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May 13, 2008 MinutesCOUNTY COUNCIL Tuesday, May 13, 2008 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:02 a.m., in accordance with adjournment, with all members present. Warden Hofhuis in the Chair. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT the minutes of the meeting held on April 22, 2008 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None. DELEGATIONS _ Ms. Sandra Datars-Bere, Director of Ontario Works and Social Housing, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, attended at 9:00 a.m. to present a Child Care Special Report on the Fee Subsidy Wait List, and a report on the Employment Innovations Fund. Ms. Datars-Bere advised that more families have become eligible for Child Care funding resulting in a waiting list for subsidized placements. Council requested that Ms. Datars-Bere seek a resolution from the City of St. Thomas Council requesting the Province to provide more funding to diminish the waiting list for subsidized child care spaces. Ms. Datars-Bere reported the Employment Innovations Fund initiative had provided an opportunity to partner with a truck driving school to provide training and some Ontario Works recipients have been placed in truck/cab driving jobs. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT the reports entitled "Child Care Special Report re: Fee Subsidy Wait List" and "Employment Innovations Fund" from the Director of Ontario Works and Social Housing, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, be received and filed. - Carried. Warden Hofhuis thanked the delegation for the presentation and Ms. Datars-Bere left at 9:16 a.m. Ms. Brenda Lammens, Chair, Board of Directors, and Mr. Harold Schooley, Chair, Research Committee, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, attended at 9:17 a.m. to present an outline of the Erie-Agri Food Innovations Initiative and to request financial support for the project. Mr. Schooley spoke to the Association's efforts to promote a regional program to help farmers in a five-county area. Ms. Lammens noted the Initiative would involve hiring a person to find agricultural innovations to commercialize and bring profitability to local farmers. Councillors noted that this is not a SCOR initiative. Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT Elgin County Council supports in principle the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association's Erie-Agri Food Innovations Initiative and a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Steve Peters, M.P.P., and Joe Preston, M.P. - Carried Unanimously. County Council May 13, 2008 Warden Hofhuis thanked the delegation for the presentation and Ms. Lammens and Mr. Schooley left at 10:00 a.m. Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we do now proceed in Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. Reports West Nile Virus Budget 2008 - Director of Financial Services Council noted that this request has come forward after budgets have been finalized. Staff will investigate bringing this request in earlier in the year and before budgets are approved. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the $9681.85 required for the 2008 West Nile Virus activities be drawn from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve. - Carried. Ambulance Performance Update - Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT the report "Ambulance Performance Update" dated April 14, 2008, from the Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator be received and filed. - Carried. Request for County Flag for EMS and County Promotional Items - Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Vowel THAT the Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario (AMEMSO) be provided with one County of Elgin flag to be flown at each annual AMEMSO Conference Gala Awards Banquet; and, THAT a one-time donation of Elgin County pins and pens be approved for distribution to the 2008 AMEMSO Conference registrants and one golf shirt and a sleeve of golf balls as a charity auction item for promotion of Elgin County. - Carried. Agreement with Town of Aylmer for Services to Terrace Lodge Ambulance Base - Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT staff be directed to negotiate an agreement with the Town of Aylmer for connection to the Town's services for the new Terrace Lodge Ambulance Base and the agreement be brought back for Council's approval. - Carried. County Council May 13, 2008 Warden Hofhuis requested an update on the upcoming Emergency Exercise on May 21, 2008, being held in the Council Chambers at the Administration Building. The Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator reviewed the procedure for the daily activities. The Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator further noted the annual "Celebration of Life" was taking place today at the County of Middlesex Building. Community Investment Support Program - Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Services Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report "Community Investment Support Program" dated April 29, 2008, from the Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Services, be received and filed. - Carried. Tender Awards - Manager of Road Infrastructure, Purchasing Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Walmsley Bros. Ltd. be selected to provide Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing, Contract No. 6220-08 at their submitted price of $1,932,512.40 inclusive of all taxes; and, THAT Duncor Enterprises Inc. be selected for the application of Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2, MicroSurfacing Type 3 and FiberMAT Type B, Contract No. 6250-08 at their submitted price of $355,937.40 inclusive of all taxes, exclusive of supply and installation of pavement markings, and that the pavement markings will be supplied and installed by the Township of Southwold as identified in the Tender; and, THAT Royal Fence Limited be selected for the supply and installation of a Guide Rail on County Road 18, Contract 6330-08-01 at their submitted price of $42,105.00 inclusive of all taxes; and also, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an agreement with Walmsley Bros. Ltd. for Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing, Contract No. 6220-08, and Duncor Enterprises Inc. for Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2, Micro Surfacing Type 3 and FiberMAT Type B, Contract No. 6250-08. - Carried. Council took a break at 10:14 and reconvened at 10:35 a.m. The Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator showed a short promotional video regarding the AMEMSO Conference being co-hosted with Middlesex County on September 23-26, 2008. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration Donna A. Rubin, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS), requesting that the OHA provide the OANHSS with the same one-time funding commitment for RN bonuses that applied to the Ontario Nurses' Association. 2. Leslie Drynan, Clerk, Tay Valley Township, with a resolution requesting that the province make infrastructure funding available to municipalities based upon the formulae similar to those developed for the Move Ontario and Municipal Roads and Bridges Fund. County Council 4 May 13, 2008 3. Carolyn Downs, City Clerk, City of Kingston, with a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to approve the Zenn car and other electric automobiles for use on Ontario roads and that every province and territory in Canada be requested to give approval for the Zenn car and other electric automobiles to be sold and used across Canada. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1: The Director of Human Resources noted that support of the funding commitment might set a precedent for ONA bargaining strategies in the future. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the City of Kingston's resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to approve the Zenn car and other electric automobiles for use on Ontario roads and that every province and territory in Canada be requested to give approval for the Zenn car and other electric automobiles to be sold and used across Canada. - Carried. Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 1. A. Opalick, Executive Correspondence Officer, Office of the Prime Minister, acknowledging Council's support of Durham Region's resolution asking the Federal Government to revamp the criteria for Employment Insurance benefits and the resolutions from the City of Owen Sound, the City of Waterloo and the Municipality of North Grenville regarding funding of municipal infrastructure programs. 2. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Members' Advisory, "Largest-Ever Survey on Municipal Issues shows Canadians want Federal Support for Cities and Communities". 3. Craig Carson, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, acknowledging Council's support of the City of Waterloo's resolution for federal funding to establish new regional CBC radio stations. 4. Premier Dalton McGuinty with correspondence: 1) acknowledging Council's resolution regarding COMRIF funding; 2) thanking Council for their recognition of the Province's commitment to municipal infrastructure; 3) acknowledging Council's support of the City of Ottawa's resolution requesting the provincial government pay a proportionate share of MPAC costs related to education property taxes. 5. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Member Communication ALERT, "AMO Report to Members on March 2008 Board Meeting". County Council May 13, 2008 6. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with information concerning the Municipal Eco Challenge Fund for projects that conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 7. R. Millard, CAO/Clerk, Township of Malahide, endorsing the County's resolution respecting the announcement of investment in municipal infrastructure by the Provincial Government. 8. Randy Reid, Deputy Chief, Program Support, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, advising the application for federal funding in fiscal year 2008109 under the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program has been approved for telecommunications project ON-41-032. 9. Marg Emery, Tourism Coordinator, and Alan Smith, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism Services, with a copy of the Executive Summary of the Premier Ranked Tourist Destination Framework Project. 10. Dr. Sharon Baker, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health, with copy of correspondence to Steve Peters, M.P.P., concerning prolonged wait times for admission to long-term care facilities and the need for funding to ensure access to these facilities. 11. Earth Tech Canada Inc., advising that the City of St. Thomas has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment study for the upgrade and expansion of the City of St. Thomas Water Pollution Control Plant. 12. Bruce McCuaig, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transportation, concerning the verdict and recommendations made by the jury into the death of Michael Hipson and the Ministry's response to the recommendations. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #10: Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the Elgin St. Thomas Public Health's position concerning prolonged wait times for admission to long-term care facilities and the need for funding to ensure accessibility to these facilities; and, THAT Community Care Access Corporation (CCAC) be invited to a future Council meeting to discuss placement of non residents in Elgin County Homes for Seniors and Elgin County residents being forced to find placement outside the County; and, THAT staff prepare a brief in consultation with the City of St. Thomas and Elgin St. Thomas Public Health to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care outlining Council's concerns. - Carried Unanimously. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT Correspondence Items #1-9 and 11-12 be received and filed. OTHER BUSINESS - Carried. Statements/Inquiries by Members - Councillor McIntyre spoke to the fax that was sent to Council regarding a team that was running in the Cancer Relay for Life for a staff person who was ill and encouraged Councillors to pledge funds if they have not done so already. Warden Hofhuis reminded Councillors that if they would like to enrol in benefits through the County to contact Human Resources on third floor. County Council 6 May 13, 2008 Notice of Motion - None. Matters of Urgency - None. Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we proceed in a Closed Meeting at 11:12 a.m. in accordance with the Municipal Act Section 240.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, regarding lease negotiations. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT we do now rise at 11:30 a.m. and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a lease with Scott D. Avery (Company) Limited; and, THAT the lease start on June 1, 2008 for a two-year term at a lease payment of $13.75 per square foot for the first year; and $14.00 per square foot for the second year. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Warwick THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. By-Laws Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 08-13 "A By-Law to Execute an Agreement under the Community Investment Support Program (CISP) for Community Projects" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Vowel THAT By-Law No. 08-14 "Being a By-Law to Amend By-Law No. 06-10 Being a By-Law to Establish a Pay Schedule for Employees Covered by the Job Evaluation Scale" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT By-Law No. 08-15 "A By-Law to Confirm Corporation of the County of Elgin at the May 1 third time and finally passed. Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the 3, 2008 Meeting" be read a first, second and - Carried. County Council 7 May 13, 2008 DELEGATION Mr. Bryan Hall, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority General Manager/Secretary Treasurer, attended at 12.05 p.m. to present Mr. David Pullen, the new County Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector. Mr. Hall highlighted Mr. Pullen's qualifications for the position and personal achievements. Warden Hofhuis welcomed Mr. Pullen to the County operations and invited the delegation to lunch with Council. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we do now adjourn at 12:08 p.m. to meet again on May 27, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. - Carried. Mark G. N cDorra , Chief Administrative Officer.