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September 11, 2007 Agenda ORDERS OF THE DA Y FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2007- 9:00A.M PAGE # ORDER 1 st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes - for the meeting of July 24, 2007 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATIONS: 9:00 A.M. - Ms. Anne Kenny, Public Service Chair, United Way of Elgin-St. Thomas, re: 2007 Campaign Kick Off. 2 9:15 A.M. - Ms. Sandra Datars Bere, Director, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, Quarterly Report; Provincial Government Upload of Social Service Costs; and OMSSA submission to the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review (attachments) 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 23 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 7th Council Correspondence - see attached 62 1) Items for Consideration 85 2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 8th OTHER BUSINESS 1) Statements/Inquiries by Members 2) Notice of Motion 3) Matters of Urgency 9th In-Camera Items (see separate agenda) 10th Recess 11 th Motion to Rise and Report 12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 118 13th Consideration of By-Laws 14th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED ST. THOMAS Corporation ofthe City of 81. Thomas Report No. OW27-07 FileNo. Directed to: Warden Lynn Acre and Members of County Council - County of Elgin St. Thomas- Elgin Ontario Works Sandra Datars Bere, Director Ontario Works and Social Housin Quarterly Report for the months of April, May & June 2007 Date August 31, 2007 Attachment(s) Department: Prepared By: Subject: (1) Recommendation: THAT: the report OW27-07 of the Director of Ontario Works and Social Housing for the months of April, May & June 2007 be received and filed. Income Maintenance: The Income Maintenance Division of Ontario Works continues to face the challenges of constantly revised legislation, implementing new Directives as well as the changes in the Social Delivery Model Technology. The caseload over the past quarter has increased slightly. There have been a number of staff leave on maternity leave, as well we have had one staff leave our department to pursue employment elsewhere. This has brought new staff to the Ontario Works department once again. Training for these positions is extensive and expensive as the technology and legislation used to deliver the program are quite diverse and complicated. The Income Maintenance division continues to deliver the Homelessness Initiative, the Energy Emergency Fund and Rent Bank, as well as, in collaboration with the Social Housing Division, the Housing Allowance/Rent Supplement Program. These programs, designed to assist the working poor to avoid homeless situations and make rental costs more affordable, have been very well used by citizens within our community. In June, select staff throughout the department including income maintenance, employment and financial staff, prepared for the Ontario Works audit. Conducted in July by review officers from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, a final comprehensive audit report will be provided to the department in September 2007. Emplovment: The Employment Division has been bu,sy welcoming staff back from maternity leaves and transitioning workers from the Employment Team to the Income Maintenance Team. The Employment team, as well as representatives from the income maintenance division participated in a focus group which looked at developing suggestions and ideas on the best practices to successfully move to the new "outcome based" funding model. The management team have met with the consultant involved in the discussions and on their own to review the recommendations of the focus group. As this will be a huge shift in the focus of our employment area, and also on the entire department, more detailed discussions will occur in order to fully anticipate and plan for the direction that we will proceed. The Innovation Grant program which is the partnership with Forest City Transportation to train and employ AZ Truck Drivers continues to move forward. To date three individuals have obtained their AZ Driver's License and two of them have been offered full time positions. There are currently two individuals in the course right now who will be graduating within four weeks. There are a further three individuals who we anticipate will begin their courses within the next three weeks. We are optimistic we will reach our target of training fifteen participants by December of 2007. The employment team will be offering an Essential Skills Workshop in late July to our participants. The Essential Skills Workshop has been developed to meet a need identified within our client group and help them identify their existing skills and market themselves to employers. If the workshop is successful it would continue to be offered on an ongoing basis as part of the employment program. We recently coordinated with our YWCA Literacy partner and purchased six seats in WIN XP six- week course. This is a beginner computer course for some of our participants who have no computer experience. Again, if this workshop proves successful we will offer another session possibly in the fall. Child Care: Phase Two Best Start Planning continues, led by the Best Start Network, a sub-committee of the Elgin Advisory Committee for Young Families, (EACYF). Over the past several months the Best Start Network Committee finalized the framework for Phase Two of the Best Start Vision, the 2007- 2008 Best Start Community Plan (approved by City Council in July 2007) which focuses on System Integration and the creation of early learning and care hubs. Consisting of community providers who specialize in children's public health; children's mental health; child welfare; children's developmental services; children's treatment services; as well as cultural and recreational services, the Best Start Network will have a key role in the development and evolution of an integrated local system of services. Although the municipality is responsible to lead and implement this initiative, committee members have indicated a willingness to assume a shared responsibility and accountability for moving toward the community vision of System Integration. The 2007-2008 Child Care Service Plan also supports and complements the work of the Best Start Plan. Also approved by City Council in July 2007, both plans have been submitted to the Ministry of Children and Youth for approval. The funding proposal from Forest Ave Child Care Centre was accepted and approved for the construction of a new Child Care Centre at the corner of Sunset Road and Shaw Valley Drive. This centre will have 98 child care spaces in total and 24 of those spaces are new spaces. This facility is scheduled to open in April 2008. The Early Learning Centre also began construction of their new Child Care Centre at the intersection of Ron McNeil Line and Burwell Road. They are planning to be in operation in the fall of this year. Once both projects are completed the community will have 120 new child care spaces. We have added a new purchase of service agreement with Wee Watch Home Child Care for service in Elgin County. This is in addition to our current provider, Elgin Home Care, which operated 20 licensed home care prOViders throughout Elgin County. Wee Watch is currently recruiting home care providers in St. Thomas. We have been using the new web-based format in the Ontario Child Care Management System (OCCMS) to process all new child care applications. We continue to work on the web-based reporting process with our service providers. Once completed, child care providers will report attendance/billing electronically instead of manually. Recreation and camp programs are busy for the summer, as school-aged children switch from full time school programs to full time summer care. Staff are processing more new families who qualify for partial fee subsidies under the new income testing process. . Staff continue to monitor the impact of the income testing process on available funding. Social Housina: Canada-Ontario Affordable Housina Proaram update Rental & Supportive (capital) component: Construction is underway on the two new apartment buildings at 25 Scott Street and 78 Steele Street in St. Thomas. Signs have been placed by the Province at both sites which read as follows: "This project is funded through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program and the City of St. Thomas". The signs include the logos of the federal government, the Province, and the City of St. Thomas. Contribution Agreements between the City and the other two AHP proponents in Elgin County were brought before City Council in August and were approved. Eneray efficiency proaram The Housing Administrator attended an Affordable Housing Energy Efficiency Outreach Session on June 28 in London. All approved AHP proponents were invited to attend to learn about energy efficiency rebates available under the AHP program and through other government (federal and provincial) and Ontario Power Authority incentives. As well, existing social housing providers are eligible to apply for rebates toward the purchase of Energy Star appliances or to help with the cost of energy-efficiency upgrades such as window replacements or additional insulation. The information will be conveyed to all social housing providers in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Shelter proposal A meeting was held at the Ontario Works offices on June 20 to discuss possibilities for collaboration on the creation of a homeless shelter in St. Thomas. Attending the meeting were representatives .....2tv from the Salvation Army, the Canadian Mental Health Association - Elgin Branch, the YWCA, the Ontario Works department, and City Council. A concept page was forwarded to Service Canada to apply for funding under the federal Homelessness Partnership Initiative. The funding would be used to hire a consultant to examine various options and costs. Submitted by ~~ctn, ~~~~iaS-Elgin Ontario Works and Social Housing Reviewed By: OW& SH Treasury Env. Serv Planning City Clerk HR ~3~ >. C => ~ 0 0 <3 -a ~ . c Q) .... f- .... , ro or- Q) ~o >- N >r- ~ ~o (/J .... ro Q) , >- ~r- N 80 t- o o.r- 0 N ~o (/) f- <( , f- 0Ir- (/) ~o ~ ..!..r- C.9 ~o I 1:: 0 0.. , Q) cr- a::: =>0 --, "(3 I C >'r- ::J ~o 0 () , Z' t- '-r- c 0 ~o ::J 0 0 N () I t- ea '-r- 0 ~o 0 0 ~ 0 N .,.... "'C lJr- (""') -- c ~o co ell ... l- I "'C cr- ell roo .<: 0 --, c a; 0 II) u(() :2 ell ~o () II) ..:ll: >(() ... 0 ~o 3: 0 I .;: ~(() J'!l 80 c 0 o.(() ~o o,(() ~o ..!..(() ~o e(() =>0 --, , >.(() ~o I '-(() ~o , '-(() ~o , .e(() ~o , C(() roo --, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (J) co r- (() 10 '<t (') C\l ..- ..- peolase8 Quarterly Month Caseload City County Average Jan-05 878 639 239 Feb-05 903 649 254 Mar-05 905 657 248 895 Apr-05 883 652 231 May-05 837 629 208 Jun-05 823 638 185 872 Jul-05 810 637 173 Aug-05 816 626 190 Sep-05 805 618 187 851 Oct-05 800 598 202 Nov-05 814 591 223 Dec-05 853 571 282 844 Jan-06 885 611 274 Feb-06 881 606 275 Mar-06 893 617 276 886 Apr-06 857 583 274 May-06 841 572 269 Jun-06 800 536 264 860 Jul-06 788 533 255 Aug-06 788 533 255 Sep-06 787 537 250 836 Oct-06 749 514 235 Nov-06 759 523 236 Dec-06 795 552 243 819 Jan-07 829 583 246 Feb-07 863 599 264 Mar-07 892 623 269 861 Apr-07 870 608 262 May-07 874 605 269 Jun-07 848 590 258 863 Jul-07 Aug-07 Sep-07 Oct-07 Nov-07 Dec-07 863 CY Avg 6 # Months 819 Avg 2006 844 Avg 2005 872 Avg 2004 930 Avg 2003 1052 Avg 2002 ST. THOMAS Corporation of the City of 81. Tholnas Report No. OW-28-07 File No. Date Authored: Directed to: Warden Lynn Acre and Members of County Council - County of Elgin August31,2007 Meeting Date: Department: Prepared By: Subject: St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works Sandra Datars Bere, Director Proyincial Goyernment Upload of Social Service Costs Se tember 11, 2007 Attachment Recommendation: THAT: Report OW-28-07 be received for information. Backaround: In 1998, as part of local services realignment, the Provincial Government downloaded onto municipalities the financial responsibility of paying 20 percent of Ontario Disability Support Plan (ODSP) subsidy and Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) benefit costs and 50 percent of the ODSP administration costs, with the province paying the rest. Since that time, the City of St. Thomas, which acts as the Consolidated Municipal Services Manager (CMSM) for social services for both the City and the County of Elgin, has built the cost of these downloaded services into the Ontario Works budget, one-third of which is paid for by the County through the current city/county cost share agreement. Proiected Costs for 2007 - St.Thomas-Elqin ODSP Program Costs ODB ODSP Administration Cit Costs $2,578,055 $771,809 $493,548 $3,843,412 Coun Costs $1,289,008 $385,899 $246,770 $1,921,677 Total Costs $ 3,867,063 $1,157,708 $ 740,318 $5,765,089 Report: In an announcement made on August 20,2007, the provincial government advised that it would upload the costs of these social programs from municipalities. It is understood based on information provided on Premier McGuinty's website that beginning in 2008, the provincial government will immediately upload Ontario Drug Benefit costs and then begin the ODSP upload in 2009, reducing costs to municipalities by $935 once fully implemented in 2011. The following chart provides an overview of the planned upload: FOllr Year Upload of OOB and ODSP Current Provincial New Provincial Cost Shares CoslSbares 2008 2009 2010 2011 ontario Pf\lg Bene!it$ 60"^'....100% 100"Ai 100"/. 100"4 Ontario PlsabUIIy Support Program Adminietratkm Componern Ontario Disability Support Prollram Benefits compcncrn 60"/. ~ ,100% 100"/. 1 00"4 60"/. ~ .90%--)0-100% For St.Thomas-Elgin, ODB costs (20% costs projected at over $1.16 million) will cease in 2008 and ODSP Administrative Costs (%50 costs projected at over $740,000) will cease in 2009. ODSP Benefit costs will continue as is until 2010 at which point the municipality will pay 10% of costs (down from 20%) and by 2011 will no longer pay any of the costs (projected currently at over $3.8 million). -1- The province has indicated that this announcement is just one part of a larger process that began last year with the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review, the final report of which is due to be released next spring. The Ontario Works Department will continue to work with the province and specifically the Ministry of Community and Social Services to acquire additional information to share with Council as it becomes available. Subsequent operating budgets will be adjusted to reflect the reduced costs, further to this uploading process. Reviewed By: Treasury Env Services Planning City Clerk Human Resources OW& SH ~2~ ST. THOMAS Corporation of the City of 81. Thomas Report No. OW-29-07 File No. Date Authored: August 31, 2007 Directed to: Warden Lynn Acres and Members of County Council - County of Elgin Meeting Date: September 11, 2007 Department: Prepared By: Subject: St. Thomas- Elgin Ontario Works Attachment Sandra Datars Bere, Director One Ontario Municipal Social Service Association submission to the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review Recommendation: THAT: Report OW-29-07 be received for information. BackQround: The Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) is a non-profit organization whose members are involved in planning, managing, funding and delivering social and community services at the municipal level throughout Ontario. OMSSA works on behalf of Ontario's municipal service system managers-known as Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs). CMSMs, which include District Social Service Administration Boards (DSSABs) have been established by the provincial government to act as consolidated service system managers in the planning, managing and coordination of social and community services at the local level across Ontario. OMSSA promotes policy development and program delivery in the areas of children's services, social housing and homelessness, and social assistance. It does so through: . Adyocacy - OMSSA is one of Ontario's foremost organizations advocating for improved social policies and programs, acting as the collective voice of the staff working for the Consolidated Municipal Service Managers. . Professional Deyelopment - OMSSA is a leader in the field of professional development, offering practical, relevant and "hands-on" educational solutions customized to meet the needs of its members. . Information Sharing - OMSSA facilitates the dissemination of information, keeping abreast of the latest developments in the social and community services field and sharing topical information with its members. OMSSA's Mission Statement is as follows: Purpose To build our members' capacity to plan, manage and deliver quality human services in their communities. Outcomes . Increased public acceptance of the importance of human services to healthy communities. . More progressive public social policy and program design. Increased member capacity to plan, manage and deliver integrated human services. Higher caliber professionals delivering human services. As a CMSM, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works (City of St. Thomas Ontario Works Department) is a member of OMSSA and staff participates regularly in association meetings and training sessions and conferences, both at provincial and zone levels. Forty-six (46) of forty-seven (47) CMSMs/DSSABs are members of OMSSA. -1- Report: In August 2006, the province announced that the government and the municipal sector would conduct a joint review aimed at improving the delivery and funding of municipal services in Ontario. To date, the ProYincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Deliyery Reyiew has been examining how to improve service delivery and infrastructure investment to assist communities. The Review is also analyzing the provincial-municipal fiscal relationship and working to identify concrete solutions for promoting the economic competitiveness of Ontario and its communities. In July 2007, OMSSA developed and submitted a report to the Review, outlining key ideas and recommendations regarding the delivery of social services within the province. OMSSA's central position is that the current reliance on property taxes to fund social services in Ontario places a significant burden on municipalities. OMSSA argues that while sustainable and alternative funding sources and amounts are crucial to the smooth delivery of social services, municipal expertise and excellence in the delivery of these services should also be acknowledged and strengthened to ensure services are provided within the communities where they are needed. OMSSA contends that the social service delivery system will be strongest if primarily funded through provincial means but delivered and coordinated at the municipal level. It is noted that a recent announcement by the provincial government (as outlined in Council Report OW-28-07) is seen to be a positive start to address some of the issues that OMSSA has identified in its report. A copy of the OMSSA report is attached for Council review. Staff is available to provide additional information and address questions as required. Respectfully, ~~nd Social Hou,ing Reviewed By: Human Resources Treasury Env Services Planning City Clerk Other ~2~ OMSSA l>> Ontario Municipal Social Services Association Submission and Recommendations to the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review July 2007 The Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) is the collective voice of social and community service staff at the municipal level in Ontario. Our mandate is to make positive, progressive change in the areas of early learning and care, homelessness and housing, social assistance, employment services and emergency social services. OMSSA, with active membership participation from 46 of the 47 Consolidated Municipal Service Managers / District Social Services Administration Boards (CMSMs/DSSABs) in Ontario is the major voice representing Ontario's diverse social service management and delivery system. CMSMs/DSSABs deliver services to over 2 million Ontarians and manage the direct and indirect expenditure of approximately $9 billion annually. The Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review is of great interest to our membership. Strengthening local service delivery, which was a cornerstone of the 1998 Local Services Realignment (LSR) exercise, continues to be a top priority for OMSSA members, who welcome the opportunity to continue to work with the Province. One of the central issues that led to the Review relates to Ontario's high reliance on property tax contributions to fund and administer a range of social services. Ontario is unique in this reliance on property tax revenue for income redistribution programs, a situation further compounded by LSR. RECOMMENDATIONS Overview It is OMSSA's central position that while it is imperative that issues of greater fairness in the property tax system and the current balance of provincial/municipal funding be addressed, it is equally important that municipal service management of social services not only be retained but also strengthened through this Review process. For the purposes of this Review, OMSSA will focus its recommendations on the central belief that all stakeholders - individual citizens, communities, employers, service providers, and levels of government - have a vital interest in the existence of a comprehensive, integrated, well-planned and well-managed system of local human services. The following recommendations are concerned with the key role that CMSMs/DSSABs play in such a system, and recommended strategies to strengthen and enhance their capacity in that role. 1 Recommendation 1 That the Province reaffirm its commitment to the principles and goals of local service management as articulated in March 1998. Recommendation 2 That the Province work in partnership with CMSMs/DSSABs to revitalize and reform the provincial-municipal contract relationship by establishing a process to clearly define and negotiate shared program outcomes to further strengthen principles such as shared accountability, adequacy of funding and appropriateness of timelines. Recommendation 3 That the Province, in partnership with CMSMsIDSSABs, establish a process to adequately support and strengthen CMSM capacity to effectively manage and deliver program outcomes. Recommendation 4 That the Province establish a consistent process that draws on proven CMSM/DSSAB leadership, networks including OMSSA, and local accountability, resulting in broader and more comprehensive local planning and consultation for existing and new initiatives. Recommendation 5 That the Province commit to work in partnership with DSSABs, the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) and OMSSA to address and resolve DSSAB governance reform prior to the November 2010 municipal elections. OMSSA utilized an inclusive process in developing this submission, consulting the majority of CMSMs/DSSABs through a number of forums designed to elicit and incorporate their contributions and developing Ontario wide support for the material and recommendations. Highlights of this process are: . Active involvement of the OMSSA Board of Directors, the members of which represent a diverse set of CMSMs/DSSABs; . Active involvement from the OMSSA Policy and Advocacy Committee representing an additional four CMSMs/DSSABs; . A province-wide Think Tank in March 2007 which included 33 CMSMs; . An input session at OMSSA's Learning Symposium and AGM in June 2007. 2 Section 1 - Principles and Goals of Municipal Service Management The Local Services Realignment initiative of 1998 was a major step toward more efficient and cost-effective government in Ontario. The changes implemented under that initiative reflected many longstanding recommendations for how the province and Ontario's municipal governments manage and deliver key public services in Ontario. The LSR reforms were based on a number of goals shared between the provincial government and municipalities in every part of the province. These goals were: . greater accountability to the taxpayer; . protecting priority services and maintaining critical standards; . streamlined service delivery; . capitalizing on local expertise and innovation with greater autonomy for local government; . reducing duplication and waste between levels of government. At the time, the Province noted that the realignment of provincial and municipal responsibilities.. .creates the opportunity to build more effective local systems... and many opportunities across these programs to simplify access to services and serve clients better, while at the same time improving cost effectiveness through clearer accountability, better coordination, innovation, sharing of resources, and economies of scale. (province of Ontario: Consolidation of Municipal Services Management, 1998). A key strategy used to achieve these goals was that the Province identified CMSMs/DSSABs as the service system managers for human services. The Province described this role as being a complex undertaking that requires an investment of time and resources. (Province of Ontario: Roles and Responsibilities - 2001, June 2001). The province also made it clear that service system management goes well beyond the role of service deliverer. Key service manager responsibilities include: . local service system planning; . resource allocation and reallocation; · accountability; · quality assurance. OMSSA members are committed to their role as service system managers, based on the view that communities and governments benefit from local service system management. 3 Recommendation 1 That the Province reaffirm its commitment to the principles and goals of local service management as articulated in March 1998. Description . The Province is requested to reconfirm its commitment to the roles and responsibilities set out in 1998. . CMSMs/DSSABs acknowledge the Province's responsibility for strategic planning, setting policy, outcome evaluation and equitable resourcing. . The Province is asked to reaffirm its commitment to supporting CMSMs/DSSABs as local human services system managers. Rationale The role of service system manager, which implies a balance of accountability and authority within a defined jurisdiction, is consistent with the role described in Bill 130 for municipalities. . Bill 130, the Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006, states that, Municipalities are created by the Province of Ontario to be responsible and accountable governments with respect to matters within their jurisdiction and each municipality is given powers and duties under this Act and many other Acts for the purpose of providing good government with respect to those matters. In this context, CMSMs/DSSABs have been assigned a more complex range of roles and accountabilities than are expected of individual transfer payment agencies. As service system managers, CMSMs/DSSABs are responsible for: . Local Service System Planning including: o Assessing service needs; o Identifying planning partners; o Developing planning processes; o Developing strategic and operational plans. . Resource Allocation and Reallocation including: o Allocating and reallocating resources in keeping with strategic and operational plans; o Negotiating agreements with partners and delivery agents; o Contracting for services and monitoring of agreements. . Accountability including: o Performance measurement (ministry/CMSM/agency); o Program evaluation; o Audit; o Service contracting and monitoring of agreements. 4 . Quality Assurance including: o Developing policy directives/guidelines; o Licensing; o Measuring client satisfaction; o Program evaluation. It is the central position of this submission that the role of service system manager builds on and is consistent with the principles and goals of the Province as recently set out in Bill 130. There are clear benefits to CMSMs/DSSABs continuing to act as local service system managers: . Effective social services are integral to healthy and safe and economically viable communities. Municipalities have an essential role to play in developing the social infrastructure of their communities. Social services are an investment - not a drain on our resources. Social services are critical to supporting a healthy economy and Ontario's economic competitiveness, within and outside Canada. . Planning, management, integration and delivery of services happens best at the local level by CMSMs/DSSABs: o Knowledge of local community, local linkages, informal networks; o Transparency, accountability, efficiency. . The strength and legitimacy of our services comes from directly engaging diverse communities: o Community engagement is crucial to system and service improvement; o The best in policy and program design often comes from the bottom up and is community driven. Section 2 - Strengthening the Current Framework of Service System Management Although the definition of service management was reasonably clear at the time of the 1998 LSR exercise, there is still work needed to realize the underlying principles and key elements, including shared accountability, appropriate levels of resourcing and processes that are mutually respectful. Although the service system management concept is based on a shared approach to accountability, there has not always been adequate provision made to allow for meaningful municipal input on outcomes, definitions, and approaches for reporting on performance. CMSMs/DSSABs embrace their role as service managers, and accept the associated responsibilities. However, there is a lack of congruence in some circumstances between this designated role and provincial policy or action. Examples include: 5 . Although there is a mutual objective for greater human services integration, the flexibility of CMSMs/DSSABs that already have some form of "one stop shopping" for clients is limited by the restraints of intake and case management technology and guidelines. . There are overlapping roles and responsibilities in child care, whereby CMSMs/DSSABs as service system manager are responsible for developing a local plan based on environmental scans and needs analyses that are responsive to community need. However, because the Province retains sole jurisdiction over licensing and because the Province does not have the authority to deny a license to any service provider who meets the regulatory requirements, the Province may well be issuing licenses that do not fit with the plan written by the Service System Manager. Overall there is a concern that the provincial/municipal relationship needs to be mutually accountable, with accepted processes in place to ensure program outcomes and service targets are jointly negotiated and established within an agreed-to funding envelope. Recommendation 2 That the Province work in partnership with CMSMs/DSSABs to revitalize and reform the provincial-municipal contract relationship by establishing a process to clearly define and negotiate shared program outcomes to further strengthen principles such as shared accountability, adequacy of funding and appropriateness of timelines. Description . The Province is asked to commit to work in partnership with CMSMs/DSSABs to establish program outcomes and expectations. . Some form of "negotiation" process and sign-off would need to be established. . There is an opportunity to utilize growing benchmarking and related performance data in establishing outcomes. . Consistent with the significant level of accountability associated with service system management, funding should be linked to outcomes and performance through the use of incentives and penalties (this may require some appeal process for extenuating circumstances). CMSMs/DSSABs should be and are willing to be held accountable for their performance as service system managers, provided the expectations and funding envelopes are mutually established. . Future refinements could consider the use of a consistent Service Contract across programs irrespective of the program or its cost-shared basis. . The Province should build on successful approaches that used joint tables to discuss mechanisms on initiatives and shared definitions, e.g., Best Start; Ontario Works Employment Outcomes Working Group. 6 . Service contracts and the associated processes will need to be reviewed and modified where needed to bring them into line with an outcomes-based accountability framework. Rationale . Outcomes should be part of the framework and linked to the purpose of each program. . Once CMSMs/DSSABs have had the opportunity for meaningful input on outcomes from local perspective - and flexibility has been negotiated and defined - we fully realize and accept our responsibility to deliver on those outcomes. . Holding CMSMs/DSSABs accountable for their service system management, including how they plan for and consult with their communities to ensure services respond to the community's needs, should be a component of accountability. Section 3 - Ensuring Local Capacity to Effectively Manage Service Systems CMSMs/DSSABs believe that human services are best planned for and delivered at the local level. The capacity for effective local service system management is directly affected by the presence of: . The level of meaningful input into program outcomes and definitions, and ongoing input into program changes. . An ongoing emphasis on continuous improvement to ensure a consistently high level of local system management, community planning, program design and service delivery. . Adequate funding to realistically achieve program outcomes, reflecting the true costs of service system management. . Reliable and timely data to support system management and accountability requirements. Provincially-led and funded quality improvement initiatives such as the Advanced Case Management Development Program (ACMDP) for Ontario Works front-line staff and Professional Advancement and Career Education (PACE) for ODSP management and front-line staff are seen as successful strategies to increase local capacity. More such initiatives across all service areas would support local service managers to achieve improved outcomes. Recommendation 3 That the Province, in partnership with CMSMs/DSSABs, establish a process to adequately support and strengthen CMSM capacity to effectively manage and deliver program outcomes. 7 Description . The Province is asked to confirm its commitment to increasing local capacity, and is asked to work with province-wide associations including OMSSA to identify priority areas for increased capacity. . The Province needs to ensure CMSMs/DSSABs are consistently and adequately resourced to effectively carry out their service system responsibilities, including local planning functions. The full costs of local service system management need to be taken into account in developing program funding envelopes. . Municipal associations should playa key role in working with the Province and local members to identify capacity concerns and develop and implement appropriate solutions. For example, OMSSA has demonstrated it has the capacity to play a lead role in supporting the implementation of successful initiatives including ACMDP, PACE and Income Testing for child care fee subsidy. Rationale . All Ontarians should be able to expect a consistently high level of quality in the services available to them. However, there is a wide range in the capacity of CMSMs/DSSABs, owing to issues related to size, geography, complexity of local needs and the availability of other resources and services, to respond to their community's needs. . The Province has a duty to ensure that there is consistency across all communities in Ontario in terms of the quality and comprehensiveness of locally available services. . CMSMs/DSSABs are looking forward to doing what is needed to increase their capacity to be effective service system managers, and would benefit from an ongoing partnership with the Province to develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives. . Current program funding envelopes frequently do not take into account the full cost of local planning. . There are concerns that provincially mandated and funded data systems, for example the Ontario Works SDMT system, do not properly support local service management; however, developing local data systems is both unaffordable and incompatible with the existing accountability framework. Section 4 - Expanding the Framework to Broader Local Coordination CMSMs/DSSABs have a multi-dimensional matrix of accountability. Beyond the straightforward accountability to the Province and to clients as set out in the legislative frameworks for social service programs, CMSMs/DSSABs are accountable to their local elected councils, agencies and ad hoc service delivery networks, as well as to the taxpayer and the broader community. The expectations from those groups frequently go beyond those set out by the 8 province within the mandates of individual programs-and beyond those for which the Province provides funding. In particular, communities expect CMSMs/DSSABs to be aware of and have some connection to all services available within the community, whether or not the service is funded or delivered by the CMSM/DSSAB. Indeed, LSR highlighted that CMSMs/DSSABs are best suited to identifying local needs, to have local networks, and to foster the integration of human services across sectors. However, provincial policy continues to be set by individual ministries, and typically is concerned only with that ministry's mandate. Clearly, individual ministries will - and should - continue to be accountable for leading the development of their own programs. However, because all programs ultimately are delivered in communities and their impacts are on the community, communities should have an opportunity to be made aware of, and offer input, to policy and program planning processes. This is especially important where programs will have local impacts that cross the mandates of several ministries, for example the implementation of the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) currently being led by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and the implementation of Best Start which touches several ministries MCYS, MOE and MCSS. Beyond being kept informed and offering input, CMSMs/DSSABs also can offer a unique support to provincial ministries in the development of new programs. Because of the broad access CMSMs/DSSABs enjoy within their communities, they are able to act as a neutral convener, bringing together disparate players to jointly identify common priorities and help overcome silos. Recommendation 4 That the Province establish a consistent process that draws on proven CMSM/DSSAB leadership, networks including OMSSA and local accountability. This would result in broader and more comprehensive local planning and consultation for existing and new initiatives. Description . The Province is asked to acknowledge that CMSMs/DSSABs need to be included in, and frequently can playa lead or convening role in local planning and consultations. . The Province is asked to facilitate a forum where senior ministry and CMSM/DSSAB leaders could meet on a regular basis to review existing or new initiatives, to identify areas for further integration, and to identify where there should be a role for CMSM/DSSAB input, local coordination, or other involvement. 9 . Beyond those program areas where CMSMslDSSABs already play a role, there may be opportunities to expand service co-ordination role and linkages at the local level to a number of new initiatives. Examples are: o LMDA; o Immigration and settlement services; o ODSP employment initiatives; o Broader children's services planning linkages. . The planning and co-ordination function would need to be appropriately resourced. Rationale . There is a wide range of current interest and capacity in these issues across the municipal system. CMSMs/DSSABs see local service integration and coordination, including with those services which will never come under the direct management or funding of the CMSM/DSSAB, as part of their mandate. . There currently is no official table that would bring together ministries and CMSMs/DSSABs to which the province can bring new ideas for discussion with CMSMs in order to see what role CMSMs can play in operationalizing initiatives and increasing local integration. . Ontario's competitiveness would be enhanced by better linking related service initiatives at local level. . In many instances, CMSMs/DSSABs are in the best position to talk about local community and planning and to channel local capacity. . There is willingness in most areas for CMSMs/DSSABs to playa key role in local planning or convening for human services. . CMSMs/DSSABs are well positioned to make gains on service integration as well, especially if operating more as local conveners and planners. Section 5 - DSSABs DSSABs were created as part of the 1998 LSR exercise under the District Social Services Administration Boards Act, with the understanding that a more appropriate governance model would be developed at a later date. The creation of DSSABs had undeniable benefits for some people in the north, including giving people in unincorporated areas access to and a voice in the delivery of reliable social services for the first time. However, because DSSABs were not clearly designed as an upper tier government they are not treated on a consistent basis with other municipal forms of government. Although some steps have been taken to address this situation and to develop a strategy to reform DSSAB governance, it is imperative that the issue be resolved prior to the 2010 municipal elections. 10 RECOMMENDATION 5 That the Province commit to work in partnership with DSSABs, the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) and OMSSA to address and resolve DSSAB governance reform prior to the November 2010 municipal elections. Description The Province, working with NOSDA, DSSABs and OMSSA, develop a process to identify the specific issues, and develop and implement mutually agreed upon strategies and timelines to ensure that DSSAB governance is reformed prior to November 2010. Rationale DSSABs do not fit within the Province's legislative framework used for the broad range of municipal issues. One example of the consequences of not falling into one of the usual municipal categories (example, CMSM, county, municipality), is that DSSABs are not eligible to apply for most infrastructure funding available from either the provincial or federal governments to build things such as social housing or to deal with land ambulance costs, even though they are mandated to do so by MCSS. DSSABs deliver human services across over 80% of the province's landmass and have developed into large organizations with combined operating budgets in excess of $400 million annually. They have developed a level of complexity that did not exist at the time of the LSR. CONCLUSION There continues to be strong support at the municipal level for the philosophical subtext for the original Local Services Realignment, i.e. that both the Province and local communities have mutually supportive but separate roles to play in the policy development, funding, planning and delivery of human services. OMSSA and its members welcome any steps towards a more rational delineation of roles and responsibilities, within a mutually established framework of shared accountability. Ultimately, enhancing the intertwined social and economic success of Ontario's communities is of equal importance to both the provincial and municipal orders of governments. OMSSA and its members want to continue to work together with the Province towards that shared goal and look forward to all future opportunities to do so. 11 REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF SEPTEMBER 11. 2007 Staff Reports - (ATTACHED) 24 Purchasing Co-ordinator - Semi-Annual Information Report - Contract Awards (January 1,2007 to June 30,2007) Director of Financial Services - Progress Report - Tangible Capital Assets Director of Financial Services - Bill 130 - Addition of BIA's to Charitable Rebates 29 31 32 39 41 Director of Financial Services - Budget Comparison - July 31,2007 Director of Engineering Services - Furnival Road Slope Rehabilitation - Tender Award Manager of Administrative Services - Amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law - Summary Report 43 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - Ambulance Base Location Plan - Municipal Input 48 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - JEPP Application Proposals for 2007/2008 50 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - 911 Advisory Board Requests Funding 52 Director of Information Technology - Kronos Clock Replacement 54 Director of Information Technology - Rural Broadband Partnership Program Funding Agreement 56 Manager of Cultural Services - Archives' Open House 58 Curator, Elgin County Museum - 50th Anniversary Exhibition Opening 60 Director of Cultural Services - Marketing the Elgin County Library System REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-ordinator DATE: 30 August 2007 SUBJECT: Semi-Annual Information Report - Contract Awards (January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007) CORPORATE GOALCS) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. INTRODUCTION As per the County of Elgin's Procurement Policy 10.1; " an information report containing the details relevant to the exercise of delegated authority for all contracts awarded that exceed $5,000 including amendments and renewals is to be prepared and reported to Council on a semi-annual basis." In addition, the County of Elgin's Procurement Policy 3.14 states; "Any expenditure exceeding $50,000 for a one time purchase or over an annual basis must be reported to CounciL" DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION: The Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin delegated authority to the Directors to award contracts as follows; Value Report Status Greater than No report to Council required if within 10% of the $5,000 but less approved budget allocation than $50,000 Greater than No report to Council required if within approved $50,000 but less budget than $100,000 However, Council also approved that a semi-annual information report would be brought forward containing details of the award of contracts including amendments and renewals. The details of the award of contracts is attached as Appendix A. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Semi-Annual Information Report - Contract Awards - January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007 be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted )~;-. ~C""A ~ Sonia Beavers Purchasing Co-Ordinator Approved for Submission ~ (~~<A4 Mark G. onald Chief Administrative Officer oF~~ Linda B. Veger . . Director of Financial Services APPENDIX A Purchases greater than $5,000 but less than $100,000 January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation (includes taxes) Administrative Operational Appraisal 450 Moir Luft Real $ 6,360.00 Services Sunset Dr and Estate Fruit Ridge Line Cultural Services Automation Computer Ontario Library $ 7,052.18 Budget Resources Cost Consortium Sharing Agreement Elgin Manor Capital New Flooring Bernardo Group $ 5,550.16 Elgin Manor Capital Replacement of GE Security $ 13,774.70 Fire Alarm Panel Canada Elgin Manor Capital Nurse Call System Media Multicom $ 70,644.76 Terrace Lodge Capital Architectural for Murphy & $ 8,051.76 New Fire Alarm Murphy System T /L Bobier Villa Capital Glass Cover for Aylmer Glass $ 31,683.82 Stairwell at Bobier Villa Terrace Lodge Capital Supply and install CD Drywall $ 15,035.04 new walls and ceilings at front office Terrace Lodge Engineering Capital Consulting Spriet Assoc. $ 5,943.44 Services Jamestown Bridge Repair Engineering Capital Consulting Golder Assoc. $ 17,959.82 Services Dexter Line, Lakeshore Bluff Slope Engineering Capital Sunset Drive Hydro One $ 12,930.00 Relocates Engineering Capital Heat Pumps Carrier Sales & $ 12,312.00 I Distribution APPENDIX A Purchases greater than $5,000 but less than $100,000 January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation (includes taxes) Engineering Capital Spare Pumps for Straightline $ 11,550.65 WWTP Group Incorporated Engineering Capital Hwy#3 Video Municipality of $ 8,688.25 Inspections West Elgin Terrace Lodge Capital Electrical Pro Electric $ 26,908.11 renovations for resident room lighting at Terrace Lodge Terrace Lodge Capital Architectural for Murphy and $ 11,500.00 new HV AC for Murphy lobby area at Terrace Lodqe Engineering Capital Currie Road Municipality of $ 6,497.00 Excavations Dutton-Dunwich Engineering Capital Engineering fees Spriet Associates $ 10,635.52 for New Sarum Bridge Engineering Capital Electrical JMP Engineering $ 23,315.76 Improvements Port Stanley Lift Bridqe Engineering Capital Survey County Spriet Associates $ 7,356.18 Road 24 Terrace Lodge Capital Supply 2 Palser $ 8,316.30 humidifiers for Enterprises Terrace Lodge Financial Capping Consulting MTE - Municipal $ 8,230.34 Services for Equity Consultants APPENDIX A Purchases greater than $5,000 but less than $100,000 January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation {includes taxes} Financial Operational Auditing Services Raven & Shaw $ 10,850.00 Services for 2006 Human Operational ONA Negotiations Eames $ 6,819.90 Resources Enterprises Inc. Information Capital Colour Copier Ricoh Canada $ 12,611.15 Technology Information Operational Hardware Protek Systems $ 56,595.30 Technoloqy Elgin Manor Capital Black and White Ricoh $ 9,306.73 Copier - Elgin Manor Information Operational Software Sage Software $ 8,274.69 Technoloqy Museum Operational Oil Spill Clean Up Safety Kleen $ 9,572.52 (Vacant) Terrace Lodge Capital Renovations CD Drvwall $ 5,757.13 Terrace Lodge High Intensity Low air loss KCI $ 6,000.00 Needs mattress REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services Jennifer Ford, Financial Analyst DATE: August 16, 2007 SUBJECT: Progress Report - Tangible Capital Assets CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. INTRODUCTION: In May, Council approved that a summer student be hired to assist with the first phase of the tangible capital asset project; an inventory of assets not including roads and bridges. DISCUSSION: To date the following actions are taking place: . assigned a project leader, Jennifer Ford, . established an in-house committee that meets monthly, . obtained the approval of the County auditor on the method of tracking the inventory, . completed the inventory. It will be forwarded to the Directors for their review and approval. Some amendments and additions may be required after that review, . appraised all County owned buildings, excluding Elgin Manor, . inventoried all roads and bridges, . costed all roads and bridges, . retained a consultant to assist with bridge conditions, . retained a consultant to assist with building conditions, . reviewed and decided on a computer program to collect the financial information, CONCLUSION: The tangible capital asset project is proceeding in a timely fashion. The next phase is costing the inventory and that has already been started. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Progress Report - Tangible Capital Assets" dated August 16,2007 be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted ~~ Director of Financial Services i~ Cdvd Financial Analyst Approved for Submission /'"' f20'-- ~~ I~ Mark G. cDonald :y2 Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: August 16, 2007 SUBJECT: Bill 130 - Addition of BIA's to Charitable Rebates. CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION: Bill 130 includes a requirement to include BIA charges in the tax rebate program for eligible charities - By-Law 98-34 as amended by By-Law 04-22. The amendment required is the addition of the following to the definitions: d) "Taxes", for the purpose of charitable rebates, includes charges as set out under Section 208 of the Municipal Act and satisfies the conditions as set out in Section 361 (12) of the Municipal Act. Charges under Section 208 are charges imposed for business improvement areas (BIA's). A copy of this change was sent to the Treasurers. CONCLUSION: Bill 130 adds BIA's charges as being eligible for the charitable tax rebate. An amendment is required to By-Law 98-34. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the addition to definitions as set out in the report titled "Bill 130 - Addition of BIA's to Charitable Rebates" dated August 16, 2007 be included in the property tax rebate program for eligible charities; and, THAT a by-law be prepared. Respectfully Submitted ct:~~ Director of Financial Services Approved for Submission ~M~ Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: August 16, 2007, 2007 SUBJECT: Budget Comparison - July 31, 2007 Corporate Goal Referenced: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. Introduction: Attached is the budget comparison to July 31,2007 for the County operating departments. Discussion: The departmental totals are reasonable for the seventh month of the year. Wage and benefit lines continue to be very close to the budgeted amount. The benefit lines will improve as more staff reach the maximums for Canada pension and employment insurance. Corporate Expenditures - 55,090 - insurance paid late 2006. Next billing will come due November 15th. Small positive variances in several other lines make of the balance of this positive variance. Overall the three Homes are in a positive position. The increases in revenues started flowing in April. Effective September 1 st the Homes will receive an increase in raw food costs of $1.43 per diem. This equates to approximately $129,000 annually. Terrace Lodge is over in the wage lines with several outbreaks already this year. Other budget lines are being closely scrutinized to make up some of the wage line negative variance. Library - 241,151 - grants from 2006 and 2007. The Library is in the process of carefully selecting expenditures for these grants. Also the annual grant from the Province has been received. Provincial Offences - 275,546 - revenues higher, showing the increase from 401 fines. The first payment to the municipalities was made in early July. Ambulance Services - 72,396 - contractor payments lower than expected at budget time. Theses lower payments lead to lower payments from the City of St. Thomas. WSIB expenditures for 2007 will be close to $500,000. The reserve will more than cover that amount. The capital budget comparison is also included for your review. Recommendation: THAT the report titled Budget Comparison - July 31, 2007 and dated August 16, 2007 be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission L~~~ Director of Financial Services ~. ~~2<1Lr Mark G. M on aid Chief Administrative Officer COUNTY OF ELGIN Departmental Budget Comparisons For The 7 Periods Ending July 31,2007 Total YTD YTD Variance %OF Budget Budget Actual 0 Budget Warden & Council Wages 178,520 89,260 89,258 3 Benefits 8,000 4,000 3,660 340 Operations 72,000 44,558 35,488 9,071 Total 258,520 137,819 128,405 9,414 49.67% Administrative Services Wages 270,450 144,691 143,290 1,401 Benefits 59,500 31 ,833 35,195 (3,363) Operations 15,600 9,100 10,443 (1,343) Total 345,550 185,623 188,928 (3,305) 54.67% Financial Services Wages 305,968 166,324 166,586 (262) Benefits 73,891 40,167 41,920 (1,753) Operations 16,200 9,450 11,882 (2,432) Total 396,059 215,941 220,389 (4,447) 55.65% Human Resources Wages 320,000 171,200 170,822 378 Benefits 85,200 46,315 39,072 7,243 Operations 16,800 9,800 9,077 723 Total 422,000 227,315 218,971 8,344 51.89% Administration Building Wages 180,000 96,300 94,153 2,147 Benefits 45,000 24,075 21,386 2,689 Operations 96,500 59,603 49,431 10,171 Total 321,500 179,978 164,970 15,007 51.31% Corporate Expenditures Insurance 263,500 247,716 225,617 22,099 Telephone 30,000 17,500 19,444 (1,944) Legal & Professional 95,000 55,417 46,570 8,846 Retiree Benefits 25,000 14,583 10,452 4,132 Other Expenditures 87,990 51,328 29,371 21,956 Total 501,490 386,544 331 ,454 55,090 66.09% Engineering Wages 259,000 138,565 144,169 (5,604) Benefits 59,000 31,565 35,513 (3,948) Operations 80,100 46,725 6,995 39,730 Maintenance 2,586,850 1,295,925 1,289,922 6,003 Total 2,984,950 1,512,780 1,476,600 36,180 49.47% Agriculture Fees Revenue 0 0 (210) 210 Operations 32,953 16,527 15,550 977 Total 32,953 16,527 15,340 1,187 46.55% Elgin Manor Revenues (4,585,470) (2,674,858) (2,695,098) 20,241 Wages 4,106,768 2,197,121 2,228,672 (31,551) Benefits 1,032,002 552,121 610,142 (58,021 ) Operations 969,361 568,377 451,188 117,190 Total 1,522,661 642,762 594,903 47,858 39.07% Terrace lodge Revenues (5,172,542) (3,017,316) (3,024,551 ) 7,235 Wages 4,093,056 2,263,556 2,357,393 (93,837) Benefits 1,166,521 645,113 641 ,448 3,665 Operations 982,404 576,194 539,934 36,261 Total 1,069,439 467,547 514,224 (46,676) 48.08% Bobier Villa Revenues (2,927,060) (1,707,452) (1,714,718) 7,266 Wages 2,883,810 1 ,542,838 1,521,236 21,602 Benefits 723,980 387,329 372,911 14,419 Operations 718,602 421,268 395,717 25,551 Total 1,399,332 643,984 575,145 68,838 41 .10% Museum Wages 84,681 45,498 35,957 9,541 Benefits 20,977 11 ,223 8,908 2,315 Operations 25,300 14,759 30,192 (15,434 ) Total 130,958 71,479 75,057 (3,578) 57.31% Library Wages 1,108,648 593,852 604,400 (10,549) Benefits 267,944 143,350 145,696 (2,346) Collections 239,500 139,708 167,554 (27,846) Operations 243,173 141,851 (140,041) 281 ,892 Total 1,859,265 1,018,761 777,610 241,151 41.82% Archives Wages 85,358 45,667 56,061 (10,394) Benefits 22,193 11 ,873 14,911 (3,038) Operations 51,800 30,217 23,791 6,426 Total 159,351 87,757 94,762 (7,006) 59.47% land Division Wages 57,640 31,611 30,809 801 Benefits 9,610 5,168 6,074 (906) Operations (67,250) (39,229) (35,756) (3,473) Total 0 (2,451 ) 1,127 (3,578) 0.00% Emergency Measures Wages 5,300 2,836 2,836 0 Benefits 1,375 736 736 0 Operations 9,000 5,250 4,179 1,071 Total 15,675 8,821 7,751 1,071 49.45% Information Technologies Wages 197,525 105,676 108,639 (2,963) Benefits 49,381 26,419 27,674 (1,256) Operations 299,749 174,854 141,387 33,467 Total 546,655 306,948 277,700 29,249 50.80% Provincial Offences Grant (75,045) (43,776) (93,004 ) 49,228 Fines Revenues (700,000) (408,333) (523,583) 115,250 Shared Revenues - Municipal 381,655 190,828 120,709 70,118 Wages 146,275 78,257 79,631 (1,374) Benefits 32,200 17,227 20,632 (3,405) Operations 185,975 96,119 50,389 45,729 Total (28,940) (69,679) (345,225) 275,546 1192.90% Ambulance Services Province of Ontario (3,097,692) (1,806,987) (1,827,415) 20,428 City of St. Thomas (1,476,139) (861,081 ) (821,691 ) (39,390) Contractor Payments 6,590,990 3,844,744 3,763,095 81,649 Wages 67,817 36,282 37,225 (942) Benefits 17,972 9,615 9,679 (64) Operations 35,300 20,592 9,876 10,715 Total 2,138,248 1,243,165 1,170,769 72,396 54.75% Collections Revenue (305,000) (177,917) (167,005) (10,912) Shared Revenues - Municipal 147,919 73,960 77 ,269 (3,310) Wages 47,520 25,423 25,658 (235) Benefits 12,545 6,712 7,034 (322) Operations 34,300 20,008 14,858 5,151 Total (62,716) (51,814) (42,186) (9,628) 67.27% Economic Development Grants (90,000) (52,500) 0 (52,500) Wages 106,390 58,312 58,062 250 Benefits 18,260 9,769 12,489 (2,720) Operations 127,200 74,200 34,371 39,829 Total 161,850 89,781 104,922 (15,141) 64.83% COUNTY OF ELGIN Contract Status As of August 17, 2007 Contract 2660-05-01 2660-05-03 2660-05-04 2660-05-05 2660-05-08 2660-06-04 2660-06-05 2660-06-06 2660-06-07 2660-06-08 2660-07-01 2660-07-02 2660-07-03 2660-07-04 2660-07-05 2660-07-06 2660-07-07 2660-07-08 2790-02-01 2800-01 2800-04-02 2830-04-01 2830-06-01 2840-01 5000-07-01 5780-06 5780-07- 5800-03-02 5910-05-01 5910-05-02 5910-05-03 5910-05-04 5910-06-02 5910-06-03 5910-07-01 5910-07-02 5910-07-03 5920-04-06 5920-05-01 5920-05-02 5920-05-06 5920-05-09 5920-05-13 5920-06-03 5920-06-04 5920-07-01 5920-07-02 5920-07-03 5920-07-04 5920-07-05 5920-07-06 5920-07-07 5920-07-08 5920-07-09 5930-03-01 5930-03-05 5930-06-02 5930-06-03 Garage Heat Pump Replacements - Admin Misc Professional Services - Admin Office Improvements - Admin Accessibility Upgrades - Admin Renovation for HR - Admin Office Equipment - Admin Painting - Admin Renovation for EDO - Admin Committee Room #2 - Admin Graham Scott Enns Office Renovations Asbestos Report 2007 - Admin Asbestos Report 2007 - Garage Boiler Replacement - Garage Miscellaneous - Garage Washroom Modifications - Admin Emergency Generator Control Panels - Admin Corporate Display Board - Admin Misc Emergency Repairs - Museum Ambulance Replacement Ambulance Equipment Emergency Response Vehicle Emergency Measures - Generator Vehicle Replacement Photocopiers IT - Hardware IT - Hardware Library Accessibility Door and Wall Protection - EM Painting - EM Nurse Call Upgrade - EM Resident Security Improvements - EM Sprinkler System - EM Resident Outside Walkways - EM Tuck Shop Flooring - EM Asbestos Report 2007 - EM Gazebo - EM Magnetic Locks - TL Air Handling Units - TL Dining Lounge for Secured Residents - TL Lighting in Visitor Parking - TL Painting - TL Resident Security Improvements - TL Front Lobby - TL Resident Room Lighting - TL Furniture Replacement - TL Asbestos Report 2007 - TL HVAC Upgrade - Lobby Reception - TL Inground Sprinkler System - TL Miscellaneous Prof Fees - TL New Fire Alarm Panel - TL New Elevator - TL Activation/Nurse Room Modifications - TL Main Dining Rm Servery Improvements - TL Door/Wall Protection - BV Painting - BV Nurse Station Refurbish - BV Resident Security - BV ContractStatus Proiect Budaet $ 89,316.71 80,000.00 45,000.00 75,000.00 220,000.00 165,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 45,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 26,666.68 10,000.00 130,000.00 30,000.00 25,000.00 4,000.00 571,518.88 114,070.00 55,000.00 5,000.00 56,600.00 25,000.00 120,000.00 71,908.00 100,000.00 20,000.00 40,000.00 90,000.00 15,000.00 30,000.00 80,000.00 10,000.00 15,000.00 20,000.00 15,000.00 220,000.00 41,400.00 40,000.00 60,000.00 40,000.00 75,000.00 55,000.00 10,000.00 15,000.00 80,000.00 10,000.00 15,000.00 85,000.00 250,000.00 30,000.00 20,000.00 30,000.00 60,000.00 45,000.00 50,000.00 Actual Costs to Date Remainina Proiect budaet $ 66,828.67 31,768.00 18,390.71 46,110.69 220,000.00 159,099.38 1,665.82 5,169.04 7,334.27 8,125.98 3,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 26,666.68 10,000.00 129,000.00 30,000.00 25,000.00 2,261.00 261,857.84 85,432.72 19,783.50 (1,828.43) 18,154.99 3,637.71 176.48 16,567.69 44,463.36 20,000.00 1,908.32 8,752.00 2,092.67 11,890.12 28,635.74 4,764.00 15,000.00 19,400.00 3,351.85 (7,572.24) (8,135.49) 40,000.00 9,570.67 19,427.16 (12,884.28) 20,293.26 (76.40) 15,000.00 68,956.40 (754.28) 10,970.00 80,812.50 240,975.00 30,000.00 20,000.00 15,394.19 26,890.09 24,372.00 242.34 Page 1 of 2 COUNTY OF ELGIN Contract Status As of August 17, 2007 Contract 5930-06-04 5930-07-01 5930-07-02 5930-07-03 6000-01 6090-04-02 6090-05-02 6090-06-01 6090-06-03 6090-06-04 6090-07-01 6090-07-02 6090-07-03 6090-07-04 6090-07-05 6200-03-01 6200-03-03 6200-06-02 6200-06-03 6200-07-01 6210-01 6220-06-02 6220-06-05 6220-07-01 6240-07-01 6250-07-01 6250-07-02 6250-07-03 6250-07-04 6250-07-05 6250-07-06 6250-07-07 6250-07-08 6250-07-09 6250-07-10 6260-07-01 6290-05-01 6290-06-04 6290-06-05 6290-06-06 6290-07-01 6290-07-02 6290-07-03 6300-01 6330-06-01 Beds - BV General Store - BV Asbestos Report 2007 - BV Misc Professional Fees Bridge Replacement Rail Road Crossing Improvements (PSTR - Rd 4 Signals Rd 48) Road 4 Sunset Road Rehabilitation - COMRIF 11493 Misc Engineering Services (Rd 24 EA, Bridge Inspect) Avon Dr & Putnam Rd Sightline Improvements Miller Road Curb, Gutter and Drainage at School Glen Erie Line - Slope Failure Fumival Road Slope Repair Road Crack Sealing Miscellaneous Capital Projects Transportation Master Plan Road 7 Construction Road 42 Relocation John Wise Line Road Slope Repair Talbot Line Rehabilitation Road 18 DS Treatment - (119 to Southdel Dr) Land Purchase Road 18 Paved Shoulder at 401 Overpass Road 26 Resurfacing (25 to RR Tracks) Road 48 Resurfacing (Rd73 to Rd 47) plus edge repair Rd 8 Shoulder Graveling (401 to Thames R) plus Berm removal Road 45 Thin Cold Mix Overlay (Rd 4 to Rd 28) Road 40 Thin Cold Mix Overlay (Hwy 3 to Glencolin Line) Road 46 Thin Cold Mix Overlay (Hwy 3 to Best Line) Road 2 Thin Cold Mix Overlay (103 to West Lome) Road 6 Thin Cold Mix Overlay (Blacks Rd to 103) Road 52 Thin Cold Mix Overlay (74 to 73) Rd 8 Thin Cold Mix Overlay(Currie to 401 plus Bus Entrances) Rd 37 Thin Cold Mix Overlay (Avon to Oxford Line) Rd 55 Surface Treatment (Tunnel to Lakeshore) Sparta Line Thin Cold Mix Overlay Road Sign Replacements New Sarum Bridge - COMRIF 13840 Beecroft Culvert Replacement Engineering Port Burwell/Jamestown Bridge Repairs Bridge Deck Condition Surveys King George Lift Bridge - Mechanical Graham Road Culvert Lining (42 S of Crinan Line) Black's Bridge - Rural Initiatives Municipal Drains Guide Rail 2800-04-01 Ambulance Bases 6030-05- Sewage Treatment Plant ContractStatus Proiect Budaet 225,000.00 23,800.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 696,640.00 55,000.00 4,400,331.60 100,000.00 20,000.00 80,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 188,000.00 100,000.00 25,000.00 1,600,000.00 735,000.00 250,000.00 2,995,484.11 200,000.00 455,000.00 50,000.00 145,000.00 650,000.00 130,000.00 72,000.00 60,000.00 64,000.00 126,000.00 72,000.00 165,000.00 270,000.00 48,000.00 60,000.00 25,000.00 25,000.00 525,000.00 15,000.00 40,000.00 30,000.00 100,000.00 50,000.00 1,500,000.00 933,000.00 180,000.00 21,624,735.98 20,541.00 20,541.00 Actual Costs to Date Remainina Proiect budaet 156,994.08 15,428.09 10,000.00 10,000.00 501,468.69 20,537.55 (1,664,461.37) 6,794.10 17,376.00 79,890.91 181,486.22 200,000.00 188,000.00 81,114.00 23,717.20 58,301.97 16,390.44 (5,346.06) 1,889,995.58 88,452.25 54,072.44 50,000.00 59,034.34 648,787.82 23,130.71 72,000.00 60,000.00 64,000.00 126,000.00 72,000.00 165,000.00 270,000.00 48,000.00 60,000.00 25,000.00 24,317.79 68,757.04 11,920.16 34,392.98 22,115.87 56,937.49 651.11 1,496,469.95 38,168.75 501.88 7,404,335.94 Page 2 of 2 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager of Road Infrastructure Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-ordinator DATE: August 28, 2007 SUBJECT: Furnival Road Slope Rehabilitation - Tender Award Coroorate Goal's) Referenced: To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic development and sustainable growth. To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. Introduction As part of the approved 2007 Capital Budget, the Furnival Road Slope Rehabilitation Project was advertised per the County's purchasing policy and was received until August 30, 2007. Discussion The Furnival Road Slope Rehabilitation Project was tendered per the County's purchasing policy. The project will provide sub-surface drainage and reshape a sliding road side slope just south of Johnston Line. The following tables list the tenders received from lowest to highest price for each of these projects. Furnival Road Slope Rehabilitation - Furnival Road, West Elgin Submitted rice $126,564.00 $151,860.90 $186,758.69 $186,900.00 $196,764.62 $198,856.00 $365,228.30 Conclusion The Furnival Road Slope Rehabilitation Tender was advertised per the County's purchasing policy and received until August 30, 2007. The lowest tender is within the budget allocation. Recommendation THAT A-Excavating Ltd. be selected to complete the Furnival Road Slope Rehabilitation Project, at their total tender price of $ 126,564.00 inclusive of taxes; and, THAT, the Warden and Chief Administrative officer be directed and authorized to enter into an agreement with this company to complete the project. RE~ED Peter Dutchak Manager of Road Infrastructure APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION 11W,,~ ~ Clayton Watters Director of Engineering ) ~c."_ ~(....gLu-'^-7 Sonia Beavers Purchasing Co-ordinator ~ , ~ Mark Mc nald Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Sandra Heffren, Manager, Administrative Services DATE: July 23, 2007 SUBJECT: Amendments to the Fees and Charges By-Law - Summary Report Introduction: Each year staff review the fees and charges levied for administrative activities within each department to ensure costs are being recovered. Discussion: Normally changes to fees and charges are accommodated at the end of each year. However, with the change to Land Division application fees agreed to in July 2007, the opportunity is presented earlier in the year to make changes in other departmental chargeable activities to reflect actual costs, as follows: CULTURAL SERVICES - Archives (authority under the Municipal Act) Old Schedule New Schedule Microfilm Reader-Printer CD file $5.00 per file (includes CD) Delete - now covered through other fees Lonq-Distance Research $30.00/hour Lonq-Distance Research $40.00/hour CULTURAL SERVICES - Elgin County Museum (authority under the Municipal Act) Meetinq Room Rental Rates General Public $20.00 including taxes) Elgin County Women's Institutes $15.00 including taxes) Delete - room is not rented to outside groups Conclusion: The increases to fees and charges requested by departments should be implemented and the Fees and Charges By-Law amended to reflect current costs. 2 Recommendation: That the increases to fees and charges contained in this report be adopted and the necessary by-law be prepared. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~~ Mark G. . Donald, Chief Administrative Officer. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator DATE: August30,2007 SUBJECT: Ambulance Base Location Plan - Municipal Input CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. To provide innovative and collaborative quality service. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement. INTRODUCTION: At the July 24h, 2007 Council Meeting a report entitled "Ambulance Base Location Plan", a planning document, was presented for Council's consideration. Council referred the report to the affected municipalities for input. DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION: In 2006, recognizing the importance of planning, County Council directed staff to prepare an Ambulance Base Location Plan for consideration in addressing future ambulance base needs across the county. Council has already made decisions regarding ambulance bases in St. Thomas and in Aylmer/Malahide. Operational considerations and recommendations were presented regarding bases in Dutton/Dunwich and West Elgin. Correspondence was received from the Municipalities of West Elgin and Dutton/Dunwich regarding their input into the Ambulance Base Location Plan. Both are attached for Councils review. The Council of Dutton/Dunwich is recommending the new ambulance base be located on County owned property fronting on Pioneer Line near Bobier Villa. As the original report stated, currently the Dutton ambulance is dispatched 2: 1 to the east of the county. Therefore the intention of Dutton/Dunwich to hard surface the remaining section of Pioneer Line to the east is important in providing the ambulance with easy access to the east. The planning document timeframe identified for a new base in Dutton/Dunwich was approximately 2011. This allows three years after the Aylmer/Malahide base is built for putting aside funding, planning and building. It is prudent to again review pertinant Dutton ambulance call volume/locations and the population and development trends of Dutton/Dunwich in approximately three years to make sure nothing dramatic has changed and our current direction still makes sense. Referring to the original report, it was suggested that funds in the amount of $179,000 be put aside annually for the years 2009 to 2011 toward the new Dutton Base. West Elgin has made its position very clear in that it is opposed to the proposal to move the ambulance base in West Elgin from Rodney to West Lome. As part of every well managed program's reviewing, planning and assessing process, it is recommended that pertinant information regarding call volumesllocations, and population and development trends in West Elgin be reviewed in 2012 to assess any implications on the ambulance base location in that municipality. RECOMMENDATION: That Council agree in principle to the building of a new ambulance base in Dutton/Dunwich by the approximate timeframe of 2011; that $179,000 be set aside annually for the years 2009 through 2011 for this purpose; and that pertinant information regarding call volumesllocations, population and development trends be reviewed in 2010 to assist in a final decision regarding location of the new base and to bring this information forward to Council, and That pertinant information be reviewed regarding call volumes/locations, and population and development trends in West Elgin in 2012 to assess implications on the ambulance base location in that municipality. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~ Chief Administrative Officer Larysa PJ drusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator W:ly~ JllftutticipetlulJ of ;EJI~ro tQIgin August 10, 2007 D t~~J(; ~!~ 2nD7 County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Attn: Larysa Andruisiak Ambulance and Emergency Management Co-ordinator Dear Ms. Andrusiak: RE: AMBULANCE BASE LOCATION PLAN The county plan to relocate the Rodney Ambulance station to West Lorne is flawed in its logic, incorrect in its assumptions and contrary to the needs of the Municipality of West Elgin. It is council's firm position that this move should not occur. Once called Centreville, Rodney is located in the center of our municipality. .. West Lorne, just one road from Dutton-Dunwich is covered by both the Rodney and the Dutton/Dunwich Ambulance. If the station were moved, this double coverage would not be available to Rodney. In fact, more of our residents would be further away from a station after the move than before it. This degradation of service to the central and western parts of our municipality would more than cancel out any benefit to the eastern edge already bordering on Dutton/Dunwich. Using percentage growth figures with low populations means just a few people can show a large percentage change. The rational for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new ambulance station should not be based on percentage growth but rather the actual number of people who would see a benefit minus those who would see a reduction in service. 22413 Hoskins Line, Box 490, Rodney, Ontario NOL 2CO Tel: (519) 785-0560 Fax: (519) 785-0644 When the Ambulance changed operators West Elgin sought assurances that service would not centralize to St.Thomas to the detriment of our municipality. This proposed move flies in the face of those reassurances. Our Volunteer Firemen at that time had strong concerns that as ambulance service centralized to St.Thomas they would become first responders by default. Those volunteers then, as now, feel this is a burden they are not prepared to take on. As a municipality, we feel its is unfair to over burden our volunteers and risk their resignations. We feel that enhancing co-operation with bordering counties like Chatham-Kent improves services for fringe municipalities and is an essential strategy for municipalities like ours that are far from the center. We see no advantage in ending this co-operation by moving the ambulance station closer to St.Thomas and we note you continue to co-operate with other counties If our community had been consulted first you would have seen that we are best served by leaving the Rodney Ambulance station where it is. It would save money and provide the best service for the whole municipality. If Municipalities are to pay for half of land ambulance, our opinions on cost reductions and optimum service must be taken into account. Yours truly, *P~ Graham Warwick Mayor cc. M. McDonald S. Heffren Warden Acre MAYOR Bonnie Vowel 259 Mary Street Dutton, NoL IJO :Jvl unicipaCity of (j)uttonj(j)unwicli Box 329,199 Main Street, DUITON, Ontario NoL 1JO Telephone: (519) 762-2204 Fax No. (519) 762-2278 Clerk Treasurer Administrator Ken Loveland August 21, 2007 COUNCILLORS Ian Fleck 272 Main Street Box 542 Dutton, NoL IJO John Yokom 32543 Pioneer Line, R.R. # 1 Dutton, NoL IJO Donald H.page 7949 Coyne Road R. R. # 2 Wallacetown, NoL 2Mo DEPU1Y MAYOR Cameron McWilliam 28740 Celtic Line R. R. # 1 Dutton, NoL IJO County of Elgin Mark McDonald 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 ~~ECE~VED AUG 2 3 2007 t~tfLH~'f.'i .,., ".'I.'M tLU ti Attention: Mark McDonald ,~Ni:I~ll~Tr. h 'rnF~ l."~RVll'ES'~ .""~t'i! I); Vl nr, i . . C '11; rv Dear Mr. McDonald, Re: Ambulance Base Location Plans The Council of the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich reviewed the Ambulance Base Location Plan at their recent meeting. It is the recommendation of Council that the County of Elgin should construct a new ambulance station on the property owned by the County of Elgin fronting on Pioneer Line for the following reasons: 1. The property is already owned by the County of Elgin and therefore would save money. 2. The property will have access to full services, water, sewer, natural gas, hydro and sufficient drainage. 3. It is adjacent to Bobier Villa and both stages of Caledonia Gardens, so there will be a large seniors' population. 4. The site is close to the Highway 401 access without the necessity of driving through a built up area. 5. The site is located on Pioneer Line between Miller Road and Currie Road. This location which is close to Dutton provides a good access travelling north, south and westerly. Later this year the municipality will be hard surfacing the remaining section of Pioneer Line giving the ambulance an altemati\(e easterly route without passing through the built up area. 6. Dutton is experiencing growth and with approximately 150 new lots with draft plan approval, the number of calls in the Village should increase. It is Council's feelings that once County Council reviews this information it will agree that this is the most appropriate site. KL:ht REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator DATE: August 30, 2007 SUBJECT: JEPP Application Proposal for 2008/2009 CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. To forge community partnerships. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement. INTRODUCTION: The Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) is a national program initiated by the federal government designed to enhance the national emergency response capability. This report outlines a proposal for a JEPP application for the 2008/2009 time period. DISCUSSION: The JEPP cost-share formula is 55/45, with the community funding 55% of project costs and 45% funded through JEPP. For all projects, JEPP funding is paid in arrears, meaning the community completes a project, pays for it and and submits a claim. One of the national priorities identifed by the JEPP program is telecommunications. As Council is aware, the county administration building is also the designated EOC for the Municipality of Central Elgin. The County has recently changed its telecommunications to Voice over IP (VoIP) in which the phones are tied to the computer system. As part of this reconfiguration process the telecommunications needs of the whole EOC were considered. The Communications Room (Court Room) has been reconfigured with the new telecommunications system to ensure immediate communication needs are met in the event of an emergency situation. Working with the IT Director and Central Elgin CEMC, telecommunication enhancements were identified outside the Communications Room to provide Control Group members and agencies the ability to have phone and data connection access. It was determined that the EOC Information Technology needs consisted of: Location/Room Phones Connections Data Connections EOC (Council 9 Chambers) Committee Room 1 3 9 Committee Room 2 3 9 Basement Lounge 3 3 Basement Lunch Room 3 3 The information in the table above allow for data lines in the EOC (Council Chambers) allowing individuals and agencies to use laptops for scribing or other purposes, as well as phone and data lines in both Committee Rooms which would be used as breakout rooms for EOC members to work from between EOC meetings, and the Basement Lounge and Lunchroom, which could be used for any other municipalities experiencing an emergency which may have necessitated the escalation to a County emergency situation and presence at the County EOC. Staff believe the above configuration allows for maximum flexibility within the administration building to accommodate emergency telecommunication needs. The cost estimate for the above proposal is approximately $12,000 including taxes and shipping. Staff recommend to cost share the remaining balance outside the JEPP grant portion with Central Elgin. The 55% balance divided with Central Elgin would be approximately $3,300 each. A report is to be brought forward by Central Elgin CEMC to Central Elgin Council for consideration. CONCLUSION: Staff have presented a proposal for application to the JEPP program for 2008/09 period for Council's consideration. This proposal addresses the EOC telecommunication needs since the change in technology in the County information technology and telephone system. The total estimated cost is $12,000 including taxes and shipping. The balance of cost not covered by the JEPP program is recommended to be cost shared with the Municipality of Central Elgin. RECOMMENDATION: That Council direct staff to proceed with application to the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) to address EOC telecommunication needs and, That the balance of the cost be shared with the Municipality of Central Elgin. Respectfully Submitted C\~<- ~~Ju Larysa . ndrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator Approved for Submission ~~ Mark G. onald Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator DATE: August 30,2007 SUBJECT: 911 Advisory Board Requests Funding CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. To provide innovative and collaborative quality service. INTRODUCTION: The Ontario 911 Advisory Board (OAB) was established to serve as a source of technical expertise to Ontario Municipalties regarding the implementation and operation of 911 emergency number systems. The OAB is requesting funding from municipalities to continue to exist and serve its mandate. DISCUSSION: The OAB is again requesting financial assistance in the amount of $100 from all Ontario municipalites to establish a sustainable budget for its operation. The mission of the OAB 911 is: . Be a source of technological expertise regarding implementation and operation of 911 services. . Advocate to represent Ontario ratepayers at CRTC hearings and provide public education. . Act as authoritative source of information and expertise regarding 911 systems. Emergency services in Elgin County and throughout most of Ontario rely on 911 services as the first link to activate response. The public has come to rely on 911 as key in accessing help in responding to emergencies. It appears prudent to support a body whose perspective is to represent the consumer and tax payer in this critical and ever increasing technically complex service. An argument may be made that this board was previously funded by government ministries, Health, Northern Affairs and Municipal Affairs and is another download to municipalities. CONCLUSION: The 911 Ontario Advisory Board is a volunteer organization with no committed funds to cover its operations. The Board is requesting $100 in financial assistance from Ontario Municipalities to establish an operational budget to continue its mandate. RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve a grant of $100 to the Ontario 911 Advisory Board in the 2008 budget, in order that the Board may continue to represent ratepayers with the advent of technological advancements, at CRTC hearings and steering committee to ensure the safe, efficient delivery of 911 service in our municipality; and That the Province of Ontario (again) be encouraged to reinstate funding for the Ontario 911 Advisory Board. Respectfully Submitted ~~;.~'-;:& Emergency Management Coordinator Approved for Submission ~.~ Mark G. cDonald Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: AI Reitsma Director of Information Technology DATE: September 11, 2007 SUBJECT: Kronos Clock Replacement CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: 1. To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability 2. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement INTRODUCTION: One of the key components of the County's time and attendance system is the time clocks used by staff at the three long term care homes to record their work hours. The clocks are twelve years old and are showing signs of wear. An opportunity has arisen that provides a significant savings to replace the clocks and should be considered. DISCUSSION: The time clocks being used at the County's three long term care homes, along with a spare unit, are manufactured by Kronos to operate specifically with the Kronos time and attendance system. These clocks have been in place since 1995, were purchased for $1,833 each, and are showing signs of age. Supervisory cards used by Information Technology staff to gain access to the clocks are no longer functioning. Maintenance activities that Information Technology staff was previously able to do in a few minutes now takes hours and requires assistance from Kronos support personnel. When the clocks are not functioning staff manually record their hours which are then manually entered into the Kronos system by administrative staff. The manual activity adds hours and thus cost to the attendance process. Kronos is offering the County new clocks at a discount of $920 (22%) per clock. The regular price of a clock is $4,120 but is being offered to the County for $3,200 each. These new clocks communicate to the Kronos system using the network rather than telephone lines as the current clocks do. Replacing the clocks would mean the removal of 4 phone lines at a cost of $40 per month per line ($1,920 per year). Removal of the phone lines would pay for the new clocks after five years. The current spare clock would not be replaced since Kronos now offers a 24 hour depot exchange program that provides for the replacement of a clock within 24 hours should something go wrong with one of the clocks. Currently the County pays $600 annually for maintenance of the clocks. The annual maintenance fee for the new clocks would be $705. CONCLUSION: The Kronos time clocks used at the County's three long term care homes are a critical component of the County's time and attendance system. The clocks are showing signs of age and are more costly to operate than new clocks. A current Kronos promotion provides a discount of $920 per clock and would allow the three clocks to be replaced at a cost of $9600. Removing the telephone lines used to communicate with the current clocks would represent a savings that would pay for the new clocks in five years. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the current Kronos clock be replaced by three Kronos 8602800-001,4500 Numeric Bar Code 10/100 Mbit Ethernet clocks at a total cost of $9,600 plus taxes and THAT funds for the clocks be taken from the Mill Rate Stabilization reserve. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission a{f $::-- AI Reits Director, Information Technology ~~ Mark G. Donald Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: AI Reitsma Director of Information Technology DATE: September 11, 2007 SUBJECT: Rural Broadband Partnership Program Funding Agreement CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: 1. To promote Elgin as "The Place to Live" 2. To forge community partnerships 3. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement INTRODUCTION: On July 13, 2007 the County of Elgin submitted an application for funding under the Rural Connections... The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program. The goal of this program is to provide $10 M in incentives that will improve broadband access to rural homes and businesses in Ontario. On August 23, 2007 the 18 successful applicants of the 30 submitted for funding under the program were announced. The list included a grant for $286,666 for the County of Elgin DISCUSSION: The County of Elgin application submission focused on improving broadband in the Municipality of West Elgin, the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich, the western part of the Township of Southwold and a small area along the lake in the Township of Malahide. These areas were included in the application because guidelines allowed only areas with less than 50 percent broadband coverage to a minimum of 1.5 Mbs (megabytes per second) download speed to be considered in submissions. The proposed projects identified in the application were: . Extending the existing fibre that currently extends from Aylmer to West Lorne. The fibre will be extended from West Lorne 11 kms to the municipal office in Rodney. The water tower in Rodney will be utilized to mount wireless equipment that will better serve rural residents and businesses in the Rodney area with wireless broadband. . Mounting a new wireless radio on a municipal tower at Wallacetown, or the CHUM TV tower east of Dutton to better server the residents and businesses in Dutton/Dunwich and Southwold. . Providing high speed internet access to a fire hall and water tower in Malahide . Possibly installing a wireless radio in Port Glasgow depending on the availability of a suitable tower. The responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) will determine the specifics of the project and which of the above goals will be undertaken. The responses to the RFP will also affect the exact amount of funding received. The first step in project is that a Funding Agreement be signed by the Warden and the CAO and returned to the office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs no later than Wednesday, September 12, 2007. As well, a municipal by-law designating the signing officers and authorizing the execution of the contract is also required and should be returned no later than Wednesday, September 19, 2007. CONCLUSION: On August 23, 2007 the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the successful applicants to the Rural Connects... The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program. The list included the County of Elgin's application for a grant total of $286,666. The first steps in completing the project is the signing of a funding agreement and passing of a by-law designating the signing officers and execution of the funding agreement. RECOMMENDATION: That the Warden and CAO be designated as the signing officers of and are authorized to execute the Rural Connections... The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program Funding Agreement. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission AI {liJ;:- r~~ Mark G. Donald Chief Administrative Officer Director of Information Technology REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Brian Masschaele, Manager of Cultural Services August 16th, 2007 DATE: SUBJECT: Archives' Open House CORPORATE GOAUSl REFERENCED: To promote cutturat services; To forge community partnerships. INTRODUCTION: The Elgin County Archives will be hosting an open house on Saturday, September 22nd, 2007. This report informs Council about the event. DISCUSSION: The Municipal Archives Interest Group of the Archives Association of Ontario hosts an annual open house at a municipal archives in the province to highlight successful programs and to promote greater awareness about the value of municipal archives. The Elgin County Archives has been chosen to host this event for 2007 at the following time: . Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 from 11 :00 am to 3:00 pm. The Warden will be bringing greetings on behalf of County Council and Councillors are also welcome to attend. Delegates will include municipal archivists from across the province as well as members of the general public. The event will be advertised in local media and in the association's provincial newsletter. It should be noted that the event ties in very well with the Elgin County Museum's 50th Anniversary celebration taking place the next day. CONCLUSION: The Elgin County Archives will be hosting an open house sponsored by the Archives Association of Ontario on Saturday, September 22nd, 2007. RECOMMENDATION: That this report be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted ID\'\ :> ~ Brian Masschaele . Manager of Cultural Services ~ Director of Cultural Services Approved for Submission -P-~ Mark G. Mc onald Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Cathy Bishop, Director of Cultural Services Michael Baker, Curator, Elgin County Museum August 24th, 2007 50th Anniversary Exhibition opening DATE: SUBJECT: CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED: To promote cultural services; To forge community partnerships. INTRODUCTION: The Elgin County Museum will open its 50th anniversary exhibition entitled A Vision for the Past: 50 Years and Counting on Sunday, September 23rd, 2007. This report informs Council about the event. DISCUSSION: Elgin County Museum will open its 50th anniversary exhibition on September 23rd, 2007. The opening on that day will feature a "museum tea" reflective of the teas held by branches of the Women's Institute leading up to the museum's founding in 1957. The event will be held at the following time and location: . Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Lunch Room - Elgin County Administration Building The Warden will be bringing greetings on behalf of County Council and Councillors are also welcome to attend. Invited guests will include a number of the major donors to the collection and contributors, or their descendants, to the original fundraising drive as well as members of the general public. The event will be advertised in local media. CONCLUSION: The Elgin County Museum will open its 50th anniversary exhibition on Sunday, September 23rd, 2007. RECOMMENDATION: That this report be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted < ~~. Cathy Bis p }J icl;::uq;res \kJ e Baker Curator Approved for Submission ~~~ Mark G. Mona d Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Cathy Bishop, Director of Cultural Services DATE: August 20, 2007 SUBJECT: Marketing the Elgin County Library System CORPORATE GOAL(S} REFERENCED: 1. To promote cultural services 2. To provide innovative and collaborative quality service 3. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement INTRODUCTION: A branch library staff committee was formed to strategize as to how the Elgin County Library System could better promote and market library activities, services and resources provided to the public. The Elgin County library has received a one-time grant of $126,000 to help strengthen literacy and promote lifelong learning from the Ministry of Culture and $108,000 from the Ministry of Culture to improve the quality of life for the residents of Elgin. Staff have used a portion of these funds to purchase a library mascot to assist with our ongoing promotional endeavours. DISCUSSION: As a trial basis, staff saw a marketing opportunity to have the library mascot greet the riders on the Port Stanley Railway train to the Elgin County Museum. The mascot brought excitement and was very well received by both adults and children alike. For this occasion the mascot was temporarily named Larry. Staff are recommending that a contest be held to come up with an appropriate name for the mascot. The library mascot costume is designed to be an exact replica of the Elgin County Library card. A picture of the mascot is attached for your review. Marketing and promotion for the library system will be based on the slogan, "One card can change everything!" Staff are seeking Council's approval to accept the mascot as the official mascot for the Elgin County Library system. The library mascot was produced by Up Front Mascots at a cost of $4,225. This is a full service mascot company that specializes in the design and manufacture of one of a kind character costumes. On average mascot costumes are made to last up to 10 years with proper care. A mascot is an effective marketing tool and will have an immediate impact on the public as evidenced by the response received from the riders of the Port Stanley Railway train. The library mascot could attend a number of library functions such as: . Children and adult programs . Parades . School activities . Open houses . Award ceremonies CONCLUSION: A library mascot will enhance the awareness of the Elgin County Library System and will have an immediate impact on the public. Staff is seeking County Council's approval to accept the mascot as the official Elgin County Library mascot. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council accept the mascot as the official Elgin County Library mascot. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~~ Cath ishop Director of Cultural Services ~ c:.~~ Mark G. Donald Chief Administrative Officer CORRESPONDENCE - SEPTEMBER 11, 2007 Items for Consideration 1 . Mayor Cliff Barwick, City of St. Thomas, with a resolution of support for the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association's recommendations regarding the phase out of EcoAuto Rebate/Green Levy Program, integrated fuel economy plan, plan to accelerate green house gas reductions and support for advance technology vehicles. (ATTACHED) 2. Betty de Haan, C.A.O., Township of South Stormont, with a resolution petitioning the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to review and shorten the time frame required for approval of drainage maintenance requests and provide federal funding for increased costs for expenses incurred over and above those provided for within the approved Engineers Report. (ATTACHED) 3. Kathryn lronmonger, Clerk, Town of Erin, with a resolution to petition the Ministry of the Environment to place a moratorium on new permits for commercial water bottling companies until a meaningful levy royalty payable to local municipalities is in place. (ATTACHED) 4. Cahl Pominville, Clerk, Municipality of North Grenville, with a resolution calling on the Premier of Ontario to issue written assurance that his Government will not implement a policy requiring meters on private residential wells. (ATTACHED) 5. Corporation of the Town of Kingsville, with a resolution to request the Province of Ontario ensure that volunteer and part-time firefighters are treated equitably with their full-time counterparts in accordance with Bill 221. (ATTACHED) 6. Ric McGee, Mayor, City of Kawartha Lakes, with a resolution requesting the Minister of Health to offer effective incentives to family physicians in Ontario to continue to practice comprehensive, community-based family medicine. (ATTACHED) 7. Ronald F. Chittick, C.A.O., Municipality of Marmora and Lake, with a resolution requesting the Provincial Government to reform the property tax system during the assessment freeze to eliminate volatility and provide a more stable and fair system. (ATTACHED) 8. Jean D. Patenaude, Assistant General Counsel, Canadian National Railway, with information concerning the proposed discontinuance of CASO Subdivision railway line from mile 113.64 to mile 117.49, in the City of St. Thomas. (ATTACHED) 9. Hon. Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, acknowledging the County's concerns regarding Ontario Municipal Partnership Funding (OMPF) funding. His Worship Cliff Barwick Mayor City of St. Thomas ST. THOMAS Office ofthe Mayor P.O. Box 520, City Hall St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Telephone: 519-631-1680 ext. 4131 Fax: 519-631-9970 THE CORPORATION OF THE CIT\' OF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR July 20th, 2007 I.:: j"] Honourable Joe Preston, M.P. Elgin Middlesex London 24 First Avenue St. Thomas, ON. N5R 4M5 JUL 2:3 Re: Canadian Automobile Ll1dustry Honourable Minister: Please be advised that at its meeting on July 16, 2007, City Council heard a deputation from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. Following the deputation Council passed the following motion: "THAT: The Council of the City ofSt. Thomas support the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association's recommendations as follows; a) That the Federal Government be requested to implement an immediate phase out of the inequitable and harmful EcoAuto Rebate/Green Levy Program; b) That the Federal Government be encouraged to take a leadership role with the provinces to establish an futegrated North American Approach to fuel economy - not a patchwork of arrangements between countries and provinces; c) That the Federal Government be requested to develop and implement an integrated plan to accelerate Green House Gas (GHG) reductions: fuels, fleet, vehicle retirement, Canadian Research and Development; d) That the Federal Government provide consumer support for advance technology vehicles; and further; THAT: A copy ofthis motion be forwarded to MP Joe Preston, MPP Steve Peters, The County of Elgin, the Ontario Mayors for Automotive fuvestment and the Canadian Auto Workers." Should you require further information please contact Mayor Cliff Barwick at 519-631-1680 ext. 4131. Mayor pic: Honourable Steve Peters, MP. Elgin/Middlesex/London Warden Lynn Acre, County of Elgin Ontario Mayors for Automotive'fuvestment, 350 City Hall Square West, Windsor, ON, N9A 6S1 Canadian Auto Workers, 205 Placer Court, Toronto, ON, M2H 3H9 Mark Nahtais, President CVMA, 170 Attwell Drive, Suite 400, Toronto, ON, M9W 5Z5 TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH STORMONT To: Re: All Ontario Municipalities Drain Maintenance 4949 County Road No. 14 P. O. Box 340 Ingleside, ON KOC 1MO Phone: (613) 537-2362 info@southstormont.ca July 14, 2007 The Council of the Township of South Stormont passed the following resolution on July 11, 2007. Your consideration and support would be greatly appreciated. Please send any resolution of support to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, with a copy to the Township of South Stormont. Resolution #209/2007 Moved by: Seconded by: Councillor Barry Brownlee Councillor Tammy Hart Whereas the Department of Fisheries and Oceans review and approval for drain maintenance has proven to be a lengthy process; And Whereas re-application of previously approved works, which may not have been completed due to a relatively short and inflexible construction/maintenance season, or other circumstances beyond the control of the municipality, are subject to the standard application with apparently no reduction in turn around time of the issues previously addressed in the original application; And Whereas the cost of implementing the conditions for approving the drain maintenance is an added cost passed on to those assessed for the drainage works. These works include many costly requirements which are not provided for in the provincially approved Engineers' Report passed by municipal by-law; And Whereas errors and inconsistencies in the drainage mapping, used for drain classification by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans could result in delays and increased additional costs; Now therefore be it resolved that Council of the Township of South Stormont hereby petitions the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to review and shorten the time frame required for approval of drainage maintenance requests to allow for a more flexible and reasonable construction/maintenance season especially where weather conditions warrant an extended season and, provide federal funding for increased costs for those expenses incurred over and above those provided for within the approved Engineers Report. Furthermore be it resolved that this motion be forwarded to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Minister of Natural Resources, local Conservation Authorities, local MPs and MPPs, Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus, all Ontario municipalities and any other individual or association as deemed appropriate. The Council of the Township of South Stormont appreciates your support of this resolution. Yours truly, Betty de Haan, CMO CAO/Clerk TOWN OF ERIN 5684 Wellington Rd. 24, R. R. # 2 Hillsburgh, ON NOB 1Z0 Clerk's Department Tel: (519) 855-4407 Ext. 222 Fax: (519) 855-4821 Kathryn.ironmonger@town.erin.on.ca July 24, 2007 Association of Municipalities of Ontario 200 University Avenue, Suite 801 Toronto, ON M5H 3C6 Dear Ms. Vanini: Council of the Town of Erin passed the following resolution at their regular meeting May 22,2007: Resolution # 07 - 163 Moved by Councillor Brennan Seconded by Councillor Wintersinger WHEREAS there is increasing public concern about the cumulative impacts of the large scale water taking from Ontario's aquifers, especially by commercial bottlers; AND WHEREAS the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has mandated Conservation Authority experts and Municipalities to participate in developing source protection plan guidelines and a framework to manage water resources on a watershed basis taking into consideration everything that influences the sources of our drinking water whether it is surface or groundwater; AND WHEREAS there is no fund or resources available to Municipalities to offset the associated costs for groundwater management studies, abate the negative impacts of large-scale commercial water taking operations or to be able to implement local initiatives to protect the water resource; AND WHEREAS other water taking entities, such as golf courses, offset the amount of water taken by returning much of it as surface water and by paying local taxes; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Corporation of the Town of Erin petitions the Honourable Laurel Broten the Minister of the Environment to place a moratorium on issuing any new permits-to-take- water for commercial water bottling companies until such time as a meaningful levy royalty, payable to the local municipality, is put into place that will allow for infrastructure development to safeguard involved source water areas. AND FURTHER, this resolution be circulated to the Premier, the Minister of the Environment, Watershed Conservation authorities, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, local MPP's, local MP's, other water taking areas and the Association of Municipalities on Ontario. CARRIED. The Town of Erin would greatly appreciate your municipality joining us in petitioning the Ministry of the Environment for a meaningful levy royalty payable to the local municipalities. Yours truly, ~~f~ Kathryn Ironmonger, CMO, CMMIII Clerk Town of Erin North Grenville July 24, 2007 To: All Ontario Municipalities The Council of the Municipality adopted the following Resolution at their Council Meeting of June 11, 2007: WHEREAS a recent comment by a Senior Public Health Inspector with Durham Region indicating the metering of private wells in Ontario is inevitable has renewed wide-spread concerns among residents serviced by private wells in rural Ontario; AND WHEREAS denials by the Provincial Government of intentions to meter private residential wells have, to this point, been only verbal; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VED THA T the Council of the Municipality of North Grenville calls on the Premier of Ontario to issue written assurance that his Government will not implement a policy requiring meters on private residential wells now or at any time in the future AND FURTHER THA T this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the NDP Party, Leeds & Grenville M.P.P. Robert Runciman and Leeds & Grenville M.P. Gord Brown; AND FURTHER THA T this resolution be forwarded to all of the Municipalities, County Councils and Regional Councils for their support. Please present this Resolution to your members of Council for their consideration and endorsement. Yours truly, Cahl Pominville Clerk cpominville@northgrenville.on.ca MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE 285 County Road 44, Box 130 Kemptville, ON KOG 1 JO T 613-258-9569 Ext. 110 F 613-258-9620 www.northgrenville.on.ca Coilporation of the Town of Kingsville 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 Phone: (519) 733-2305 FAX: (519) 733-8108 July 10, 2007 TO: All Municipalities in the Province of Ontario FROM: Linda Burling, Clerk of The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville (lburling@kingsville.ca) RE: Bill 221, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (Presumptions for Firefighters), 2007 At the Civic Administration Committee meeting of The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville held on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 Fire Chief Robert B. Kissner Jr. presented a report which outlined his concerns with respect to the definition of "firefighter" in terms of the above recently adopted legislation in that the provincial government may choose not to treat the volunteer and part time sectors the same as their full time counterparts. The following Resolutions were passed: "C56-2007 Moved by K. Gunning, seconded by G. Queen Council to request that the Province of Ontario ensure that volunteer and part time firefighters are defined as "firefighters" and treated equitably with their full time counterparts in accordance with the regulations detailed in Bill 221 - An Act to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 with respect to firefighters and certain related occupations, and further that this resolution be circulated to the other municipalities in Essex County for their support. CARRIED C57-2007 Moved by B. Peterson, seconded by G. Queen to amend motion to state that all municipalities in the Province be notified for their support. CARRIED" A copy of Chief Kissner's report FD07 -05 is available for review upon request. City of ~WART Catch t~ Kawartha sPirit The Corporation of the City of Kawartha Lakes P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis St., Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5R8 Tel: (705) 324-9411 ext 320, 1 888-822-2225 Fax: (705) 324-8110 rmcgee@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca Ric McGee, Mayor July 19, 2007 Honourable George Smitherman Minister of Health Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care 80 Grosvenor Street 10th Floor, Hepburn Block Toronto ON M7 A 2C4 Dear Minister Smitherman: . Re:lncentives to FamilrPhysicians At the City of Kawartha Lakes Council meeting of June 26, 2007, the following resolution was . passed: . . CR2007 -659 Moved by Councillor Strangway, seconded by Councillor Villemaire, WHEREAS, the City of Kawartha Lakes isident!fied "as an under-serviced area" by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in the province of Ontario for public access to a family physician; and WHEREAS, over 20,000 residents in the City of Kawartha.Lakes do not have a family physician; and WHEREAS, the volunteer community-based organization, namely the Kawartha Lakes Health Care . Initiative whose mission is "to recruit and retair(primary health care professionals in the City of Kawartha Lakes" is restricted in its mission as w.e observe family physicians closing their practice and taking advantage of salaried positions in local hospitals and emergency departments where these same family physicians are provided with enhanced remuneration and lifestyle opportunities. RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Kawal1ha Lakes requests the Minister of Health to review this situation and to offer effective incentive~ to family physicians in Ontario to continue to practice comprehensive, community-based family medicine; THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for province wide consideration and support; and THAT this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long Term Care, Ms. Laurie Scott, M.P.P., Mr. Barry Devolin, M.P., the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario As indicated, our community is doing its part, along with many other under-serviced areas, to try to attract family physicians to our community. Volunteers within the community are working very hard on this important initiative. At the same time, you can appreciate that it is very disheartening for these same volunteers fo then lose familt practitioners due to the enhancements provided to them to work out of local hospitals. . It is therefore very important for your Government to consider the need to offer effective ihcemtives for family physicians in order to meet this important need in our under-serviced areas of the Province. By copy to the others referenced in the resolution, we are hopeful that the current government along with the opposition party and federal levels of Government, will consider comprehensive initiatives and programs which will be supportive of the efforts of our volunteers in increasing the number of family physicians to meet the needs of our respective communities. We look forward to your serious consideration of our conce~n. . Yours truly, 11/,0 '7fj c9~ .Ric McGee, Mayor City of Kawartha Lakes RM:sl .c.c. Association of Municipalities of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty Laurie Scott, MPP BarryDevolin, MP Ontario Medical Association . College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Jane Lunn, CAO ~,,"""ff.. .",- Of MAil..,,". ~~~ O~\ i~ ~ 'j'%: : ~ ~ l~: \:~ /~~Z 41t. - ~. ~...,......-... Municipality of Marmora and Lake Ronald F. Chittick, CAO PO BOX 459, 12 BURSTHALL ST., MARMORA, ON KOK 2MO PH. 613-472-2629 FAX 613-472-5330 www.marmora.info/ RESOLUTION TO REFORM the PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM "Whereas on June 29"th 2006 the Province cancelled property tax assessments for 2006 and 2007 to allow MPAC to implement the recent Ombudsman"s recommendations. WHEREAS the Ombudsman"s report of March 28ths 2006 entitleds "Getting it Right"s will improve assessments and eliminate many problems s it will not make our property tax system any less volatile and unpredictable. WHEREAS rapidly increasing property assessments and resultant property tax increases are a hardship to many Ontario taxpayers. WHEREAS the system of province-wide Current Value Assessment (CVA) was designed to bring fairness to Ontario taxpayers. In the current environment of rapidly increasing residential assessmentss changes to the tax system are warranted to ensure this fairness for all taxpayers. Whereas a system based solely on CVA is not satisfactory. Whereas phasing assessment increases over 4 years as proposed in the March 22"nd Budget will not prevent the volatility of high tax increases it is not a satisfactory solution to needed reform. BE IT RESOL VED that The Municipality of Marmora and Lake requests the Provincial Government to reform the property tax system during the assessment freeze to eliminate volatility and provide a more stable and fair system. BE IT FURTHER RESOL VED that all Ontario Municipalities be sent a copy of this resolution and be requested to support this resolution by sending a copy to Premier Dalton McGuintys Finance Minister Greg Sorbora and the local MPP."" Affaires juridiques Law CN tF~ ~J:) plll'0. llP.~ ii~~ l~ ~,}l ~r.~ U...<., !'; \'\' C'~"';i Jean D. Patenaude Avocat general adjoint Canadien National 935, rue de La Gauchetiere ouest Montreal (Quebec) Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur: (514) 399-4296 Email: iean.oatenaude(Qlcn.ca Assistant General Counsel Canadian National 935 de La Gauchetiere 51. West Montreal. Quebec, Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur : (514) 399-4296 Courriel: iean.patenaude(Qlcn.ca ..-' 'r..)nn7 A! ~f~ f.".' \.plJl VI.' 'J ~ VIA COURIER August 14, 2007 Corporation of the City of St. Thomas P.O Box 520 545 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Attention: Wendell Graves. City Clerk Southwold Township 35663 Fingal Line Fingal, ON NOL 1 KO Attention: David Aristone. CAG-Clerk .", County of Elgin Administration Building 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Attention: Mark McDonald. CAO Dear Sirs: RE: PROPOSED DISCONTINUANCE OF RAILWAY LINE, CASO SUBDIVISION FROM MILE 113.64 TO MILE 117.49, IN THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO. On January 29, 2007 CN, on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company (the "Partnership), sent you a letter in accordance with section 145 of the Canada Transportation Act offering to sell all of its interest in the above- noted railway line to each municipal or district government address above. On March 30, 2007 the Canadian Transportation Agency (the "Agency) issued Decision No. LET- R-2007 which ruled that CN's January 29, 2007 offers to governments were premature since an application for a net salvage value determination of the railway line had been made by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS). The Partnership disagreed with that decision and the Federal Court of Appeal has granted leave to appeal the decision. In the meantime the Partnership has continued to cooperate with the Agency in the determination of the net salvage value of the line. By Decision No. 383-R-2007 dated July 28, 2007 the Agency determined the net salvage value for the subject railway line pursuant to section 144 Canada Transportation Act (CTA) to be $1,959,951. Subsequently, the Partnership continued to negotiate with SOLRS for the sale of the line however the parties have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement as SOLRS is not prepared to pay the amount determined by the Agency. While the Partnership continues to believe that the statutory August 14, 2007 Page 2 process was properly followed, the Partnership must continue with the process until the Federal Court renders its decision on the appeals. Since then, Section 145 CTA has been amended and now provides that where no agreement with an interested party is reached within the required time, the railway line shall also be offered for sale to the Federal Minister of Transport, where the line is in a metropolitan area, in addition to the Provincial Minister of Transport, urban transit authorities and municipal or district governments whose territory the railway line passes through. Accordingly, as prescribed by section 145 CTA, CN on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company hereby offers to sell all of its interest in this railway line to each of the municipal or district governments addressed above. While the Partnership continues to believe that the amount of $2,107,000.00 originally offered to the governments reflects the net salvage value of the line, we would be willing to accept the amount of $1,959,951 determined by the Agency. This offer is subject to standard conditions for acquiring railway lines (available upon request). A similar offer has also been extended today to the Federal Minister of Transport, the Provincial Minister of Transport and urban transit authorities. For more information concerning this line please contact Mr. John Brayley, Manager Network Strategies, by telephone at (514) 399-5386 or by fax at (514) 399-8823. In the event that you wish to accept this offer, you may advise this office in writing at the earliest possible date, but no later than December 17, 2007. Yours very truly, Jean D. Patenaude Assistant General Counsel cc: The Honourable Lawrence Cannon Minister of Transport Place de Ville 330 Sparks Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON5 The Honourable Donna Cansfield Minister of Transportation Province of Ontario Ferguson Block 3rd Floor 77 Wellesley St W Toronto, ON M7A St. Thomas Transit 614 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V7 August 14, 2007 Page 3 cc: Marc Shannon Canadian Pacific Railway Legal Services Suite 2000, Gulf Canada Square 401 - 9th Avenue SW Calgary, AS T2P 4Z4 Affaires juridiques Law Jean D. Patenaude Avocat general adjoint Canadien National 935, rue de La Gauchetiere ouest Montreal (Quebec) Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur: (514) 399-4296 Email: iean.patenaude(c()cn.ca Assistant General Counsel Canadian National 935 de La Gauchetiere St West Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur: (514) 399-4296 Courriel: iean.patenaude(c()cn.ca VIA COURIER August 14, 2007 St. Thomas Transit 614 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V7 Dear Sir: RE: PROPOSED DISCONTINUANCE OF RAILWAY LINE, CASO SUBDIVISION FROM MILE 113.64 TO MILE 117.49, IN THE CITY OF Sr. THOMAS, ONTARIO. On January 29, 2007 CN, on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company (the "Partnership), issued a letter in accordance with section 145 of the Canada Transportation Act offering to sell all of its interest in the above- noted railway line to the Government of the Province of Ontario and to appropriate municipal and district governments. On March 30, 2007 the Canadian Transportation Agency (the "Agency) issued Decision No. LET- R-2007 which ruled that CN's January 29, 2007 offers to governments were premature since an application for a net salvage value determination of the railway line had been made by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS). The Partnership disagreed with that decision and the Federal Court of Appeal has granted leave to appeal the decision., In the meantime the Partnership has continued to cooperate with the Agency in the determination of the net salvage value of the line. By Decision No. 383-R-2007 dated July 28, 2007 the Agency determined the net salvage value for the subject railway line pursuant to section 144 Canada Transportation Act (CTA) to be $1,959,951. Subsequently, the Partnership continued to negotiate with SOLRS for the sale of the line however the parties have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement as SOLRS is not prepared to pay the amount determined by the Agency. While the Partnership continues to believe that the statutory process was properly followed, the Partnership must continue with the process until the Federal Court renders its decision on the appeals. Since then, Section 145 CTA has been amended and now provides that where no agreement with an interested party is reached within the required time, the railway line shall also be offered for sale to the Federal Minister of Transport, where the line is in a metropolitan area, in St. Thomas Transit August 14, 2007 Page 2 addition to the Provincial Minister of Transport, urban transit authorities and municipal or district governments whose territory the railway line passes through. Accordingly, as prescribed by section 145 CTA, CN on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company hereby offers to sell all of its interest in this railway line to St. Thomas Transit. While the Partnership continues to believe that the amount of $2,107,000.00 originally offered to the governments reflects the net salvage value of the line, we would be willing to accept the amount of $1,959,951 determined by the Agency. This offer is subject to standard conditions for acquiring railway lines (available upon request). A similar offer has also been extended today to the Federal Minister of Transport, the Provincial Minister of Transport, and appropriate Municipal and District Governments. For more information concerning this line please contact Mr. John Brayley, Manager Network Strategies, by telephone at (514) 399-5386 or by fax at (514) 399-8823 In the event that you wish to accept this offer, you may advise this office in writing at the earliest possible date, but no later than November 15, 2007. Yours very truly, / ./'/~ / ean D. Patenaude Assistant General Counsel cc: The Honourable Lawrence Cannon Minister of Transport Place de Ville 330 Sparks Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON5 The Honourable Donna Cansfield Minister of Transportation Province of Ontario Ferguson Block 3rd Floor 77 Wellesley St W Toronto, ON M7A Southwold Township 35663 Fingal Line Fingal, ON NOL 1 KO Attention: David Aristone, CAO-Clerk " County of Elgin Administration Building 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Attention: Mark McDonald, CAO Corporation of the City of St. Thomas P.O Box 520 545 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Attention: Wendell Graves, City Clerk St. Thomas Transit August 14, 2007 Page 3 cc: Marc Shannon Canadian Pacific Railway Legal Services Suite 2000, Gulf Canada Square 401 - 9th Avenue SW Calgary, AS T2P 4Z4 Affaires juridiques Law Jean D. Patenaude Avocat general adjoint Canadien National 935, rue de La Gauchetiere ouest Montreal (Quebec) Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur: (514) 399-4296 Email: iean.oatenaude(@cn.ca Assistant General Counsel Canadian National 935 de La Gauchetiere St West Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur : (514) 399-4296 Courriel: iean.oatenaude(@cn.ca VIA COURIER August 14, 2007 The Honourable Donna Cansfield Minister of Transportation Province of Ontario Ferguson Block 3rd Floor 77 Wellesley St W Toronto, ON M7A 1Z8 Dear Madam: RE: PROPOSED DISCONTINUANCE OF RAILWAY LINE, CASO SUBDIVISION FROM MILE 113.64 TO MILE 117.49, IN THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO. On January 29, 2007 CN, on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company (the "Partnership), sent you a letter in accordance with section 145 of the Canada Transportation Act offering to sell all of its interest in the above- noted railway line to the Government of the Province of Ontario. On March 23, 2007 you responded for the Government of Ontario declining the offer to purchase the railway line. On March 30, 2007 the Canadian Transportation Agency (the "Agency) issued Decision No. LET- R-2007 which ruled that CN's January 29, 2007 offers to governments were premature since an application for a net salvage value determination of the railway line had been made by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS). The Partnership disagreed with that decision and the Federal Court of Appeal has granted leave to appeal the decision, In the meantime the Partnership has continued to cooperate with the Agency in the determination of the net salvage value of the line. By Decision No. 383-R-2007 dated July 28, 2007 the Agency determined the net salvage value for the subject railway line pursuant to section 144 Canada Transportation Act (CTA) to be $1,959,951. Subsequently, the Partnership cO(ltinued to negotiate with SOLRS for the sale of the line however the parties have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement as SOLRS is not prepared to pay the amount determined by the Agency. While the Partnership continues to believe that the statutory process was properly followed, the Partnership must continue with the process until the Federal Court renders its decision on the appeals. Since then, Section 145 CTA has been amended and now provides that where no agreement with an interested party is reached within the required time, the railway line shall also be offered for sale to the Federal Minister of Transport, where the line is in a metropolitan area, in The Honourable Donna Cansfield August 14, 2007 Page 2 addition to the Provincial Minister of Transport, urban transit authorities and municipal or district governments whose territory the railway line passes through. Accordingly, as prescribed by section 145 CT A, CN on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company hereby offers to sell all of its interest in this railway line to the Government of the Province of Ontario. While the Partnership continues to believe that the amount of $2,107,000.00 originally offered to the governments reflects the net salvage value of the line, we would be willing to accept the amount of $1,959,951 determined by the Agency. This offer is subject to standard conditions for acquiring railway lines (available upon request). A similar offer has also been extended today to the Federal Minister of Transport, urban transit authorities and appropriate Municipal and District Governments. For more information concerning this line please contact Mr. John Brayley, Manager Network Strategies, by telephone at (514) 399-5386 or by fax at (514) 399-8823. In the event that you wish to accept this offer, you may advise this office in writing at the earliest possible date, but no later than October 15, 2007. Yours very truly, L ~ ,/". ,-' r"--.---- ~an D. Pateh:uJ~ .. ;/ Assistant General Counsel cc: The Honourable Lawrence Cannon Minister of Transport Place de Ville 330 Sparks Street Ottawa, Ontario K1 A ON5 Corporation of the City of St. Thomas P.O Box 520 545 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Attention: Wendell Graves. City Clerk Southwold Township 35663 Fingal Line Fingal, ON NOL 1 KO Attention: David Aristone, CAO-Clerk ~ County of Elgin Administration Building 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Attention: Mark McDonald. CAO St. Thomas Transit 614 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V7 The Honourable Donna Cansfield August 14, 2007 Page 3 cc: Marc Shannon Canadian Pacific Railway Legal Services Suite 2000, Gulf Canada Square 401 - 9th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 4Z4 Affaires juridiques Law Jean D. Patenaude Avocat general adjoint Canadien National 935, rue de La Gauchetiere ouest Montreal (Quebec) Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur: (514) 399-4296 Email: iean.oatenaude(ciJcn.ca Assistant General Counsel Canadian National 935 de La Gauchetiere St. West Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 2M9 Telephone: (514) 399-4260 Telecopieur: (514) 399-4296 Courriel: iean.patenaude(ciJcn.ca VIA COURIER August 14, 2007 The Honourable Lawrence Cannon Minister of Transport Place de Ville 330 Sparks Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON5 Dear Sir: RE: PROPOSED DISCONTINUANCE OF RAILWAY LINE, CASO SUBDIVISION FROM MILE 113.64 TO MILE 117.49, IN THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO. Oh January 29, 2007 CN, on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company (the "Partnership), issued a letter in accordance with section 145 of the Canada Transportation Act offering to sell all of its interest in the above- noted railway line to the Government of the Province of Ontario and to appropriate municipal and district governments. On March 30, 2007 the Canadian Transportation Agency (the "Agency) issued Decision No. LET- R-2007 which ruled that CN's January 29, 2007 offers to governments were premature since an application for a net salvage value determination of the railway line had been made by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS). The Partnership disagreed with that decision and the Federal Court of Appeal has granted leave to appeal the decision. In the meantime the Partnership has continued to cooperate with the Agency in the determilJation of the net salvage value of the line. By Decision No. 383-R-2007 dated July 28, 2007 the Agency determined the net salvage value for the subject railway line pursuant to section 144 Canada Transportation Act (CTA) to be $1,959,951. Subsequently, the Partnership continued to negotiate with SOLRS for the sale of the line however the parties have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement as SOLRS is not prepared to pay the amount determined by the Agency. While the Partnership continues to believe that the statutory process was properly followed, the Partnership must continue with the process until the Federal Court renders its decision on the appeals. Since then, Section 145 CTA has been amended and now provides that where no agreement with an interested party is reached within the required time, the railway line shall also be offered for sale to the Federal Minister of Transport, where the line is in a metropolitan area, in addition to the Provincial Minister of Transport, urban transit authorities and municipal or district governments whose territory the railway line passes through. The Honourable Lawrence Cannon Page 2 Accordingly, as prescribed by section 145 CT A, CN on its own behalf and on behalf of CP, CNCP Niagara-Windsor and the Canada Southern Railway Company hereby offers to sell all of its interest in this railway line to the Government of Canada. While the Partnership continues to believe that the amount of $2,107,000.00 originally offered to the governments reflects the net salvage value of the line, we would be willing to accept the amount of $1,959,951 determined by the Agency. This offer is subject to standard conditions for acquiring railway lines (available upon request). A similar offer has also been extended today to the Provincial Minister of Transport, urban transit authorities and appropriate Municipal and District Governments. For more information concerning this line please contact Mr. John Brayley, Manager Network Strategies, by telephone at (514) 399-5386 or by fax at (514) 399-8823 In the event that you wish to accept this offer, you may advise this office in writing at the earliest possible date, but no later than September 13, 2007. Yours very truly, L . Jean D. Pat~ude -- Assistant General Counsel / {/.,/. cc: The Honourable Donna Cansfield Minister of Transportation Province of Ontario Ferguson Block 3rd Floor, 77 Wellesley St W Toronto, ON M7A Corporation of the City of St. Thomas P.O Box 520 545 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Attention: Wendell Graves, Citv Clerk Southwold Township 35663 Fingal Line Fingal, ON NOL 1 KO Attention: David Aristone. CAO-Clerk fI County of Elgin Administration Building 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Attention: Mark McDonald, CAO St. Thomas Transit 614 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V7 cc: Marc Shannon Canadian Pacific Railway Legal Services Suite 2000, Gulf Canada Square 401 - 9th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 4Z4 ~ ~ Ontario Ministry of Finance Office of the Minister Ministere des Finances Bureau du ministre 71h Floor, Frost Building South 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto ON M7 A 1Y7 Telephone: 416 325-0400 Facsimile: 416325-0374 7e etage, Edifice Frost sud 7, Queen's Park Crescent Toronto ON M7A 1Y7 Telephone: 416 325-0400 Telecopieur: 416325-0374 August 9, 2007 RECEIVED Ms. Lynn Acre Warden The County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl AUG 2 1 2007 COUNTY OF i!lGlN ADMINISTRATiVE SERVICES Dear Warden Acre: I am responding to a letter from Mrs. S.J. Heffren, Manager of Administrative Services, County of Elgin, regarding the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). I apologize for the delay in responding. I would like to note that the OMPF is a fairer and more transparent funding model that replaced the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) in 2005 as the province's main transfer payment to municipalities. The OMPF provides a stable, fair and transparent grant system for municipalities as part of this government's commitment to building strong communities. The OMPF assists municipalities with their share of social program costs; supports areas with limited property assessment; addresses challenges faced by northern and rural communities; and responds to policing costs in rural communities. The government listened to the concerns of municipalities and, despite the fiscal challenges +r.lrerl hv th'" "'rr"'l'''''''P "'P "'fP "'r",,;,l;na $QI.I.~ Tn;ll;".., l'P, OMP F funr1;..,,-,, to 3o<:::1'>"lu..,;,..;na1,tl'''''';n 1.~__ 'l..O. V J lo,....v p V'i .:....\.,.1_, "f" _ ,.... """ r.....v '( ..t:",..;..l.......O. '--". 'irOJ ....,i;.i.L 1.....'-'.I.J. .& .. : _ .,' JI..............I..:.t;. .... ........J .i.J...l. . ........1.V.l.1:-' .1...", vu ..t- 1. 2007. This represents an $80 million or a 10 per cent increase compared to funding announced in March 2006, and a 36 per cent, or a $225 million increase over 2004 CRF payments. For 2007, to ensure the continued responsiveness of the OMPF to changing municipal circumstances, selected thresholds and benchmarks have been updated. In addition, no municipality will see revenue losses in 2007. Those that are projected to see lower funding in 2007 under the OMPF will receive additional assistance to ensure that their funding remains at the March 2006 announced level. ;../2 CoffiE. v To L.'/.{!)4 0.;/l7/o7 - 2- For 2007, the province is providing the County of Elgin with $5,841,000. This is the same amount of funding the County of Elgin received through the OMPF in March 2006. In addition to the OMPF funding, The County of Elgin also benefits from the following other provincial initiatives that complement the government's ongoing support to municipalities: . Over the next seven years, the government will cut Business Education Taxes (BET) by $540 million -lowering high BET rates to a target maximum rate of 1.6 per cent. When the BET reductions are fully implemented in 2014, industrial businesses in the County of Elgin will benefit from a projected $1,722,053 or 50.5 per cent reduction in BET rates. . The government also provided the County of Elgin with $2,053,333 for investment in local roads and bridges, as part of the Move Ontario initiative. Move Ontario is the government's investment of $1.2 billion in 2006 to strengthen the province's transportation infrastructure, including $400 million to assist municipalities with road and bridge maintenance and construction projects. . The province is increasing its share of public health funding from 50 per cent to 75 per cent in 2007. . The government will also invest $300 million between 2006 and 2008 to move towards a 50:50 sharing of the cost of municipal land ambulance services by 2008. For 2007 this represents an additional $50 million in funding for municipalities. . The County of Elgin will receive $1,840,772 in land ambulance funding for 2007. This includes an estimated $336,506 of the additional $50 million increase in funding for municipalities in 2007. . The Rural Infrastructure Investment Initiative (Rill) is a one-time program intended to help rural and small municipalities across Ontario provide safe and reliable local infrastructure. The province has doubled the initial $70 million planned for this initiative (originally announced in September 2006) to $140 million. In March 2007, the County of Elgin received $1,500,000 in funding through the Rill. . The County of Elgin also received a Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) grant of $2,833,450 to assist with its infrastructure needs. In addition, one of its lower tier municipalities received a grant of $9,797,985. . Although the County of Elgin did not receive a low interest loan through Infrastructure Ontario's OSIFA loan program, two of its lower tier municipalities received low interest loans totalling $12,177,554. .. ./3 - 3 - Thank you again for writing. c: The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier Steve Peters, MPP, Elgin-Middlesex-London Yours sincerely, ,., Sorbara ster CORRESPONDENCE - SEPTEMBER 11. 2007 Items for Information (Consent Aaenda) 1. Norm Vocino, Special Assistant, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, acknowledging Council's support of the resolution from the round table of mayors and wardens concerning the difficult challenges facing Ontario's tobacco sector. (ATTACHED) 2. Raven & Shaw Chartered Accountants, with a copy of the Corporation of the County of Elgin's Consolidated Financial Report for Year Ended December 31,2006. (available for viewing in Administrative Services) 3. Ontario News Release Communique: 1) McGuinty Government Invests in Renewal Energy; 2) McGuinty Government Ensuring High Quality Nutrition for Long-Term Care Residents. (ATTACHED) 4. Thank you from the Sharp Family. (ATTACHED) 5. Dennis Travale, Mayor, Norfolk County, with copy of correspondence to the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs requesting an extension of additional funds for community transition purposes. (ATTACHED) 6. Ken Verrell, Chairperson, Seniors Picnic in the Park, thanking the County for the grant for the 2007 Seniors Picnic. (ATTACHED) 7. Cliff Evanitski, General Manager/Secretary Treasurer, Long Point Region Conservation Authority, with a copy of the 2006 Annual Report. (Available for viewing in Administrative Services) 8. OGRA Heads UP Alert, "Hours of Service Regulation Amended to Meet Municipal Needs" (ATTACHED) 9. Adam McAllister, Rabies Research and Development Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources, with an update on the annual wildlife rabies control operations for 2007. (ATTACHED) 10. Tucker Vendrig, Global Vision Junior Team Canada, thanking Council for the funding and an update on the economic mission in August. (ATTACHED) 11. Raymond J. Mantha, Executive Director, Ministry of Transport, with information concerning Ministry of Transportation's response to the failure of the Minnesota Interstate 35W Bridge. (ATTACHED) 12. Malcolm Bates, Director, Emergency Health Services Branch, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, announcing approved funding for 2007-08 to assist with the implementation of hardware in emergency medical service vehicles to provide digital mapping technology of One-time funding of up to $2,296 and Base funding of up to $505 2 13. Steve Whitter, Director, Transfer Processing and Disposal, City of Toronto, with copy of correspondence to Warden Acre concerning agreements related to transportation and disposal at Green Lane Landfill. (ATTACHED) 14. Jane Horrocks, Chair, Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, announcing the winners of the 2006 Telling Our Stories Contest and Ralph Glover of Port Stanley "runner-up story" submission to the contest. (ATTACHED) 15. Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, confirming that the County's project has been approved for funding under Rural Connections... The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program. (ATTACHED) 16. OANHSS Alert - July 30, 2007 LTC Announcement, regarding an increase in food allowance. (ATTACHED) 17. AMO Member Communication: 1) Province Amends Regulations to Implement $935 million Ontario Drug Benefit and ODSP Upload; 2) Call for Membership and Resource Teams to Support Development of Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. (ATTACHED) Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board Cabinet du ministre de l'Agriculture et de l'Agroalimentaire et ministre de la Commission canadienne du ble Ottawa, Canada K1A OC5 Quote: 105075 JUl 2 7 2007 "''' << J-\ u~;, p~ ')!'\f1] It ;;.UlJ Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Manager of Administrative Services County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Dear Mrs. Heffi-en: I am writing in response to your letter to the Right Honourable Stephen Harper and the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, indicating that the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution dated March 28, 2007, from the round table of mayors and wardens within the tobacco-growing regions of southwestern Ontario. Minister Strahl appreciates being made aware of your council's views and has asked me to reply to you on his behalf. As I indicated in my March 9,2007, reply to you, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) understands the difficult challenges facing Ontario's tobacco sector. The Department also understands that these difficulties affect the broader tobacco-growing regions as well. As I also noted in my previous reply to you on this issue, AAFC is continuing to work closely with key federal departments, the Ontario government, industry groups and producers to determine how to address the Ontario tobacco sector's needs. Thank you for writing further on this issue. Sincerely, Norm Vocino Special Assistant c.c.: Ms. Tracey Sobers Executive Assistant to the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, MLA Canada News Release Communique ~ Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Ministere de l'Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs de I.Alimentation et des Affaires rurales For Immediate Release July 26, 2007 MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY New Program Turns Greenhouse Gases From Farms Into Clean Energy STIRLING - The McGuinty government is launching a new program that will help farmers and rural businesses develop and build systems that turn farm waste into clean energy. "Developing renewable energy resources in the agri-food and rural sectors is an important part of the government's climate change initiative," said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "It is also an opportunity to support rural economic development and partnerships." The $9 million Ontario Biogas Systems Financial Assistance Program, launched today by the McGuinty government, will help farmers and rural businesses cany out feasibility studies for the installation ofbiogas systems as well as cover a proportion of construction and implementation costs. Applicants can receive up to $400,000 in funding. The province is also streamlining the process that farmers follow to build bio-digesters and is providing clear standards and guidance on designing and operating these facilities. "This is good news for the environment, for farmers, and for all Ontarians," said Laurel Broten, Minister of the Environment. "Biodigesters encourage renewable energy production and reduce greenhouse gases that cause climate change." Biogas systems are fuelled by renewable materials like manure, crops and crop residues and food processing by-products. They can produce electricity and heat or replace conventional fuels like natural gas. Agricultural and food producers can use the electricity produced from their biogas system to meet their operation's energy demands. In addition, they can sell excess electricity to the electrical grid. A biogas system that uses manure from 250 cows could result in 400 fewer tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 550 additional megawatt-hours of power production every year. "Operations like ours generate enough material to run a biogas system," says Mark Donnan, owner of Donnandale Farms, who hosted today's announcement. "These systems benefit not only farmers, through added revenue and cost savings, but the public as well through reductions in greenhouse gases and odours. This is a technology that will help build a greener Ontario." .../2 2 Today's announcement is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in rural Ontario. Other examples include: · Investing $32 million in the construction of new ethanol plants, which will provide jobs, economic opportunities, new markets for farmers, and cleaner air for all Ontarians. · Launching, Ontario's ethanol-in-gasoline regulation, which calls for an annual average of 5 per cent ethanol in gasoline beginning in 2007 and will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 800,000 tonnes. · Recognizing innovation in the province's agriculture sector by creating the five-year, $2.5-million Premier's Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. · Providing $12.5 million towards research projects that support the mission of the Vineland Research and Innovations Centre Incorporated. · Providing $6 million to the Ontario BioAuto Council, a multi-industry initiative to position the province as a global leader in manufacturing auto parts and other materials from agricultural and forestry feedstocks. All Ontarians have a role to play in making our province greener. The government has already taken action by making $220 million in loans and grants available to help municipalities reduce greenhouse gas emissions; setting ambitious but realistic targets to reduce greenhouse gases below 1990 levels and launching a $650-million fund that will help secure the next generation of high-paying jobs for Ontarians by developing new clean and green technologies. -30- Contacts: Kelly Synnott Minister's Office 416-326-6439 Brent Ross Communications Branch 416-326-9342 Disponible en franfais gogreenontario.ca www.omafra.gov.on.ca Backgrounder Document d'information @ Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministere de l'Agriculture, de '.Alimentation et des Affaires rurales July 26, 2007 BIOGAS SYSTEMS What is a biogas system? A biogas system consists of: . an anaerobic digestion tank or vessel · a biogas collection or management system, often a storage bubble · a biogas utilization system, such as a generator, and · a dig estate management and storage system, often a storage tank for liquids. Digestate is the material left after the biogas has been produced. What is anaerobic digestion? Anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which micro-organisms break down organic matter like manure, crops, crop residues and food processing waste. This process occurs in the absence of oxygen and results in the release of biogas. What is biogas? Biogas is a combination of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be used like natural gas as a fuel in electrical generators, engines, boilers and burners. What's left in the tank once the process is complete? Digestate is what's left once the organic material has been "digested". Once carbon has been converted to methane or carbon dioxide, the organic material becomes more liquid in nature. This liquid digestate contains all ofthe agricultural nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) that were present in the original organic material. .../2 2 Do all the biogas systems operate in the same way? While the basic operating principle remains the same, there are different types of anaerobic digester technologies based on the type of material handled, the operating temperature and the end use of the biogas. What materials can be used in a biogas system? Iiiogas systems can use both solid and liquid organic materials, including: manure, crops, crop residues and food processing waste material. How is electricity produced using biogas? Typically an operator would use biogas to run an internal combustion engine to power an electrical generator, which produces the electricity. Where does a "co-gen" system fit in? A co-generation or "co-gen" system is an internal combustion engine fitted with an electrical generator as well as a system to capture heat. Just as a radiator captures the excess heat from a car engine, a co-gen system captures heat from the engine for further use. What are the environmental benefits of a biogas system? Energy from biogas is a green or renewable energy, and its production reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, biogas systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by consuming methane produced from stored manure. Methane is twenty-one times more potent than carbon dioxide in causing global warming. The management of the digestate from the biogas system may also reduce emissions compared to the conventional management of manure or other input materials. Adopting a biogas system also reduces the risk of contaminating ground or surface water as a result of the unintentional movement of pathogens and nutrients from manure run- off. Several studies show that harmful pathogens like E.coli bacteria are considerably reduced using this technology. Biogas systems also reduce the odour in manure or other input materials by covering the manure storage tank, breaking down odour-causing compounds, as well as destroying the bacteria that cause odours. .../3 3 Do biogas systems use only manure? No. Manure is definitely one of the best fits for biogas systems because it is consistent, it is produced on a daily basis, and it contains readily digested organic material. However in Ontario, digesters can successfully use food processing waste materials as an input. These materials are often challenging to dispose of in conventional waste management systems, such as landfills. In addition, when biogas systems are implemented at food processing facilities, the heat from the biogas system can be incorporated into food processing activities and byproducts can be used directly on-site. Can biogas systems reduce energy costs for agricultural and food producers? Agricultural and food producers can use the electricity produced from their biogas system to meet their operation's energy demands. In addition, they can sell excess electricity to the electrical grid. This can be an additional source of revenue for the operation. The excess heat from co-gen systems can also reduce heating costs for the operator in the house, the barn or the food processing facility. Once carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide are removed, biogas can be added to natural gas lines. Purified biogas can also be used as fuel in specially-modified vehicles, although this type of vehicle is not yet common in Canada. For questions about program details and updates, please contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca -30- Contacts: Kelly Synnott Minister's Office 416-326-6439 www.omafra.gov.on.ca www.ontarioconserves.gov.on.ca News Release Communique @ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministere de la Sante et des Soins de longue duree For Immediate Release July 30, 2007 2007/nr-162 MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ENSURING HIGH QUALITY NUTRITION FOR LONG- TERM CARE RESIDENTS Additional $23.1 Million Will Ensure High Quality Food Preparation TORONTO- The McGuinty government is making sure long-term care home residents are provided with high quality, diverse menu choices by increasing the daily raw food allowance to $7.00, effective September 1,2007, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today. "The type of food offered to long-term care residents has a direct impact on their health and quality of life," said Smitherman. "That's why our government is further increasing funding to long-term care operators to ensure that patients are provided with an improved range of nutritional menu options." Today's announcement means that long-term care homes will receive an additional $23.1 million in funding for raw food this year. The funding announced today is in addition to the $2.3 million increase in raw food funding received by long-term care homes on July 1,2007 and represents a total increase of33.6 per cent since July 2003. On average, long-term care homes spend about $18.76 daily in providing food to each resident. This includes the cost of raw food as well as preparation and staffing costs. "This is really good news for residents", said Karen Sullivan, Executive Director of the Ontario Long Term Care Association. "The additional funding will enable homes to enhance resident meals with things like more fresh fruit and better quality meats. In addition, it will assist homes in meeting the increasingly specialized diets residents require because of their age and medical condition." In January 2005, the government introduced a regulation to ensure that resident meal plans are reviewed and approved by a dietitian. "We are thrilled that residents in long term care homes will benefit from this increase" says Linda Dietrich, Regional Executive Director for Dietitians of Canada. "Food and nutrition are crucial in the long-term care setting for health and quality oflife, and this funding increase will help dietitians plan menus to meet those complex needs." This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in health care services in long-term care homes. Other initiatives include: . Increasing funding for long-term care by nearly $800 million since 2003; . Funding 6,100 new front-line staff in long-term Care homes, including 2,300 nurses; . Opening 7,712 new long-term care beds since October 2003; . Enhancing the quality oflife for residents oflong-term care homes by passing the Long-Term Care Homes Act 2007 to strengthen enforcement and improve care. Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses. -30- Media Contacts: David Spencer Minister's Office 416-327-4320 David Jensen Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care 416-314-6197 Members of the general public: 1-866-532-3161 This news release, along with other media materials, such as matte stories and audio clips, on other subjects, are available on our website at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section. For more information on achievements in health care, visit: www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca. Disponible en fram;ais. ~ > ,7 CoU ~c..ll- -r S -i,A-r:: i= Cauc0-ry C);:: E I- Cj~. I WOUJ-'D J--IKS --ro \HAtj~ you SO MUCH t=c{2. TJ+t. \3EAuirCuL CkC3WfQS S8J0/ts'j ,/OU '-D hy W iV=E \3E 1/ S HAK'~ . yoJ l>1h ~, MOW l.5'td) 8Cf\ S H-S W ~ A-'S l< 17Slb . , ToOC~.f-}IY:=Uk A7AJ'J> c~'~G- A-5 1-f~Q S (S 1"EF2:J. \'f ~-r' (/Mbt- vi f}.l N ~ . -r HAi) ~-- '!. au -r~y ~p -+ 2Ae~ ( f / I '{.:J. \,.\) [.l ! 1- ~ J.' f i / I ~ '/, Ii L.I Lflli hltL /\' /!{'LZ!llZt.j (if ,; ( " t L '/ ~_)- /"t'!/ieJ/ //L t~l/-Lt,.. -'--~-=-~""~""'<OI=-..",~~~"""""",~-,,,,,,~ JlJL ? 3 July 19, 2007 The Right Honourable Leona Dombrowsky Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 77 Grenville Street, 11th Floor Toronto ON M5S 1 B3 RE: REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL TRANSITION FUNDING Dear Ms. Dombrowsky: Two years ago, the Ontario government provided $15 million in financial assistance to the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations for the Community Transition Program in Norfolk, Brant, Elgin and Oxford. Last month, the program delivered its final report, providing valuable resources to a number of businesses in our community. At its meeting this month, Norfolk County Council discussed the positive impact funds such as those extended through CTP can have on businesses and communities. With this in mind, Norfolk County is formally requesting an extension of additional funds for community transition purposes. Since the original $15 million was announced, municipalities in the tobacco growing region of Ontario have identified that the demise of tobacco production will mean the loss of 15,500 jobs and $770 million in economic activity. Municipal leaders have identified tactics that could be implemented to extend the positive impact of the transition program. Attached is our discussion paper, "Proposals for Government Investment: Addressing Economic Decline in Tobacco Growing Counties of Southwestern Ontario." We would like to meet with you and your colleagues at your earliest convenience and review these proposals. At this stage, we aim to review these proposals with you in order to establish whether they are consistent with the goals and objectives of Ontario government departments, and to link these local ideas to potential funding sources at the provincial and federal level. ., ./2 Office of the Mayor Governor Simcoe Square P.O. Box 545 50 Colborne Street South, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4N5 519-426-5870 Fax: 519-426-7633 www.norfolkcounty.on.ca ~c'..'i~.~:,'_."'.;,,::-;:C.:'''~.~"7;;;:':'';';" :':',<~-,'.~.':'"7.;,',";':>:,y;;";-",,",,.,_ .":~<,;,;-i':-_'-.;~';C-:";:"X'."" ;.."." -"",:..'. ,'.,.....,.~.,. "__~_~'<:'_-;-_', "'.'._'~'''''~1' >, ....~"".,,_~"_..., ...,','.~~-,-, __,'''~ Office of the Mayor Norfolk County Page 2 Norfolk County and its neighbours would appreciate the assistance of you and your staff in facilitating this discussion, as our numerous pieces of correspondence have respectfully requested over the past year. If you would like to speak with me about this matter, please call my direct line at (519) 426-5870 ext 1220. If your staff need additional information, please have them contact Clark Hoskin, Manager of Tourism & Economic Development, at (519) 426-5870 ext 1238 or email c1ark.hoskin@norfolkcountV.ca. Kindest regards, CC: Dalton McGuinty, Premier Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance and Chair of Treasury Board John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Toby Barrett, MPP, Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant Dave Levac, MPP, Brant Steve Peters, MPP, Elgin-Middlesex-London Ernie Hardemann, MPP, Oxford John Klunder, Community Transition Program Gordon Potts, Norfolk District Business Development Corporation Diana Jedig, Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations . Stephen Molnar, Mayor, Town of Tillson burg vLynn Acre, Warden, .Elgin County Bob Habkirk, Mayor, Town of Aylmer Ron Eddy, Mayor, Brant County Diane Finley, MP, Haldimand-Norfolk Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food, Government of Canada Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Government of Canada Att. DT/ch PROPOSALS FOR GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT: Addressing Economic Decline in Tobacco Growing Counties of Southwestern Ontario Prepared by: Dennis Travale, Mayor, Norfolk County Stephen Molnar, Mayor, Town of Tillsonburg, Oxford County Bob Habkirk, Mayor, Town of Aylmer Ron Eddy, Mayor, Brant County Lynn Acre, Warden, Elgin County GOALS To address the catastrophic impact of losing 15,500 jobs and $770 million in economic activity as a result ofthe demise oftobacco growing the most fragile rural areas of Southwestern Ontario To review the proposal for investment with senior levels of government in order to establish whether they are consistent with the goals and objectives of government departments, and to link these local ideas to potential funding sources at the provincial and federal level SUPPORT !if Municipal Leaders: Seven municipal councils in the affected area support the need for a tobacco exit and transition strategy that involves community economic development transition funding. !if Farm Groups: The Mayors' proposal also links strategically with the requests of the Tobacco Fanners in Crisis and the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board. !if MPs and MPPs: Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament in the affected areas have also actively supported and lobbied for responsible interventions from both senior levels of government. PROPOSED TACTICS 1. Infrastructure Investments: There is a need to build the capacity for new and expanded commercial and industrial development by investing in infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, utilities, and communications. Specific examples of commitments could be: 1 0' Specifically directed funding to build capacity at sewage treatment plants and introduce new technologies to add capacity to water/sewer systems and solid waster programs ($30 million). This investment will allow for increased offsetting development in industry, commerce and home building; 0' Funding to widen and improve Highway 73 (Imperial Road), Highway 19, Highway 59, Highway 24, Highway 6, and Highway 3 that provide vital connection to the 400 series of highways and other important destinations ($25 million). This endeavour will further allow for offsetting development; 0' Funding to expand broadband communications in rural areas ($3 million). Business in the area is at a disadvantage due to holes in the broadband communications infrastructure. Attracting and retaining business that requires this infrastructure is a critical priority. This project will ease the business workload of those living in rural areas by allowing on-line filing of reports, forms and making application for government programs; 0' Funding to expand, revitalize and provide programming for public facilities such as harbours, museums, arts centres, trails, conservation areas, boat launches, scenic vistas, beaches, causeways and wildlife preserves, while addressing sustainability concerns in the tourism industry ($15 million); 0' Funding and approval of priority site locations for area profile signage on 400-series highways, trail-blazing signage for new and existing travel routes, directional signage to farm-gate retail operations, and other promotional signage ($2 million); 0' Investment funding for downtown revitalization programs such fac;ade improvement grants and low-interest loans, brownfield remediation grants, commercial rehabilitation grants and low-interest loans, and funding for tax increment financing instruments so that mUnicipalities will not see their property tax levies impacted ($10 million); and 0' Funding for grants and low-interest loans to address the severe lack of roofed tourist accommodation and conference facilities in the area, including country inns, resorts, B&Bs, hotels, conference centres, meeting facilities, and other hospitality infrastructure that will boost lucrative overnight stays ($15 million). 2. Commodity and Market Adjustments: There is a need to invest in research into alternative crops and expanded markets for existing crops to rebuild and sustain a viable agricultural economy, and to avoid weakening existing, innovative growers. The establishment and funding of $20 million over ten years for an 2 Agriculture & Agri-Food Innovation Centre would be a primary tactic to address commodity and market adjustments. The objectives of the AAFIC would be: o To provide a roadmap for players in the Sand Plain agri-food value chain to prepare for and respond to changing global, national and regional market opportunities; o To bring together an integrated network of industry partners (e. g. the communities, government experimental farms, universities and community colleges)and creating a fertile environment for innovation, to achieve significant payback; o To connect growers and value-adding processors with regional, national and international markets by aggressively promoting the safety and value of produce and products grown and processed in the region, and expanding the network o(buyer contacts available to growers and value- adding processors; and o To provide leadership and coordination to research and develop technologies for crops and value-added crop products; provide marketing assistance for crop opportunities and cluster development; and to help innovators access funding for product research and develop new products. 3. Building Entrepreneurship: There is a need to invest in human capacity for change within the Counties, including additional supports for education, training and entrepreneurship opportunities. Specific examples of commitments could be: o Funding for youth attraction and retention programs that direct youth into local training and entrepreneurship programs delivered from local community college campuses and link the developing industries in the area (e.g. Toyotetsu) with post-secondary programming in training institutions ($3 million annually for 10 years); . o Funding for local businesses to train and/or certify existing staff or to attend professional development events ($3 million annually for 10 years); and o Funding for local community college campuses and small business enterprise centres to educate and coordinate entrepreneurship courses for growers, both in transition and others ($1 million annually for 10 years). 4. Shifting the Economic Base: There is a need to invest in programs that visibly shift the economic base of the tobacco-producing communities to non-traditional areas of emphasis, such as energy production, value-added agri-food processing, hospitality/tourism, and competitive manufacturing. Specific examples of commitments could be: 3 o Assistance, support and funding to explore nuclear power generation at the Nanticoke OPG Station ($1 million); o Assistance, support and funding to explore alternative energy options for the public utility grid, such as ethanol, solid waste gasification, solar and wind ($1 million); o Funding for on-farm value-added capital investments similar to community improvement plan incentives available to commercial businesses in downtown cores ($10 million); o Job-creation grants and low-interest loans to small business in order to address gaps within the tourism industry, such as the need for employees and capital investments in fishing charters, hunting guides, birding and nature guides, heritage programming, agri-tourism activities, and the hospitality industry. These incentives could also be linked with school-to- work transition programs at local schools and other educational institutions. ($10 million); o Funding for marketing and promotional campaigns to attract target markets associated with the new emphasis: aggressive targeted advertising funding, web-based funding, other printing and collateral costs, media and public relations costs ($10 million); o Incentives to lure additional manufacturing jobs to rural areas consistent with strategic marketing initiatives of target sectors ($5 million); and o Support and investment in locating government offices (federal training centre, regional office, data processing centre, call centre, or complete departments e.g. a section of the Ministry of Agriculture) from large urban centres to rural areas, into vacant properties such as soon-to-be-abandoned tobacco factories, the Delhi Auction Exchange, etc. ($5 million). NEXT STEPS 1. Federal and Provincial Government representatives to agree to meet with Counties' representatives in July 2007 to negotiate support for the tactics outlined; 2. All parties to execute a Memorandum of Understanding by July 2007; and 3. Priority tactics to be funded starting in September 2007 CONTACT: Dennis Travale, Mayor, Norfolk County Phone: (519) 426-5870 ext 1220 Email: dennis.travale@norfolkcountv.ca L:\Mayor & Council\Tobacco\Proposal for Government Investmentv5.doc 4 A .;~ ;,p~ ti;';;:' ~ ~ II r.;.~ ~j"'C?j ",,,,,,. f1.1l'C", to< l'rd '> '41"?t "" h t1'. !~~J~~~ ~~~9~ ~:::;.;-;!:1 f;t 'i:/ j~<",:;:Q ~b:.:.:'.;" JUl 2 3 ~~007 Seniors Picnic in the Park - 2007 July 16,2007 County of Elgin 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ()N N5R 5V1 Dear Sir or Madam: I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your generous donation to this year's event on behalf of the 2007 Seniors Picnic in the Park Planning Committee. We had a great crowd and over 1000 people enjoyed the day. Thank you again for your kind support. Yours truly, ;(~t/~d/ Ken Verrell Chairperson Seniors Picnic in the Park . .~?~.~. ~~_i.~tR~~ion Conservation Authority _w"'_~, ,_ .~"=^'''~''~'''*~''''''_'X=''~'_'"~''''==''''''_''.~.-'~i\:',~'''''-='"l''>'~~'''''''''''~;"'=-""-~"-~""",'.'-'.,""~/"_,;r.'--""-""o',,,,,~c.."o':"""';:;'.;::-,=~,,,,,""~,~"=_~'"""'':':i""=",;>;:",.,.o,.,,,,~,,,'-''-.:,';r'''''''_:;'"''_''''N"~.,:.""~",,,,..\ "..""".~..,,,.,,:;,.-,,,.<;,,.:::-_,,;..- RR#3, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K2. Tel: (519) 428-4623 · Fax: (519) 428-1520 E-mail: conservation@lprca.on.ca. Web Site: www.lprca.on.ca June 27, 2007 File: 0.1.3 JUl t 7 2nn7 Dear Friend in Conservation: 'J' \,"~~.~.-; ~ Re: 2006 Annual Report On behalf of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA), I wish to share with you our Authority's 2006 Annual Report. The Report highlights the numerous achievements that resulted from the many partnerships enjoyed by the Conservation Authority during 2006. Thanks to the generosity, support and expertise provided by supporters such as you, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority looks forward to continued success in 2007. Again, thank you for the continued support. I hope you find this report to be an informative outline of LPRCA's activities during 2006. , , ; Cliff Ev 'tski General Manager/Secretary Treasurer Conservation ONTARIO Page 1 of 1 Donna Butcher From: Mark McDonald Sent: Wed 08/08/2007 10:06 AM To: Donna Butcher Cc: Subject: FW:Hours of Service Regulation Amended to Meet Municipal Needs Attachments: Next Council as fyi. From: OGRA Information [mailto:communications@ogra.org] Sent: Thu 8/2/20071:36 PM To: Mark McDonald Subject: Hours of Service Regulation Amended to Meet Municipal Needs August 2, 2007 OGRA Heads UP Alert: Hours of Service Regulation Amended to Meet Municipal Needs The regulation dealing with Hours of Service has been further amended to deal with concerns related to municipal responses to significant events, such! as winter maintenance operations. OGRA, along with AMO, met with MTO to discuss the need for this amendment and how it might be implemented. Under the new rules, a driver operating a commercial motor vehicle by or on behalf of a municipality, road authority or public utility is granted an exemption from the HOS rules while responding to or returning from a situation or impending situation that may constitute an imminent danger to life, property or the environment including those caused by forces of nature, accident, intentional act, or otherwise. The driver will be allowed to work as many hours as is necessary to rectify a significant event. Once the event has been rectified, the driver must resume compliance with the regulation and rest for a required period! of time before operating a heavy truck on a highway again. The regulation, as amended, can be viewed on e-Iaws at VVVVYV.e:laws.gQY.oo.Ga (Ontario Regulation 555/06 and this amendment in Ontario Regulation 405/07) OGRA is pleased with this amendment and feels that it provides a balance between the need to respond to significant events while maintaining driver safety. This message has been scanned by LastSWill! eMail security service. This email may contain confidential information. If you are not one of the intended recipients, if you receive this email or if it is forwarded to you without the express authorization of The County of Elgin, please destroy this email and contact us immediately. https://mail.elgin-county.on.ca/ exchange/ dbutcher/lnboxlFW: %20Hours%200fOi<J20Servi... 13/0812007 Ministry of Natural Resources Ministere des Richesses naturelles ntari Rabies Research & Development Unit Trent University, DNA Building 2140 East Bank Drive Peterborough, Ontario K9J aNa Phone: (705) 755.1551 FAX: (705) 755-1559 E.mail: adam.mcallister@ontario.ca July 2007 Dear Colleague, This is a reminder that the province is continuing its annual wildlife rabies control operations for 2007. The trap-vaccinate-release programs have been underway since the beginning of July and aerial vaccine baiting will begin in mid-August. This ministry is committed to the research, control and eradication of rabies in Ontario, thereby protecting the health and safety of the public, their pets and the wildlife of this province. Our programs are so successful that broad areas of southern Ontario are free of fox and raccoon rabies. A person exposed to rabies should receive treatment without delay. If there is a delay in treatment and symptoms appear, the disease is fatal. We use a number of control measures in the fight against the rabies virus: · control measures at the point of infection (may be implemented when a new case is confirmed), · trap-vaccinate-release programs (beginning in July); and · widespread aerial vaccine baiting (beginning in August) and limited ground baiting in urban areas (beginning in July) Since 1989, we have been distributing oral rabies vaccine baits targeting foxes and raccoons (since 1999) on a large-scale in Ontario. When ingested, these baits immunize the targeted species against rabies. Our efforts have focused mainly on foxes as foxes have been the main rabies host in Ontario since the late 1950's. Our efforts have been so successful that fox rabies cases have decreased by 98%; there were only 40 fox strain rabies cases in 2006, down from an average of 1,500 annually before control measures were implemented. In most areas, when rabid foxes have been eliminated by our baiting programs, a decrease of rabid skunks soon followed. This has not happened in certain areas of south-western Ontario where remnant pockets of rabid skunks carrying and transmitting the fox variant of rabies persist. As part of our research and control efforts, we will be distributing a new oral rabies vaccine for skunks in selected regions of Grey, Dufferin and Wellington counties beginning on August 13th. This research is directed to eliminating the remaining pocket of rabid skunks in south-western Ontario. We will also be distributing oral rabies vaccine baits for raccoons in southeastern Ontario on Wolfe Island. It is necessary to continue rabies control programs when rabies incidence is low so that healthy wildlife populations are not infected by the remaining rabid animals. In jurisdictions such as neighbouring New York State, which did not have proactive, multi-partner programs, the number of raccoon rabies cases had climbed to more than 8000 in the initial six-year period. Ontario's MNR-Ied program is so effective that, in the first seven years, only 132 cases of raccoon rabies have been confirmed (as of July 11, 2007). The last confirmed raccoon rabies case in Ontario occurred in 2005 and our raccoon rabies control program has adjusted appropriately. One of the reasons for Ontario's success in controlling the spread of raccoon rabies is attributable to the introduction of a high-risk area in eastern Ontario. The boundaries of the high-risk area were reduced by approximately 65% in 2005 due to our successful efforts to control raccoon rabies. The boundaries are based on the location of cases for the previous two years and remain unchanged from 2006. In the high-risk area, people are encouraged not to move or relocate raccoons, foxes or skunks. These animals may only be relocated to a maximum of 1 km from their point of capture. This is intended to stop the spread of the disease. Beginning on July 23rd, staff and volunteers will be hand distributing vaccine baits throughout the river ravine systems in Toronto. This control measure is occurring as a result offour rabid skunks in the Bolton area (north of Toronto) in the spring of 2006. The remainder of the baits for this area will be distributed by helicopter in late August. From mid-August to mid-September, baits targeting foxes will be distributed throughout southwestern Ontario. The rabies control program is a joint effort that receives important input from a variety of partners across Ontario. Regional health units, municipalities, wildlife rehabilitators, licensed trappers, wildlife control agents and aboriginal communities are all key to the continued success of Ontario's world-renowned rabies control program. Included in this information package is: 1) Map of rabies control operations for 2007 2) Map of Raccoon Rabies High Risk Area 3) Rabies Vaccine Bait Fact Sheet 4) Protect Your Family Fact Sheet For further information about rabies prevention and control operations and to view updated maps, visit the Rabies in Ontario web site at http://rabies.mnr.Qov.on.ca or call our rabies hotiine at 1-888-574-6656. Sincerely, Adam McAllister adam, mcallisterlalontario.ca Rabies Research and Development Unit August7,2007 County of Elgin 450 Sunset Dr., St Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 GLDBAL V1SI?~ AUG ~ 3 i.'DG7 Dear Mr. McDonald, I wanted to share with you the exciting news that I have reached my fundraising goal!!! Thanks to you and the generous support of local businesses and organizations- I am busy getting ready for the experience of a lifetime! I am truly overwhelmed ... and proud to be part of the Elgin-St. Thomas community. Through this process, I have: ./ Learned how to develop a package promoting myself ./ Improved my confidence ./ And... experienced the meaning of the word "community". Thanks for your financial contribution and showing me what it means to be part of this great community. Ottawa On July 2-6, 2007 I traveled to Ottawa to participate in a National Youth Caucus and prepare for the economic mission in August.. The Youth Caucus: There were four issues up for discussion at the caucus. These were Intemational Health Issues, Canada's role in Afghanistan, Global Warming and Canada building Sustainable Development. After preparing we all went to a lecture hall where we had to present our thoughts and ideas and build on others. It was fascinating to hear the perspectives from other youths across the country. Attendees at the caucus included other delegates as well as 30 other youth from across Canada who received awards for outstanding community involvement. Preparation for the Economic Mission: I We received lessons on etiquette in foreign countries. Simple tips on how to introduce yourself, bow and exchange business cards will be most valuable in Asia. I was fortunate to be one of 8 delegates chosen to visit the home of the Ambassador from Vietnam. We heard a little bit about life in Vietnam-the hierarchical society, socialism , spicy food and he provided an important tip-if I suffer from jet lag, I should get some authentic green tea- guaranteed to keep me up for 10 hours! Other Experiences and Speakers: The entire team had the privilege of visiting the home of the High Commissioner of Australia. He was very welcoming and informal with us. Speakers throughout the trip included Mr. Ted Menzies, Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation and the Minister of International Trade; Senior Communications Manager of Dell (a global vision sponsor); Scott Fraser, Director Canada Asia and Oceania Commercial Relations; Peter McGovern, Director General, Bilateral Commercial Relations, Asia and Americas and Mr. Perrin Beutty, President of Canadian Manufacturers and exporters. What did I learn? We worked as a team late into the evening preparing for each day. I learned Leadership Skills, How to Work as a Team and found motivation that I didn't know I had. My objective for County of Elgin in Southeast Asia: Promote Elgin County as a great place to invest and live - I will do this by meeting with local economic development corporations and providing information about our community. You will receive a tax receipt and County of Elgin will appear on the materials we distribute. In the Fall, I will attend one of your meetings on request and present what I have learned Thanks again for your generous support! Sincerely, Tucker Vendrig (Tucker.vendrig@globalvision.ca) Ministry of Transportation Ministere des Transports @ Ontario Office of the Executive Director Bureau du directeur general Provincial Highways Management Division Division de la gestion des routes provinciales 4< etage, tour Garden City 30 I rue St. Paul St. Catharines (Ontario) L2R 7R4 Tel (905) 704-2299 Telec: (905) 704-2562 4th Floor, Garden City Tower 301 St. Paul Street St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7R4 Tel Number: (905) 704-2299 Fax Number: (905) 704-2562 AU.~ <E ~ "'.;1'107 u u ~ tJJ't, August 9, 2007 Ms. Lyne Acre County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ()ntario N5R 5V1 RE: Ministry of Transportation Response to Failure of Minnesota Interstate 35W Bridge Dear Warden Acre: Staff ofthe Ministry of Transportation was saddened to hear ofthe collapse of the Interstate 35W Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 1,2007. As a precaution, the ministry has ordered its bridge inspection teams to complete an immediate and full inspection of all steel deck truss bridges on the provincial highway system. These inspections are being carried out in addition to the inspections required every two years under Regulation 104/97 of the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act. We encourage municipalities with steel deck truss bridges to complete these inspections as well. Should you have any questions regarding bridge standards or inspection requirements, ministry staff are available to provide you with technical expertise. Please contact Bala Tharmabala, P. Eng, Manager, Bridge ()ffice at (905) 704-2341 or bye-mail atbala.tharmabala@ontario.ca. Sincerely, ~:A4 Raymond J. Mal1tha, P .Eng. Executive Director c: Bala Tharmabala Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Emergency Health Services Branch 5700 Yonge Street, 6th Floor Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Tel.: 416-327-7909 Fax: 416-327-7879 Toll Free: 800-461-6431 Ministere de la Sante et des Soins de longue duree Direction des services de sante d'urgence 5700 rue Yonge, 6" etage Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Tel.: 416-327-7909 Telec.: 416-327-7879 Appels sans frais: 800-461-6431 @ Ontario RECEIVED 107-02143 August 17,2007 AUG 2 2 2007 COur,i; ! uF ELGIN AOMINISTRA I!VE SERVICES Mr. Mark McDonald Chief Administrative ()fficer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ()N N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. McDonald: The McGuinty government has unveiled an ambitious health reform plan. I would like to thank you for your continuing effort and co-operation in working with the Emergency Health Services Branch (EHSB) to improve ()ntario's health care system. The success of the reform plan is dependent on the enhancement of resources to strengthen care in-the community to relieve pressure on hospitals and improve health outcomes. To this end, the ministry has approved funding for 2007-08 to assist with the implementation of mobile computers and Global Positioning System (GPS)/Automatic Vehicle Locator (A VL) hardware in emergency medical service vehicles to provide digital mapping technology. Your organization's share of the 2007-08 funding is as follows: . ()ne-time funding of up to: Base funding of up to: $2,296 $505 . Please forward your invoice to EHSB (attention Tony Loreto) in order to process the funding adjustment. I would like to take this opportunity again to convey my sincere appreciation for the considerable contributions all members of your organization make in the provision of health services in your communities. Sincerely, ~f)- ~ Malcolm Bates Director Emergency Health Services Branch c: Norm Gamble, Chair, South West LHIN Lynn Acre, Warden ~ TORONTO Steve Whitter, Director, Transfer, Processing & Disposal Operations Richard Butts, Deputy City Manager Solid Waste Management Services Metro Hall, 19th Floor 55 John Street Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C6 Tel: 416-392-4687 Fax: 416-397-1348 E-Mail: swhitter@city.toronto.on.ca August 16, 2007 Warden Lynn Acre 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ()ntario N5R 5V1 Faxed & Mailed: 519-633-7661 ~ E elVED Dear Warden Acre: AUG 2 3 2001 Re: Green Lane Landfill- Ebdn County Municipalities CCiUN~ V OF ELGIN ADMINISTRAT!VE SERVICES Further to your letter of July 26, 2007 to Mayor Miller and my subsequent conversation with Mr. Mark McDonald of Elgin County, I am writing to confirm that conversation and provide some additional information. Although the City of Toronto is happy to cooperate with Elgin County municipalities, most of the current agreements related to transportation and disposal at the landfill are with Green Lane Environmental Group Limited Partnership and St. Thomas Sanitary Collection Service Limited Partnership (the "Vendor"). The City has entered into a Disposal Agreement with the Vendor which requires the City to provide disposal capacity to honour those existing agreements between the Vendor and the individual municipalities. Weare not therefore in a position to enter into new agreements with those municipalities until the current agreements expire. We understand that Malahide, Central Elgin and Bayham currently have no formal agreements, so we could discuss possible disposal 'agreements with those municipalities. Just as a point of information, the amended Certificate of Approval was issued on July 5,2007. Condition 20 continues the priority given to the Counties of Elgin and Middlesex (excluding London) as previously provided under the 1999 certificate. Please contact me directly if you wish to meet or if you require further information. Yours truly, .~( ...~,~ Steve Whitter, Director Transfer, Processing and Disposal SW/fp ~Ai ED 10: WA-,f..JH-'-' ,1-c.Lf.- I' . . Itv61t 7Homtlt S' , ml.l/ll,o P.M.- c.14..0. .$ -2- Cc: Mayor David Miller Richard Butts, Deputy City Manager GeoffRathbone, General Manager Anne Hiscock, Environmental Manager Grace Patterson, Solicitor Lou Ciardullo, Manager, Landfill Management (c\2007\SW\Elgin County) ~'~~"''''''' . "\ ~ --~\ Federation of ONTARIO PUBLIC LIBRARIES d~~ r~ l?''l\<O ~ f',p'" ~1 \'A TJ w:.'$<> I!;~~. r!in~ ~P"' ,( t-.,,, tl ~ "i it,,"", ~ '>< rr-l1 ~~';':i! \~~J;:; ~(~~~ t{ ~,~r rl:.;~:~ t t{:.~ August 22, 2007 AUG 2 7 2007 (;(ilE\(fV' .{jF t~Lf~!i.~ Mayor Lynn Acre Municipality of Bayham 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ()N N 5R 5V 1 ;\D~~Il\l'I~T'Ji\'rjlli: c..~rW!I"~Q i'i m,/'i 0 hnl.'\!l<d.H;,;n\l ..""."" Dear Mayor Lynn Acre: Telling Our Stories/Racontons nos histories is the compilation of compelling, true, and life altering events in the lives of Ontario residents, who benefited from their local public library. These stories were chosen from more than 700 entries, by 15,000 Ontario residents who read the stories and then voted on-line. The stories tell of experiences, challenges, illness, hardship, and the power within us to overcome personal adversity, re-making it into opportunity. The Federation of ()ntario Public Libraries announced the winners of the contest at a reception in early February and the launch of this publication took place mid-August at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's Conference. By early September, copies will be in the hands of all Ontario Mayors, MPP's, MP's, the Premier, and the Prime Minister. Founded in 2005, The Federation represents public library boards in ()ntario with "()ne Voice". Governed by a 23-member Volunteer Board elected from local library boards across Ontario, the organization focuses on Advocacy, Research, Marketing and Consortia Purchasing. For more information about the Federation, please visit our web site at www.fopl.ca. Telling Our Stories/Racontons nos histoires was made possible through the generous support of our 170 member public libraries; our partnerships with TVOntario, TF(), the Library Service Centre, 3M Canada, Counting Opinions, Library Bound, Libraries in Transition, Ontario Library Association, Whitehots, and Impulse Solutions; as well as through the tireless work of all our volunteers. Please join with us in celebrating the stories of Ontarians, and the life-changing impact of public libraries. Jane Horrocks Chair, Federation of Ontario Public Libraries Federation of Ontario Public Libraries c/o North York Central Library / 5120 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M2N 5N9 / T 4163955638 / F 4163950743 / E fopl@fopl.ca / www.fopl.ca II A Home For A Lifetime :The Port Stanley Public Library By RtUpIv c,Lover oj Port StaJdey "If minds are truly alive they will seek out books, for books are the human race recounting its memorable experiences, confronting its problems, searching for solutions, drawing the blueprints of its future." - Harry A. Overstreet. I remember the days, many years ago, when my beautiful wife would walk my daughter to the Port Stanley Public Library every evening. In a world before television and the Internet, the library offered a world of adventure for my daughter to explore. The library is an invaluable resource, a centre for learning, and it was there that my daughter learned how to read. The passion for learning that she acquired from the library thrived throughout her childhood in Port Stanley. Eventually she graduated from university at the top of her class, and today she is a professor at King's College in London, Ontario. She attributes her success to the memorable nights she spent reading and learning with her mother, all those years ago. My daughter, however, is not the only member of my family who has benefited from the library. The library grows on you; all of a sudden you find yourself developing a love for it, and it has a love for you. This is how I feel about the Port Stanley Public Library. As I sit here in this library, thinking about the past eighty-seven years, I am thankful for the countless gifts this library has blessed me with throughout my life. I have lived in this wonderful town long enough to witness the building of two of its greatest assets: its first library, and its second library. Moreover, the library is a rich part of my family history, as my father built the park outside of the current structure. Recently, my wife of sixty-three years passed away. I recall our nightly routines reading to each other in bed, discussing books, and planning out next trip to the library. Together we explored fantastical worlds, solved mysteries, experienced history, and fell in love allover again. She was my fairy tale princess. When my wife died I lost my best friend, but I have not lost the memory of the experi- ences we shared. As a second home throughout my life, I continue to turn to the library for comfort. Emily, the library supervisor, helps people both in and outside of the library. Her personality is uplifting, offering a homelike setting to the library, where I truly feel welcome. This place is going to grow on you just as it has grown on me. As I think about the future, one thing strikes me as certain: age does not matter, as long as I can read. There is nothing else that I have been able to participate in throughout my lifetime. As long as there is life in my body, I know that the Port Stanley Public Library will be there for me too. 24 Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministere de I' Agriculture, . de l'Alimentation et des Affaires rurales Office of the Minister 77 Grenville Street, 11th Floor Toronto, Ontario M7A 1B3 Tel: (416) 326-3074 Fax: (416) 326-3083 Bureau de la ministre 77, rue Grenville, 11 e etage Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1B3 Tel.: (416) 326-3074 Telec.: (416) 326-3083 ~ ~ Ontario AUG 2 3 2087 RECEIVED Ms. Lynn Acre Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl AUG 2 7 2001 COUNTY OF ELGIN AOMJN1STRA I!VE SERVICES Dear Warden Acre: I am pleased to confirm that your municipality's project has been approved for funding under Rural Connections...The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program. The province will contribute up to $286,667 based on eligible project costs estimated at $860,000. This funding is subject to the execution by the recipient and the ministry of the Rural Connections Funding Agreement. The Rural Connections program is a one-time, $lO-million initiative designed to reduce broadband infrastructure gaps in southern Ontario. It is just one of a number of community and economic development tools and programs that are part of the government's plan to improve municipal fiscal sustainability and infrastructure, grow prosperous rural communities, and create a strong social climate. I am pleased that your Rural Connections project will assist in bringing affordable broadband service to your municipality's unserviced communities. Ontario's success depends on building strong communities, a robust economy and a healthy environment. Projects like yours will help us to attain these objectives. Sincerely, ~;Q~+ Leona Dombrowsky Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry Headquarters: 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 Bureau principal du ministere: 1 Stone Road West, Guelph (Ontario) N1G 4Y2 Pick Ontario Freshness 0 ~ << Cueillez la fraTcheur de l'Ontario ~8; Page 1 of2 I&Attachments can contain viruses that may harm your computer. Attachments may not display correctly. Donna Butcher From: To: Cc: Subject: FW:OANHSS Alert - LTC Announcements I~~ Attachments: i.J Jill'>' 30 - MOHLTC Release - LTC FOOd Allowance.pdf(34KB) Mark McDonald Donna Butcher Sent: Wed 08/08/2007 11:16 AM Donna, please place attachment notice on council agenda as fyi From: Rhonda Roberts Sent: Mon 7/30/2007 4: 13 PM To: Mark McDonald; Management Team Subject: FW:OANHSS Alert - LTC Announcements Incredible. Good news for Dietary. Am anxious to hear results of tomorrow's announcement. Rhonda L. Beech-Roberts Director of Senior Services County of Elgin-Terrace Lodge Phone: (519) 773-9205 Ext. 222 Fax: (519) 765-2627 From: Rose Pace [mailto:rpace@oanhss.org] Sent: Mon 7/30/2007 4:07 PM To: Rhonda Roberts Subject: OANHSS Alert - LTC Announcements OANHSS Alert - July 30,2007 LTC Announcements We were contacted over the weekend by staff in Minister Smitherman's office regarding two announcements related to long term care. The first, announced this afternoon, is an increase in the food allowance from $5.57 to $7.00 effective September 1. This news was already leaked in media reports last night and earlier today. It has also been somewhat dampened by Moira Welsh's article that ran today in the Toronto Star (it was also picked up by other media outlets) criticizing Smitherman for the lack of progress in his "revolution" to improve care in homes. OANHSS is quoted in the article. Regardless, the increased funding for food is certainly great news for our sector. The Ministry's release is attached. Links to the media articles are pasted below. The second, expected tomorrow, is a capital funding program for Band C homes. We have been asked to attend the announcement in Belleville. We understand that many of the details still have to go through Cabinet so there may not be much "meat" in tomorrow's news but we will share information as it becomes available. Donna A. Rubin CEO drubin@oanhss.or9 https://mail.elgin-county.on.ca/ exchange/ dbutcher/Inbox/FW: %200ANHSS %20Alert%2... 13/0812007 Page 2 of2 Ljb~LaJs to boost nYJlimg_h2ffiJtallowance Toronto Star, July 29,2007 Eldercare pro-Dlise falter:ing Toronto Star, July 30,2007 "This electronic communication is from the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors. It is for the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information, by persons or entities other than the intended recipient, is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your computer. This message has been scanned by l-astSpam eMail security service. This email may contain confidential information. If you are not one of the intended recipients, if you receive this email or if it is forwarded to you without the express authorization of The County of Elgin, please destroy this email and contact us immediately. This email may contain confidential information. If you are not one of the intended recipients, if you receive this email or if it is forwarded to you without the express authorization of The County of Elgin, please destroy this em ail and contact us immediately. https://mail.elgin-county.on.ca/ exchange/ dbutcher/InboxlFW: %20()ANHSS %20Alert%2... 13/0812007 MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT NO: 07/045 200 University Ave, Suite 801 Toronto, ON M5H 3C6 Tel.: (416) 971-98561 Fax: (416) 971-6191 E-mail: amo@amo.on.ca Association of Municipalities of Ontario To the attention of the Clerk and Council August 29, 2007 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Rosborough, AMO Director of Policy (416) 971-9856 ext 318 Province Amends Regulations to Implement $935 million Ontario Drug Benefit and ODSP Upload Issue: Amendments have been made to regulations under the Ontario Works Act and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Act to implement the upload of ()ntario Drug Benefit costs associated with both programs effective January 1, 2008, and the phased implementation of the upload of ()DSP administration and benefits by 2011. Background: The planned upload of $935 million in ()ntario Drug Benefit and ()DSP costs announced by the Premier at the 2007 AM() Conference is now law. The amendments to regulations for the Ontario Works Act and the ODSP Act are linked to this Alert. According to the regulations: · municipalities will no longer be required to cost share Drug Benefits for people on social assistance (Ontario Works and ()DSP) effective January 1, 2008; . municipalities will no longer be required to cost share (currently 50%) the cost of administering the provincially delivered ODSP program effective January 1, 2009; · municipal cost sharing for ()DSP benefits (financial assistance) will be reduced from 20% to 10% effective January 1,2010; and · Municipal cost sharing for ()DSP benefits will be eliminated entirely on January 1, 2011. AM() considers this announcement and the amendments to regulations to be important milestones in the ongoing Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review. The Review is to result in a consensus-based report on further adjustments to the fiscal framework in February 2008. The report will include recommendations related to funding and service delivery, including the ()ntario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), as part of an overall provincial-municipal fiscal framework. In the meantime, the Province has signalled that ()MPF funding will not be reduced in 2008. In his address to AM() conference delegates, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen said that OMPF funding levels for 2008 would not be reduced as a result of the uploading of ()DB costs. This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.onca. 1-1 Association of Municipalities of Ontario MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT NO: 07/046 200 University Ave, Suite 801 Toronto, ON M5H 3C6 Tel.: (416) 971-98561 Fax: (416) 971-6191 E-mail: amo@amo.on.ca Association of Municipalities of Ontario To the attention of the Clerk and Council August 29, 2007 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Petra Wolfbeiss, AMO Senior Policy Advisor (416) 971-9856 ext 329 Call for Membership on Resource Teams to Support Development of Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 Issue: AMO is seeking volunteers interested in participating in the standard development process under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Resource teams are being assembled to assist AMO representatives on the Built Environment, Employment and Information and Communication Standard Development Committees. Background: The AODA requires the establishment of two streams of standards; common and sector specific that will apply to the private and public sector across the province in an effort to address and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Five broad categories for standard development have been identified: customer service, built environment, employment, information and communications and transportation. To date, one standard, customer service, has been developed and passed into regulation while the transportation standard is currently under public review. Volunteers with knowledge and experience in municipal issues related to the built environment, information and communications and employment are being sought to provide support to members participating on the committees. Members will work with AMO standard development committee participants to examine proposed components of standards as they are being developed with consideration given to municipal fiscal capacity in achieving the principles and objectives of the AODA and the goals of proposed standards. The role of the resource teams will include a holistic examination of all standards as related to harmonization and interdependency of standards across existing legislated requirements and standards. Some considerations will include; definitions of standards, consideration of Ontario best practices in relation to proposed standards, compliance dates, terms of terminology, definitions and presentation for all standards balanced against the need to consider the cumulative financial impact and the municipal capacity to implement all standards across the AODA. While AMO continues to support the principles of the AODA and remains committed to helping build a fully accessible Ontario, we are concerned that the current standard development process will in fact result in local service reductions, fiscal restraints and ultimately impede achieving the principles and goals of the AODA. We are hopeful that a coordinated municipal approach as supported by resource teams, will help to mitigate the impacts of unintended perverse outcomes of this important piece of legislation that to date remains without committed, sustained provincial funding. Action: Please contact Petra Wolfbeiss, Senior Policy Advisor, AMO at 416.971.9856 ext. 329 or at pwolfbeiss@amo.on.ca by September 14, 2007. 1-1 Association of Municipalities of Ontario COUNTY OF ELGIN By-Law No. 07-22 "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. 07-06" WHEREAS Section 391 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, states that a municipality and a local board may pass by-laws imposing fees or charges on persons for services or activities provided or done for persons; and, WHEREAS the Corporation of the County of Elgin did pass By-Law No. 07-06 imposing fees or charges on services or activities provided to persons; and, WHEREAS the Corporation of the County of Elgin has deemed it advisable to amend the fees and charges applicable to some of its services or activities. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin enacts as follows: 1. THAT Schedule "An attached hereto and forming part of this by-law setting out services and activities which are subject to fees and charges and the amount of such fees or charges be and is hereby adopted. 2. THAT By-Law No. 07-06 be and is hereby repealed. 3. THAT this by-law shall come into force and take effect on September 17, 2007. READ a first and second time this 11th day of September 2007. READ a third time and finally passed this 11 th day of September 2007. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Lynn Acre, Warden. -2- SCHEDULE "A" By-Law No. 07-22 The Corporation of the County of Elgin has deemed it advisable to provide activities and services that are subject to fees and charges. The following list details such activities and services and the fees and charges that will apply: GENERAL (authority under the Municipal Act) Service Fee Photocopies for the Public throu~hout All County of EI~in Departments Copy charge per printed page $0.25 per printed side CULTURAL SERVICES - Archives (authority under the Municipal Act) Service Fee Scannin~ Document scanning Recordable CD $5.00 each $2.50 Microfilm Reader-Printer Letter/Legal 11x17 Lonq-Distance Research $0.50/page $0.75/page $40.00/hour Photoqraph Prints 4x5 5x7 8 x10 11 x 14 Larger Sizes Digital reprints (up to 8 x 10) 35 mm slide $12.00 ($6.00 for each additional print) $15.00 ($8.00 for each additional print) $20.00 ($10.00 for each additional print) $30.00 ($20.00 for each additional print) On a case by case basis $10.00 each $15.00 each Supplies Archival sheet protectors Acid-free storage box Newspaper storage box Acid-free file folders Film marking pens $1.00 each $12.00 each $25.00 each $1.00 each $4.00 each CULTURAL SERVICES - County Library (authority under the Public Libraries Act) Service Daily Overdue Fine $0.10 per day $1.00 per day $0.50 per day $0.10 per day $1.00 per day $0.50 per day $0.10 per day Maximum Overdue Fine $7.00 $10.00 $7.00 $5.00 $10.00 $7.00 $3.00 Adult & Juvenile Hardcover Books CD Roms Music CD's Paperbacks Videos/DVD's Audiobooks Ma~azines -3- CULTURAL SERVICES - County Library (continued) Service Fee Fax Machine Sending Local $1.50 Each Additional Page $0.50 Long Distance $2.50 Each Additional Page $1,00 Receiving Per Page $1.00 Interlibrary Loan Canadian Library or University $10.00 plus shipping (if they charge) U.S. Library or University $15.00 plus shipping (if they charge) Internet Printing Black & White $0.25 Colour $0.60 Diskette Purchase $1.25 Recordable CD $2.50 Lost or Damaged Materials All Material Types Actual Cost plus $5,00 Processing If actual cost is unknown, the following rates are charged: VideoslDVD's $20.00 Audio Books $35.00 Cassettes $12.00 CD-ROMs $30.00 Hardcover $30.00 Magazines $5.00 Microfilms $30.00 Music CDs $20.00 Paperbacks $10.00 Scanning Per Page $1.00 CULTURAL SERVICES - Elgin County Museum (authority under the Municipal Act) Service Fee Admission Donation Basis Membership $5.00 Annual $100.00 Lifetime Programs Delivered Adult off-site programs $30.00 plus GST, plus mileage paid at the rate established by the County for use of personal vehicles School tours and children's group tours $1.75 including taxes per child Chaperones are no charge School programs offered in-school including rented teacher's kit $3.00 including taxes per child. Note: Fees for programs delivered by the Museum may vary according to the program -4- ENGINEERING SERVICES Service Fee County Road Maps (authority under the Municipal Act) $3.00 each MeetinQ Room Rental Rates (authority under the Municipal Act) For use of meeting rooms in the County Administration Building by outside groups: Lunchroom Committee Rooms/Lounge $53.00 ($50.00 + $3.00 GST) $42.40 ($40.00 + $2.40 GST) Oversize/Overweiqht MovinQ Permit (authority under the HiQhway Traffic Act) Permit for moving heavy vehicles, loads, objects or structures in excess of dimensional and weight limits set out in the Highway Traffic Act: Single Move Fee Single Move Fee $200.00 (if action is requested with greater than 5 business days' notice) $400.00 (if action is requested with less than 5 business days' notice) Annual Fee $500.00 Road Occupancy Permit (authority under Public HiQhway & Transportation Improvement Act) To regulate the construction or alteration of $200.00 (if action is requested with greater any entranceway, private road or other facility than 5 business days' notice) that permits access to County Roads $400.00 (if action is requested with less than 5 business days' notice) Tender Documents (authority under the Municipal Act) $50.00 Private Infrastructure Encroachment AQreements - IncludinQ Restoration Expenses (authority under the Municipal Act) Cost Recovery Basis - may be added to the property tax roll for collection, on behalf of the County, by a local municipality LONG-TERM CARE HOMES (authority under the Homes for the AQed Act) Service Fee Adult Day ProQrams $13.00 per day (Activity, Meal) $16.00 per day (Activity, Meal, Transportation) $18.00 per day (Activity, Meal, Transportation, Bath) $20.00 per day (Activity, Meal, Transportation, Bath, Hand Waxing for Arthritic pain) Note: If an Adult Day Program is cancelled with less than 72 hours advance notice, the applicable fee will be charged for cost recovery. LONG-TERM CARE HOMES (continued) Service Meals on Wheels for Community Clients Foot Care ThrouQh VON Visitor Meals at all Homes Full Course Meals Special Event Meals Diners Club for Community Seniors Barber/Hairdresser at all Homes Hair Cut Wash and Set Wash, Cut and Set Permanent Wave Cable TV Elgin Manor Terrace Lodge Bobier Villa Medication not Covered by Health Card 65 and Non-Prescription DruQs Newspaper Resident fees at all Homes Note: Residents may apply for a rate reduction based on annual income Transportation/Accompaniment of Staff Valet (mending of clothing) -5- Fee $6.50 per meal, at Elgin Manor (VaN) $6.50 per meal at Terrace Lodge (VaN) $6.00 per meal at Bobier Villa (WECHC) ($6.00 per meal is retained by the Home for cost recovery) Market Rate, as established by VaN Beginning 2007 - $7.00 per meal Beginning 2008 - $8.00 per meal Under the age of 5 years no charge Beginning April 1, 2007 - $12.00 per meal Beginning April 1, 2008 - $14.00 per meal Under the age of 5 years no charge Beginning April 1 , 2007 - $5.00? Beginning April 1 , 2008 - $6.00? $10.00 $12.00 $20.00 $40.00 Market Rate $11.50 per month Market Rate Cost of drug plus $2.00 ODB co-payment Market Rate Resident Fees are charged in accordance with the rates set by the Province of Ontario, which may change from time to time. Market transportation rate, plus, if accompanied by staff, the employee's hourly rate of pay times the length of absence from the workplace, plus benefits if applicable $6.00 per month Late payment of County Levy FINANCIAL SERVICES (authority under the Municipal Act 15% per year (Le. installment due on the 15th and not received until the 16th, one day of interest would be charged) -6- HUMAN RESOURCES (authority under the Municipal Act Service Fee Identification BadQe Photo Family and Children's Services Loss of Employee Identification Badge $10.00 per photo $5.00 per photo County Sponsored Training Programs Participation by Public Partners Cost Recovery Basis LAND DIVISION (authority under the Planning Act) Service Fee Application for Consent Application for Validation Certificate Stamping Deed $750.00 $750.00 $250.00 If an Application for ConsenWalidation is: (i) withdrawn at least fourteen (14) days prior to the hearing date $50,00 will be retained. If amended at least fourteen (14) days prior to the hearing date, an additional $50.00 will be charged. (ii) withdrawn after the time limit set in (i), the entire fee will be retained. If amended after the time limit set in (i), an additional $50.00 will be charged. (iii) requested to be reconsidered once consent has been granted, in order to alter the original decision in a minor way, it will be treated as if it were a new application, and a fee of $50.00 must accompany the letter explaining the reason for the change. (iv) requested to be deferred from having action taken on it, by the applicant, in writing, whether after or before a hearing date has been set, a fee of $100.00 must accompany the request for deferral. PROVINCIAL OFFENCES (authority under the Provincial Offences Act) Service Fee Transcripts $3.20 per page for first copy $0.55 per page for additional copies NSF Cheques $35.00 per incident Certified Copies $3.50 per certification Note: Not applicable to Judiciary, Crown, or Prosecution COUNTY OF ELGIN By-Law No. 07-23 "A BY-LAW TO AMEND BY-LAW NO. 98-34, AS AMENDED, BEING A BY-LAW TO PROVIDE A PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE CHARITIES" WHEREAS Section 361 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, provides that the Council of each municipality, other than a lower-tier municipality, shall have a tax rebate program for eligible charities for the purposes of giving them relief from taxes or amounts paid on account of taxes on eligible property they occupy; and WHEREAS By-Law No. 98-34 was passed by the Council in this regard; and WHEREAS By-Law No. 98-34 was amended by By-Law No. 04-22 to provide for a tax rebate program for Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion effective January 1, 2005. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin enacts as follows: 1. THAT Subsection 1 of By-Law No. 98-34 be and is hereby further amended by adding: d) "Taxes", for the purpose of charitable rebates, includes charges as set out under Section 208 of the Municipal Act and satisfies the conditions as set out in Section 361 (12) of the Municipal Act. Charges under Section 208 are charges imposed for business improvement areas (BIA's). 3. THAT this By-Law becomes effective upon its passing. READ a first and second time this 11th day of September 2007. READ a third time and finally passed this 11th day of September 2007. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Lynn Acre, Warden. COUNTY OF ELGIN By-Law No. 07-24 "BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY OF ELGIN TO ENTER A FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF ONTARIO, AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS, RESPECTING THE RURAL CONNECTIONS...THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL RURAL BROADBAND PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM" WHEREAS the Corporation of the County of Elgin has applied for and was granted funding towards building a reliable telecommunications system to reduce broadband infrastructure gaps in its unserviced rural communities under Rural Connections.. .The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program; and WHEREAS the Corporation of the County of Elgin deems it expedient to enter into a funding agreement with Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Minister of Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs, in connection with Rural Connections... The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin enacts as follows: 1. THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer are hereby authorized to sign a funding agreement, under certain terms and conditions, between the County of Elgin and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Minister of Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs, in connection with Rural Connections... The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program, READ a first and second time this 11th day of September 2007. READ a third time and finally passed this 11 th day of September 2007. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Lynn Acre, Warden. IN-CAMERA AGENDA SEPTEMBER 11. 2007 Committee Report: (VERBAL) 1) Chairman John R. Wilson - Property Matter from Ambulance Building Committee Staff Reports: (ATTACHED) 1) Director of Financial Services - CONFIDENTIAL - Collections Vacancy Correspondence: (ATTACHED) 1) Hennessey Gibson Hogan - confidential advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege re: Coroner's Inquest Administrative Services Department Administration Building 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1 Phone: (519) 631-1460 Ext. 156 Fax: (519) 633-7661 County of Elgin www.elgin-county.on.ca Fax Additional Items for Council Agenda of September 11, 2007 Date: Pages: CC: Mark G. McDonald mmcdonald@elgin-county.on.ca September 7,2007 10 including cover sheet Fax: Phone: Re: Warden Acre and County Councillors Call Group #'s From: To: Comments: Reports 1. Councillor Dave Mennill and Councillor Tom Marks - Warden's Banquet 2. Mark McDonald, CAG - Health Recruitment Professional- A Community Partnership Correspondence - Item for Information: 1. Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London requesting that the Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Transportation review the County's request for a separate egress at Terrace Lodge for a new ambulance base. THE INFORMATION IN THIS FACSIMILE IS FOR THE NAMED RECIPIENT ONLY. IT MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, OR THERE ARE PROBLEMS IN TRANSMISSION, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY TELEPHONE. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Councillor Dave Mennill Councillor Tom Marks DATE: September 5, 2007 SUBJECT: WARDEN'S BANQUET Introduction: Council policy is to arrange appropriate recognition annually for the Elgin County Warden and that the Social/Entertainment Committee plans the programme. Discussion: The date for the Warden's Banquet has been set for Friday, November 2, 2007 and St. Anne's Centre has been booked. Prices for the meal and other aspects of the Banquet have been requested, which are shown on the attached spreadsheet. Recommendation: THAT the annual Warden's Banquet be held at St. Anne's Centre, on Friday, November 2, 2007, with the social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the Banquet commencing at 6:30 p.m.; and, THAT all other costs and items be.approved as detailed on the attached spreadsheet; and, THAT the charge for each purchased ticket be set at $20.00, to cover the cost of the meal, taxes and gratuities; and further, THAT County Councillors and Officials dress in standard Council attire. ALL of which is respectfully submitted Councillor Dave Mennill Councillor Tom Marks '.--1 roi 'Ii 1=' lCO i>. !~ [WI I~i ! . - i CI) i Ie !JJ I I ctl' ~' iL..i ~ I 1<.9' ~ .~ ~ I~I ~ I "I i , ! r-:_I__i__L~_I~L_J_J___L L' "r ,I CO "~reo leo '"i-N1"-N-,,iro- 0 1'<:1'" IN IN IN N IN 1'<:1'" IN leo ieo I..... iN IN iNIN I ' r.: I 1- iN ....." ',' 'N' ,i I" ""~ I I I , ' ..... ........, ~i . : I :\,'.1, I ' : ! ;:) I ,~Ii I;' I I' I :;;:1 I I I I I I I ~h-t-j-L '_I ~, ' ,-1 ,_, ~I I I 12 'Ei i 'ei 'el . 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O>I.!: i 0 ::J: e :0 , :oiOiO 0:: IWir-:,0 ~'<(r-: Cl W ~ ,:1: i= C/) w o o r-:I'",,6 UJO o'eo UW 00 qq '00 W 0 , (j) W en Q) :0 ctl - !r--.I iQ! iN !> ,0, Z e '0 Q) e .~ '~ , .!: :s: -0 e ,ctl !-o IQ) , L.. !\f- o .!: 'u 'ctl IQ) l~ '- ,0 ..0 '..... ,~i :c! ; Q) , 101 i~i :;g i ! ::JI lEI lEi 10! iO! : en I '-a> ! lE' ,<( I e'(j) i 210.. I=I~ I :s: I a. i_en '0 I Q)lo ,elN i C!--- i<( I en I " Q) iU5!:!S i i$ ie '0 'Q) ,e :~ :U5 i I/)! -' Q); .l.C, (,) ~ "b' ~ L() 0 0 0 0 0 0 I.C) 0 l'- 0 0 0 0 0 0 r--; C! (") 0 0 l{) 0 0 0 00 0 (") "<t 0 "<t l'- 0 N 0 <0 0 N ff7 ff7 "<t ff7 L() ..... 0 (") ff7 ff7 ff7 r.rS ,..: ff7 ~ ~ "'0 Q) > L- Q)......... en en Q) I Q) . -0 .B C Q)2 -ern Q)- en Q) en'~ Q)() "'O~ --0 en .- =(\J 0'0.. L- - Q) "'0'"'0 (\J::J ro,U en'.s -! +-' Co ~C (),en :C,Q) ",0 '-' '"'0 ...: Q) Q) .0 - en (\J o L- ......... .r::. () (\J Q)' L() , l'- CO, ...-- e C C Q) "'0 , "00 >- (\J 5 .!!! III .Ql ~ ~ Ql ~ o Li: ~ Ql .le I,,) i::: Cd CI) Ql E E e lJ) e a.. CI) Ql CI) =:3 o Q.. CI) Cd CI) t: ~ ... ~ lJ) t: ~ "iij $ ... .E ,!!.! \j.;; (5 ~ III t: ~ 1:) t: III t: Ql Ql =:3 CI) () t: Ql o ~ ~ Ql .s e-Ql- .... 1,,)' CI) ~ mill <..)(~~ t: ... CI) o ~ ~ CI) 0 Ql .g><:50 ~ ~-g .let: Ill, I,,) . "e . CI) III . ..... t: "'")CI)~ t: t: lo;, ~ ~~, ... ... ::s. ~ ~ g>i ...........~ CI) CI) 'iij ~~$ I Q ~ e Ql - III o .s =:3 g, .le t: III ~ - t: Ql E t: ~ ~ ~ it:: (5 .CI) t: ~ lo;, ~ .le o o en - CI) Ql =:3 ~ ~ ~ I,,) i::: ... Ql .S- a.. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. DATE: September 6, 2007 SUBJECT: Health Recruitment Professional - A Community Partnership Corporate Goals Referenced: 1. To promote Elgin as ''The Place to Live". 2. To forge community partnerships. 3. To provide innovative and collaborative quality service. 4. To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement. Introduction: As Council is aware, the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer have attended meetings with representatives of the City of St. Thomas, the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital and the Home Builder's Association in an effort to establish a community-based medical recruitment partnership. The elements of a partnership have been assembled for council's consideration. Discussion: The attached brief outlines the essential ingredients of the proposal, including governance, term of agreement, budget allocation and contribution levels. In addition, a letter from the hospital President and C.E.O. is attached concerning the location of the health professional recruiter's office. The County's contribution level for the balance of 2007 is estimated at $14,500. It is suggested that the Millrate Stabilization Reserve be accessed for these funds and that the balance be included in the 2008 operating budget. Conclusion: A medical recruitment professional is an essential component of a community's health and well-being. A partnership consisting of municipal, hospital and development community representatives is being proposed. Recommendation: THAT, subject to agreement of the various parties, the proposal for a two-year partnership agreement for the establishment of a health recruitment professional as outlined in the attached brief be approved for implementation; and, 2 THAT the County's initial contribution estimated at $14,500 for 2007 be allocated from the Millrate Stabilization Reserve. ALL of which is respectfully submitted, " ST. THOMAS - ELGIN MEDICAL RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL The need to attract medical professionals, especially family physicians, for the S1. Thomas / Elgin area is an ongoing concern. In the past recruitment efforts have been undertaken in a variety of forms including direct recruitment efforts through the hospital, part-time efforts by individuals such as Dr. Don Lawrence and a host oflocalized efforts across the County particularly in East and West Elgin. Through some analysis medical staff at the hospital have observed the fact that a significant percentage of patients using the emergency services at the hospital are orphans in terms of not having a family doctor. Further, it is estimated that 14 family doctors are required to meet the needs of the S1. Thomas - Elgin County area. To add urgency to this matter, the pending retirement of existing family doctors within the County is on the horizon which would leave thousands more without a doctor. To develop and implement a strategic plan aimed at recruiting medical practitioners a partnership is being proposed with the City of S1. Thomas, the County of Elgin and the S1. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. The cornerstone of this recruitment process with be the retention of a recruitment officer. In addition, as the provision of family physicians is an important quality oflife issue to attract families, business and industry to the S1. Thomas / Elgin County area a direct vested interest for the development community to participate in the recruitment process is being encouraged. Financial participation and representation from the development community is being recommended for this effort. The importance of having a dedicated recruitment officer will provide the vehicle for specific activities to be undertake to generate interest in the area including the Provinces annual health recruitment tour, the summer student camp, liaison with the medical school at the University of Western Ontario and most importantly, building positive relationships with prospective medical professional who show an interest in the area. KEY CONSIDERA TION That the City ofS1. Thomas, the County of Elgin the S1. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and the development community implement a coordinated medical recruitment effort for the S1. Thomas- Elgin County area. GOVERNANCE That the Mayor of S1. Thomas, Elgin County's Warden, a Board member of the hospital and a member of the development community form a Committee mandated with the task of coordinating a health recruitment process. IMMEDIATE TASKS 1. Approval to establish the partnership. 2. Commitment to a budget allocation for an initial two vear veriod. 3. Hire a recruitment officer 4. Develop two year strategic plan 5. Recruitment to be aimed at a variety of health professionals required within the S1. Thomas / Elgin County area. APPROXIMATE ANNUAL BUDGET Approximate salary for recruitment officer Administrative / travel expenses Recruitment incentives* $65,000 annually $15,000 annually $50,000 annually $130,000 annual In addition to the costs identified, there may be a need to provide some administrative support. * Specific recruitment incentives will be defined by the Recruitment Board but could include areas such as turn key office space, assistance in repaying students loans, provision of office medical equipment, short term housing accommodations. PROPOSED BUDGET ALLOCA TION City of St. Thomas County of Elgin Development Community $48,000 (40% of municipal contribution) $72,000 (60% of municipal contribution) $10,000* (lump sum payments at beginning of each of the two years) Total $130,000 * In addition to a financial contribution, the local Development Community is considering a proposal which would see the provision of a house for a doctor for a two or three year period as part of the incentive to recruit to the area. BUDGET REQUIREMENT OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2007 Staffing Administrative / travel expenses $16,250 $ 7,500 Subtotal $23,750 Recruitment incentives $10,000 (Supported by the Development Community) Total $33,750 City ofSt. Thomas County of Elgin Development Community $ 9,500 $14,250 $10,000 $33,750 HEALTH RECR UIT OFFICE LOCA TION Once established the Recruitment Board will have to define the office location for the Health Recruiter. While there was some initial discussion about it being located at the hospital, recent information from the Paul Collins, Hospital President, suggests that space may not be available. Revised Sept. 5,2007 St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital :'A'-:'''~~ -/7- 189 Elm Street PO Box 2007 51. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3W2 Phone: (519) 631-2020 Fax: (519) 631-8080 www.stegh.on.ca Our vision is to be the Best Community Hospital in OntarIo '---.../ 30 August 2007 C/tyofSt Th Recelve~mas SEP 0 5 2007 City C'er~'5 Dept. Mr. Wendell Graves City Clerk City of St. Thomas P.O. Box 520 St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Re: Physician Recruitment Steering Committee Dear Wendell, .~. It is very gratifying to know that the City of St. Thomas and the County of Elgin are beginning to work jointly on a strategy to address the very important issue of physician recruitment for our community. As you know, our hospital is very supportive of a community approach to this issue. It has recently come to my attention that consideration has been given to positioning a 'physician recruiter' in office space at the hospital. I am afraid this would be very difficult as we barely have office space to accommodate our existing staff. I would encourage the county and city to find alternative office space for this position if it is available. I am happy t discuss this further if you wish to contact me. , Since el~. I \ Paul 60llins President and CEO ~ PC:ls Copy: Physician Recruitment Steering Committee Dr. L Teeple . File Phone It Phone It bs3,.7C;JfJ! Fax It ~ ......... Ontario Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin - Middlesex - London September 4, 2007 Honourable Donna Cansfield Minister of Transportation Ferguson Block, 3rd Floor 77 Wellesley Street West Toronto, ON M7A lZ8 Dear Minister: Please find enclosed an information package given to me by County of Elgin officials during a recent meeting that was held to discuss their concerns in more detail. As you will read from the materials, County of Elgin has requested a separate egress at Terrace Lodge for a proposed new ambulance base that would serve the Town of Aylmer and the East Elgin area. I have visited the site myself to better understand the nature of the County's request. It appears the proposed exit to the site is already accessible to traffic. I understand that the existing entrance to the site would remain as is and the proposed egress would only be used for exiting ambulances on a limited daily basis, perhaps five times a day. A transportation analysis has been done (also enclosed) which points to the necessity for a separate exit for ambulances to meet Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for response. Minister, I am supportive of the County of Elgin's request for a separate egress at Terrace Lodge for the proposed ambulance service. I would appreciate your reviewing this matter as soon as possible and responding directly to the County of Elgin. As always, thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ~\k. Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London Cc: County of Elgin Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health & Long-Term Care 542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P lC4 T - (519) 631-0666 Toll free - 1-800-265-7638 F - (519) 631-9478 TTY - (519) 631-9904 E - speters.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org \Vvv\v.stevepeters.conl