March 27, 2007 Minutes
Carried
THAT Councillor Wilson be authorized to represent Elgin County and attend a meeting
with the Municipality of Grey Highlands to provide input regarding the Joint Police Services
contract in Elgin qounty.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor MCintyre
Councillor Wilson reviewed the request from Grey Highlands, indicating he was the Chair
of the Elgin Group Police Service Board at its inception and could offer insight into the
formation of the Joint Board. Councillor Wilson requested Council's consideration for him
to attend a meeting at Grey Highlands to provide input on the subject.
Correspondence from Municipalit
the Joint Police Services Contract
REPORTS
Carried
THAT we do now move Into Committee Of The Whole Counci
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
Warden Acre thanked the delegation for the presentation and indicated a report would be
dealt with shortly if Ms. LeFrank would like to listen to Council's deliberations on the
matter.
Ms. Helen LeFrank, General Manager, Elgin Community Development Corporation,
attended at 9:02 AM. to update Council on the ElginConnects Portal. Ms. LeFrank
highlighted the development and infrastructure aspects of the project since its inception to
the present. Ms. LeFrank requested Council to defer a decision on whether or not to take
over management of ElginConnects to allow time for discussion and negotiation between
the involved parties. Ms. LeFrank indicated there is money left over for replacement of
software $20,000-$30,000 and could provide it to the County.
DELEGATIONS
None
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF -
Carried
THAT
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Menn
the minutes of the meeting held on March
13. 2007 be adopted
Warden Acre In the Chair.
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:01
accordance with adjournment, with all members present.
AM
n
Tuesday, March 27. 2007
COUNTY COUNCIL
Carried
THAT the report entitled "Bayham Ambulance Correspondence" dated March 15,2007
from the Ambulance & Emergency Management Co-ordinator, be forwarded to the
Municipality of Bayham in response to the various inquiries contained therein.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Bavham AmbUlance Correspondence - Ambulance & Emer
Coordinator
Counci
took a break at 10
12 AM. and reconvened at 10:25 AM
Carried
THAT the increases to fees and charges contained in the report entitled "Amendments to
the Fees and Charges By-Law - Summary" from the Manager of Administrative Services
be adopted and the necessary by-law be prepared.
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Council discussed moving towards cost recovery for Engineering and Human Resources
services provided by the County to the Lower-Tier Municipalities. Staff stressed the
importance of cooperation between the County and Municipalities and that placing a cost
on the time expended to provide these services would be difficult to determine.
Amendments to the Fees and Char
Administrative Services
-Law Summa
ort - Manaaer of
Carried
THAT the negotiated renewal rate adjustments with Manulife Financial for the County of
Elgin and the Elgin Member Municipalities be accepted, effective April 1 , 2007
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Vowe
Annual 2007 Benefit
Human Resources
Renewal - Pa
ro
& Benefits Coordinator and Director of
Ms. LeFrank left at 10:03 AM
Carried Unanimously.
THAT the report on the management and operation of the ElginConnects Portal be
deferred and staff be directed to explore with Elgin Community Futures Development
Corporation and the City of St. Thomas ways and means of addressing the identified
concerns and report back to Council at a later date with a view to continuing a portal
presence in the Elgin catchment area.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
After much discussion of the report from the Director of Information Technology, Council
directed staff to investigate further funding/ownership options and to approach the City of
St. Thomas suggesting the usual 60/40 split on costs. Staff noted that no funds were
placed in the 2007 budget for this project and that funding from Elgin Community Futures
Development Corporation would finish in September 2007. As well, the Portal software
should be redeveloped to make it more user friendly and that liability and damage to the
County's image are of concern
E
nConnects Portal Manaaement - Director of Information Technolo
Staff Reports
County Council
2
March 27, 2007
THAT $33,000.00 of the requested $100,00.00 be allocated during the 2007 budget
deliberations with the understanding if the request to host the International Plowing Match
& Rural Expo is denied by County Council, the allocated funds will be redirected as per
recommendation by the County's Chief Administrative Officer; and
THAT the CEEDAC recommendation in response to the Ontario Plowmen's Association
March 13, 2007 request be submitted to County Council no later than June 2007; and,
THAT the request by the Ontario Plowmen's Association for the County of Elgin to
contribute $100,000 for hosting of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in 2010
be referred to the County of Elgin Economic Development Advisory Committee (CEEDAC)
with a recommendation that considers, but is not limited to, the implications discussed in
the March 27, 2007 report from the Manager of Economic Development; and,
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Vowe
The Manager of Economic Development suggested a review of the potential impact this
event would have on the County be referred to CEEDAC with a report coming back to
Council by the end of June. The OPA would be asked to approach the City of St. Thomas
for funding, perhaps on a 50/50 basis. While Councillors felt hosting the plowing match
would be good for the community as a whole, the involvement and commitment to provide
services, staff and recruitment of volunteers would require a great deal of time and
resources.
2010 International Plowln
Development
Match and Rural Expo - Manaaer of Economic
Carried
THAT the consulting firm Millier, Dickinson, Blais, be engaged to develop an Economic
Development Plan for the County of Elgin at a cost of $59,913.00 (excluding taxes) as
described in the March 27, 2007, report from the Manager of Economic Development.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor HofhUls
The Manager of Economic Development advised
completed by the end of August 2007.
that the Plan IS expected
to be
Economic Development Plan
Development
Selection of Consultant - Manaaer of Economic
Carried
THAT
THAT City of St.
and,
the Resolution of Council be affixed to the renewal contract as
required
Thomas Council be encouraged
THAT staff be directed to provide notice of the renewal within
the Agreement; and,
to concur
with these recommendations
the time period stipUlated in
THAT the renewal of the existing Agreement with the OPP for the Provision of 911
Emergency Reporting Bureau (CERB) services, as provided for in the Letter of
Understanding dated June 9, 2004, and as per the renewal clause in the existing
Agreement, for a further term of three years, on the same terms and conditions, at an
annual per capita cost of $0.561 and annual cost of $43,455.62 be approved; and,
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Centra
911 Central Emer
Ambulance & Emer
County Counci
3
opp Contract Renewal -
March 27, 2007
Carried
THAT
THAT $20,000 be added to
panel at Elgin Manor; and,
these funds be allocated from
the 2006 Capital surplus
the Nurse Ca
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor HofhUls
Upgrade Capital Budget for upgrades to
the fire
Fire Panel U
rade at E
n Manor- D
rector of En
Services
THAT the addition of four hours of Health Care Aide
year's budget for Bobier Villa.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
time be approved for
nclusion In
this
Com
of Care for Homes Residents - Director of Senior Services - Bobier Villa
Carried
THAT the Home's Director request that the County Solicitor provide a lega
standard Physician Contract document.
review of the
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to enter
into a renewal Attending Physician Agreement with Dr. Ken Morrison for Elgin Manor; and
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
reements In the Homes - Director of Senior Services
Carried
THAT the report "Annual Compliance Review - Elgin Manor" dated March
the Director of Senior Services - Elgin Manor, be received and filed
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Marks
15.2007
from
Annual Com
iance Review - D
rector of Senior Services
E
n Manor
Carried
THAT
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
the Visual/Audio Image Release Form be adopted for use In a
County Departments
VisuallAudio Imaae Release Form - Director of Cultural Services
Carried
THAT the Manager of Economic Development encourage the Ontario Plowmen's
Association to approach the City of St. Thomas to assist the County of Elgin with funding
towards the 2010 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo
County Counci
4
March 27, 2007
Carried
THAT a
proceeds cOllected be donated
to
the United Way Campaign
THAT
THAT the United Way Committee be authorized to register
Cell Phone Collection Program and,
the program be open to all staff and public
and
Moved by Councillor HofhUls
Seconded by Councillor Vowe
with Pitch-In Canada's Nationa
Ce
Phone Collection Pro
ram - Purchasln
Coordinator
Carried
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to enter
into agreements with these companies to complete these projects
THAT Facca Inc. be selected to complete the Replacement
their total tendered price of $1 ,292,589.44 inclusive of taxes
of the New Sarum Bridge. at
and
THAT Alexman Contracting Inc. be selected to complete the Graham Road Culvert lining
at their total tendered price of $44,414.00 inclusive of taxes and
THAT Weslake Inc. be selected to complete Engineering Services for Talbot
Elgin, at their total tendered price of $122,960.00 inclusive of taxes and,
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Menn
Line - West
Capital Proiects Tender Awards - Manaaer of Road Infrastructure and Purchasin
Co-ordinator
Carried
THAT the report "2006 Lower-Tier Operations Cost Summary" dated March
the Manager of Road Infrastructure. be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuls
10.2007
from
2006 Lower-Tier 0
erations Cost Summa
nfrastructure
Carried
THAT the report "Accident Review - 2005" dated January
Engineering Services, be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Marks
12.2007
from
the Director of
Accident
Review
2005 - Director of En
Services
Carried
THAT the comments be reviewed by County Council for final approval and circulation to
the municipalities for signature
THAT the Solicitor for the County of Elgin prepare a
for comment by the constituent municipalities; and,
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Menn
MUnicipal Infrastructure Agreement"
MUniCiPal Infrastructure A
County Counci
reement - Director of En
5
Services
March 27, 2007
THAT the report "POA and 401
Officer, be received and filed
Carried
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuls
dated March 21
2007
from
the Chief Administrative
Carried
THAT collection of fines for Provincial Offences on Highway 401 that have gone through
the Elgin County Court on or after January 1,2006, be transferred amongst the Township
of Southwold, the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich, and the Municipality of West Elgin, in
accordance with Clause 3.3 of the Agreement, and only where the location of the ticket on
Highway 401 is unknown will the funds be split equally between the three western
municipalities.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Marks
The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a dispute resolution process is contained
within the Agreement should disputes occur regarding Provincial Offences revenue
matters and suggested this process be explored. Staff noted it would be difficult to apply
tickets issued on Highway 401 to specific areas as the OPP officers patrolling the highway
may not know in which Municipality the incident occurs.
POA and 401
- Chief Administrative Officer
Carried
THAT the matter of providing a $1 M on grant to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospita
be deferred to 2008 pending a response to this resolution from the Minister of Health for
Ontario
THAT Elgin County Council object to the provincial government's capital funding policy as
it applies to hospital improvements and infrastructure needs and strongly encourages the
McGuinty government to fully fund such worthy projects using provincial coffers instead of
local municipal taxes; and further,
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Councillor Habkirk distributed a handout with suggested points for Councillors to consider
before adopting a recommendation and requested Council's support. Councillors spoke to
the accountability practices of the hospital and its vital role in the community.
St. Thomas-EI n General Hos
Director of Financial Services
ital Grant
Reauest - Chief Administrative Officer and
Carried
THAT the report "Semi Annual Information Report - Contract Awards (August 1,2006 to
December 31,2006) and Direct Negotiation Expenditures (January to December 2006)
dated March 16,2007, from the Purchasing Coordinator, be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
County Counci
6
March 27, 2007
Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to
the Honourable Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance concerning Council's resolution
regarding the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund
1
Correspondence for
nformation
Carried
THAT Correspondence
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Item #2 be received and filed
The fOllowing recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence
Item #2
THAT Correspondence
granted.
Carried
Item #1
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
be received and filed as the request has previously been
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence
Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister Responsible for Semors
2007 Senior of the Year Award.
Item #1
2
with a nomination form for the
Debra Seabrook-Page, Secretary, The Elgin Military Museum, with a request to
borrow the original Victoria Cross awarded to Ellis Sifton to display for a special
exhibition on April 9, 2007.
1
Items for Consideration
CORRESPONDENCE
Carried
THAT as a result of the 2004 to 2006 GST Audit, the balance of the reassessment
amount of $22,098.31 be funded from the 2006 anticipated surplus.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Menn
n the
GST Audit - D
rector of Financial Services
Carried
THAT the report "Budget Comparison to December 31,2007" dated March 7. 2007
the Director of Financial Services, be received and filed
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Vowe
from
Council recessed at
except for Councillor
arison to December 31
12:12 P.M. and
Marks (arrived
reconvened at 12:57 P.M. with a
1 :01 P.M.)
2006 - Director of Financial Services
n attendance
The Manager of Cultural Services introduced Mr. Mike Baker the new Curator for the Elgin
County Museum and highlighted Mr. Baker's career and achievements. Warden Acre
welcomed Mr. Baker to the County of Elgin and invited him to lunch.
County Counci
7
March 27, 2007
Carried
THAT we do proceed In a Closed Meeting at 1:10 P.M. to discuss a pending acquisition of
land; labour relations: and personal matters about an identifiable individual.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Matters of Ur
- None
Notice of Motion - None
The Chief Administrative Officer reminded Council that one of the recommendations from
the 2006 Visioning Session was to hold joint meetings between the County and City at
least twice per year. The County would host the next meeting, which has been set for
Thursday, May 24,2007 at 5:00 P.M.
Councillor Habkirk asked how many Councillors were planmng to attend
meeting at Norfolk County on March 28,2007.
the tobacco
Statements/ln
Members
OTHER BUSINESS
Carried
THAT Correspondence
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
Items #
1-9 be received and filed
9
Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, announcing the funding
grant to the County of Elgin of $1 ,500.000.00 under the Rill (Rural Infrastructure
Investment Initiative).
8
Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to
the Hon. Chuck Strahl regarding an exit strategy for tobacco farmers
7
Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,
acknowledging Council's support for a regional resolution with regard to an exit plan
for tobacco growers
6
Cynthia St. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, with an
update on the West Nile Virus Budget and a breakdown of the County of Elgin's
share of the 2007 funding
Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, with a copy
of the 2007 edition of Ontario's Rural Plan Update - "Strong Rural Communities:
Working Togetherfor Success...and Getting Results".
5
4
Norm Vocino, Special Assistant, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
and Minister of the Canadian Wheat Board, acknowledging Council's resolution
endorsing the exit strategy proposed by the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers'
Marketing Board.
3
Tena Michiels, Deputy Clerk, Township of Southwold, supporting Council's resolution
requesting the Federal and Provincial Governments to commit to a complete exit
strategy for tobacco growers
AMO Member Communication: 1) Notification Process for Permits Seized under
MTO's Accessible Parking Permit Program 2) HealthForce Ontario Recruitment
Centre
2
County Counci
8
March 27, 2007
THAT the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist
and devotion to tourism over the years
their service.
Carried
Association be commended for their excellent work
and Members. past and present, be thanked for
8
THAT the disbanding of the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist
2007 be acknowledged by Council; and,
7
Association by December 31
THAT County staff approach St. Thomas City Council requesting a commitment to
continue to fund the delivery of tourism services within the County's Economic
Development and Tourism Services Department for 2008 based on the customary split
on costs as per population and assessment; and,
6
THAT in order to reflect the addition of tourism services the County of Elgin Economic
Development Advisory Committee's name be changed as of April 1 ,2007, to the
County of Elgin Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee; and
5
4. THAT the terms of reference for the County of Elgin Economic Development Advisory
Committee be changed accordingly to reflect the addition of tourism services, and the
Committee's membership be increased to nine individuals to include two
representatives of the tourism sector with the initial candidates being appointed from
the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association's Board of Directors; and,
THAT the name of the Economic Development Office be officially changed on January
1,2008, to Economic Development and Tourism Services to reflect the addition of the
tourism component; and,
3
2. THAT the current Executive Director of the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association be
offered a fourteen (14) month non-renewable contract as the County's Tourism Co-
ordinator beginning April 1 ,2007, and ending on May 31,2008, with applicable
benefits; and,
THAT tourism services be delivered within the County's Economic Development Office
with the retaining of a Tourism Co-ordinator position, reporting directly to the Manager
of Economic Development, as described in the report entitled "Tourism Coordinator"
dated March 27, 2007, from the Manager of Economic Development; and,
1
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Carried
THAT the Collective Agreement between the County of Elgin and the Ontario Nurses'
Association as depicted in the Arbitration Award of March 13, 2007 be acknowledged and
the necessary by-law be prepared
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Carried
THAT a part-time 24 hour per week Branch Assistant position at the John Kenneth
Galbraith Library be approved for consideration with 2007 budget deliberations
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Vowe
Carried
THAT we do now
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
rise at 1 :47 P.M. and
report.
County Counci
9
March 27, 2007
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 07-06 be read a third time and finally passed
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 07-06 "A By-Law to Provide a Schedule of Services and Activities
Subject to Fees and Charges by the County of Elgin and to Repeal By-Law No. 06-04" be
read a first and second time.
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 07-05 be read a third
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
time and finally passed
Carried
THAT By-Law 07-05 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Execution of a Collective
Agreement between the Corporation of the County of Elgin and the Ontario Nurses'
Association, with Respect to All Nurses at Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa" be
read a first and second time.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
BY-LAWS
Carried
THAT we do adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Counci
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Menn
Carried
THAT the 2007 County Composite Budget be approved resulting In a Net
$20,232,571.00 representing a tax levy increase of 5% over 2006 rates.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
Levy of
The Director of Financial Services highlighted budget items line by line. With Council's
decision earlier in the day regarding application of revenue for Highway 401 tickets to the
three western municipalities, the proposed budget sits at a 3.96% increase, however
Reserves and Capital and Road Infrastructure needs require more funding. Council
directed that staff adjust the budget to a 5% increase over 2006 rates with $47,549 added
to the Information Technology line for ElginConnects activities and the balance added to
the Capital line.
2007 Proposed Count
County Council
et- D
rector of Financial Services
10
March 27, 2007
Carried
THAT we do now adjourn at 2:29 P.M
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
to meet again on Apri
10.2007 at 9:00 AM
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 07-08 be read a
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
third time and finally passed
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 07-08 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the March 27,2007 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 07-07 be read a third
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Vowe
ti
me and finally passed
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 07-07 "Being a By-Law to Provide for the Adoption of the 2007 Budget
of the Corporation of the County of Elgin and to Establish the 2007 Tax Ratios, and to
Establish the 2007 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first and
second time
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Menn
County Counci
11
March 27, 2007