomas, Southwold Township and the Ontario Minister of Transport, advising that CN-CP has offered for sale the CASO Subdivision from Mile 113.64 to Mile 117.49. 3 Town of New Tecumseth, with a resolution formally requesting that the Ontario Historical Society and the Ontario Historical Society Foundation support the designation of the northerly 70 acres of the Sir Frederick Banting Family Homestead lands, pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act, 2005. 2 Hazel Soady-Easton, Deputy Clerk, Town of Minto, with a resolution: a) petitioning the Federal and Provincial governments to reimburse the fees paid to COMRIF by those municipalities who were unsuccessful in all three COMRIF Intake applications; b) appealing to the Ontario Government to exempt Royal Canadian Legions in Ontario from the education portion of property taxes. 1 Items for Consideration CORRESPONDENCE THAT the 2007 Proposed Capital Budget of $6 the 2007 Composite Budget. Carried Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Menn 143 170 be approved for consideration with County Council 7 February 13,2007 Carried THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Town of Newmarket requesting that the Province of Ontario to amend the Highway Traffic Act regarding school area and school crossing zone signage to approve the use of Fluorescent Yellow Green school signage. Moved by Councillor Wilson onded by Councillor Mcintyre The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7 Carried THAT Correspondence Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Marks Item #6 be received and filed The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6 Carried THAT Councillor HofhUls be appointed as a Council representative to serve on the London District Catholic School Board committee that will be reviewing the school accommodation framework. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Menn The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5 Carried THAT Correspondence Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis Items No.3. 4 and 4a be received and filed The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence 4a: Carried Items #3. 4 and THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Town of New Tecumseth formally requesting that the Ontario Historical Society and the Ontario Historica Society Foundation support the designation of the northerly 70 acres of the Sir Frederick Banting Family Homestead lands, pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act, 2005 Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Wilson The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Carried Item #2 THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Town of Minto appealing to the Ontario Government to exempt Royal Canadian Legions in Ontario from the education portion of property taxes Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Marks County Council 8 February 13.2007 17 Cliff Evanitski, General Manager, Long Point Region Conservation Authority, with a copy of the Preliminary 2007 Budget with Municipal Levy contribution information 16 Marg Emery, Vice President, and Robert White, Zone Commander, Royal Canadian Legion, with a request for support the Canadian Forces Service Personnel by asking staff and the public to wear red on Fridays to "Support Our Troops" 15 AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) Government Announcement of New Child Care Fee Subsidy Model Received with Caution and Concern 2) AMO's Pre-Budget Submission Calls for New Fiscal Arrangements. 14 Gloria Kovach, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, announcing the departure of James Knight as CEO of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities 13 Ontario Good Roads Association with 2007 OGRA/ROMA Combined Conference Preliminary Program 12 A Gary Irwin, O.L.S., Division Manager, Geomatics, and Chief Surveyor, City of London, confirming agreement that the boundary road between the City of London and County of Elgin, lying west of Highway No.4, has been properly designated Elgin County Road 18 Mayor Lynn Acre, Municipality of Bayham, advising that Bayham is seeking support from federal and provincial governments, and the ferry service proponent to carry out necessary "traffic studies" to analyze appropriate routes to carry truck traffic generated by the proposed international ferry service 11 David Clarke, Director, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, responding to Warden Baldwin's letter to the Ministry requesting that a Long-Term Care facilities residency allocation needs assessment for Ontario be conducted. 10 Cindy Bezaire, Administrative Clerk, City of St. Thomas, with correspondence confirming appointments of Mayor Barwick, Aldermen Warden and Shackelton to the 2007-2010 Dispute Resolution Committee; Mayor Barwick to the Green Lane Community Trust Fund and Alderman Campbell to the Elgin-St. Thomas Archives Association. 9 8 Moya Greene, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Post acknowledging Council's concerns with rural postal services. Corporation Andrew Walasek, Special Assistant - Ontario, Office of the Minister of Transport Infrastructure and Communities, acknowledging Council's resolution regarding sustainable long-term funding for small communities in Ontario 7 6 Gwen Hammons, Hike for Hospice Co-Ordinator, regarding the "2007 Hike for Hospice" on Sunday, May 6, 2007. Carllsenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, with information regarding the County of Elgin's 2007 funding charges of approximately $643,115 5 Frank Cowan Company Limited, announcing that the Temple Insurance Company wi participate in all of its insurance programs starting January 1, 2007. 4 3 Glen R. Knox, County Clerk, County of Simcoe, thanking Warden Baldwin for the letter of congratulations on the 40th Anniversary of the Simcoe County Archives. Suzanne M. van Bommel, M.E. & Suzie's Restaurant, with copy of correspondence to Councillor Mcintyre regarding several businesses from Elgin County that had booths at the Food and Wine Show held at the Western Fair Grounds in January 2 1 Thank you card from Harley Underh and Family. Items for County Council nformation (Consent 9 February 13.2007 Carried THAT the lease start on January 1, 2007 and expire on December 31 , 2007 at a lease rate of $13.25 per square foot per year (annual payment of $8,148.75 plus GST). THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a Lease Agreement with TOPIGS Canada Incorporated for Room 345 in the County Administration Building; and, Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Marks Carried THAT the lease start on March 1,2007 for a three-year term at a lease payment of $13.50 per square foot in the first year (annual payment of $4,738.50 plus GST), $13.75 per square foot in the second year (yearly payment of $4,826.25 plus GST) and $14.00 per square foot in the final year (yearly payment of $4,914.00 plus GST). THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a Lease Agreement with Mainline Hardware Sales for Rooms 230 and 232 in the County Administration Building; and, Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis Carried THAT we do now Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Habkirk rise and report 1 2 3 the security of the property of the municipality; a proposed disposition of land by the municipality; advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. Carried THAT we do proceed in a closed meeting Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Vowe to discuss matters of: Matters of Ur - None Notice of Motion - None Councillor Habkirk noted that a community health centre would be bu suitable location is being sought. It n 2008 and a Statements/lnau Members OTHER BUSINESS Carried THAT Correspondence Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Warwick Items #1-18 be received and filed Council discussed Correspondence Item #9 regarding the appointment from the City to the Green Lane Community Trust Fund. A letter will be sent to the City advising that the County concurs with the appointment of Mayor Barwick for this term. Nathalie Lapointe, Application Co-Ordinator, Green Municipal Fund re: "New Funding Opportunity For Municipal Solid Waste Projects". 18 County Council 10 with information February 13, 2007 Mark G. , Chief Administrative Officer. Carried to meet again on March 13.2007 at 9:00 AM Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor MCintyre Carried THAT By-Law No. 07-03 be read a Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Warwick third time and finally passed Carried THAT By-Law No. 07-03 "A By-Law To Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the February 13th, 2007 Meeting" be read a first and second time Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Menn Carried THAT we do adopt recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Counci Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis Carried THAT the staff direction regarding a property matter and the correspondence from Solicitor regarding remediation of a former railway crossing be received and filed Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre the Carried THAT any resolution contrary THAT subject to review by the County Solicitor, a separate agreement be established the Elgin Military Museum allowing for the property and buildings to be returned to the Corporation of the County of Elgin should the Elgin Military Museum cease operations, with a maximum life on this agreement of five years from the date of transfer or upon the receipt of documentation proving that the Elgin Military Museum has made capital improvements to the buildings and property in excess of $120,000. Upon the expiration of this five-year term, the County of Elgin then relinquishes any claims for return of the buildings and property even if the Elgin Military Museum ceases operations; and further, to this one be and is hereby rescinded with THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin transfer by deed, clear title in the lands and buildings of the former Elgin County Pioneer Museum site at 32 Talbot Street, St. Thomas to the Elgin Military Museum under the condition that the Elgin Military Museum maintain insurance at a satisfactory level and that the buildings not be permitted to deteriorate significantly beyond their current condition; and, Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Habkirk County Council 11 February 13. 2007