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June 10, 2008 Minutes Ms. Sandra Datars Bere, Director of Ontario Works and Social Housing, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, attended at 9:05 a.m. to present reports on Additional Funding for Rent Bank and a resolution on Child Care Fee Subsidy. Rent Bank funding is available to families who have rent arrears of two months and demonstrate a need for assistance DELEGATIONS continued Carried THAT the report "Budget Comparison - April 30, 2008" dated May 22.2008, from Director of Financial SeNices be received and filed. Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Marks the arison to A ri 30. 2008 - Director Financial Services Carried THAT Elgin St. Thomas Public Health surplus funds in the amount of $69,667.41 credited to the Mill Rate Stabilization ReseNe Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre be Public Health Refund of Sur us - Director of Financial Services REPORTS Carried THAT we do now proceed in Committee Of The Whole Counci Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre None. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF _ Warden Hofhuis presented a certificate and gift to Margaret Lyle to recognize her retirement from Bobier Villa after 29 years of seNice Ms, Lyle in turn, thanked Council for the employment opportunity. DELEGATIONS Carried THAT Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Acre the minutes of the meeting held on May 27, 2008 be adopted Warden Hofhuis In the Chair. The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:01 accordance with adjournment, with all members present. a.m " n Tuesday, June COUNTY COUNCIL 10,2008 Carried THAT the report "Progress on Road Maintenance and Capital Needs Study" dated May 30, 2008, from the Chief Administrative Officer be received and filed Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Acre Pro ress on Road Maintenance & Ca ital Needs Study - Chief Admmistrative Officer Carried THAT the discussion paper "County Planning" from the Chief Administrative Officer be referred to lower-tier councils for a written response by July 11, 2008 for discussion at the July 22, 2008 County Council meeting. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Acre Discussion ensued regarding an appropriate date to discuss County Planning in order to allow the Lower-Tier Councils enough time to review the matter. The report will be referred to lower-tier Councils for a written response to: 1. Are you in favour of establishing a County land use planning function? 2, If yes, then in what form: a) basic County planning seNice as described in the discussion paper or b) comprehensive planning at the County level for both lower and upper-tier (full seNice)? - Chief Admmistrative Officer Carried THAT "Public Access Internet Usage Agreements" no longer be issued for public access to the Internet on County equipment provided that patrons have a signed Library Card or have been issued a guest card. THAT the Elgin County Library's "Internet Station Code of Ethics" be adopted; and, Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Menn Policy & Guidelines" and "Public Access Internet Libra nternet Use Polic continued Updates - Manaaer of Cultura Services REPORTS Warden Hofhuis thanked the delegation for the presentation and Ms. Datars Bere left at 9:12 a.m Carried THAT the report entitled "Child Care Fee Subsidy Resolution" from the Director of Ontario Works and Social Housing, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, be received and filed THAT Elgin County Council support the resolution from the City of St. Thomas requesting the provincial government to provide additional Child Care Fee Subsidy Funding to all families in need; and, Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Acre Ms. Datars Bere indicated that some additional funding has already been the Child Care Fee Subsidy received towards Carried THAT the report entitled "Additional Funding for Rent Bank" from the Director of Ontario Works and Social Housing, St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, be received and filed. Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor Habkirk County Council 2 June 10,2008 Councillor Marks announced the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Annual General Meeting would be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the public. The issue of the long-term care bed shortage in Elgin could be raised at the meeting Carried Unanimously. THAT the Brief to the Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care entitled "The Long-Term Care Bed Shortage in Elgin County and the Unintended Consequences of the 1A Crisis Designation", be approved for submission. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Menni MPP Steve Peters will be requested to set up a meeting with the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care on the County's behalf to discuss this issue. uences Carried THAT the report "Crane Usage on County Roads" dated June 2,2008 of Road Infrastructure be received and filed. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Vowel from the Manager Crane UsaQe on Coun Roads - ManaQer of Road Infrastructure Carried THAT the County select the location of the temporary Bayham resides on County roads tourism signage that THAT signage requested by the Municipality of Bayham be installed temporarily until a new tourism signing policy has been implemented, at which time the signs will be removed; and, THAT a new Tourism Signing Policy be created and presented to County Council for approval; and, Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson Tourism SiQnaQe - ManaQer of Road Infrastructure Carried THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to enter into an agreement with Weathertech Restoration SeNices Inc. to complete the Buck's Bridge Deck Rehabilitation, Contract No. 6290-08-01. THAT Weathertech Restoration SeNices be selected for the supply of all labour, material and equipment necessary for the deck rehabilitation of Buck's Bridge located on Ferguson Line (County Road #48) in the Municipality of Central Elgin at their quoted price of $238,906.50 (including taxes); and, Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Warwick Buck's BridQe Deck Rehabilitation - ManaQer of Road Infrastructure. Purchasin Co-Ordinator County Council 3 June 10,2008 Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources, acknowledging Council's support of the Town of Milton's resolution regarding rehabilitation security deposits for aggregate pits and quarries. 4 3 Maureen Vandenberghe, Communications & Development Coordinator, Tillsonburg & District Multi-SeNice Centre, thanking Council for the grant funding for 2008. 2 YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, Dinner and Silent Auction, with an invitation and information concerning the event and programs at the YWCA Jodi Woodrich, Administrative Assistant, City of St. Thomas, with copy of correspondence to the Executive Director of Elgin St. Thomas Public Health endorsing the letter from Dr. Sharon Baker, Acting Medical Officer of Health, to Steve Peters, M.P.P., regarding long-term care access and funding 1 Items for nformation (Consent A Carried THAT Correspondence Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Vowel Item #1 (b) be received and filed The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 (b) Carried THAT Correspondence Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Warwick Item #1 (a) be received and filed The following Carolyn Downs, City Clerk, City of Kingston with resolutions: a) regarding their municipality's concerns for the Province's Bill 64 "An Act to Amend the Pesticide Act" to prohibit the use and sale of pesticides that may be used for cosmetic purposes; and, b) encouraging the Ontario Government to amend the Building Code to significantly increase the minimum requirement for energy and water efficiency within new buildings and to amend relevant legislation indicating that the Code is the minimum standard to which builders must adhere but municipalities may pass by-laws that require efficiency standards exceeding the Code. recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 (a) 1 Items for Consideration CORRESPONDENCE Council took a break at 10 10 a.m and reconvened at 10:22 a.m Carried THAT an agreement for use of this office space be prepared for signature by the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer and all necessary insurance certificates are obtained prior to signing. THAT County Council approve the provision of an in-kind donation of office space one day per week for 18 months at Terrace Lodge for use by the Elgin Elder Abuse Resource Committee Coordinator; and, Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson EIQin Elder Abuse Resource Committee - Director of Senior Services. Terrace LodQe County Council 4 June 10,2008 Mr. Denning, Chambers at Mr. Malik, and Mr. 10:39 a.m Learsch Thames EMS. attended at 10:32 a.m. and left Carried THAT we do proceed in a Closed Meeting at 10:32 a.m. to discuss matters under Section 240.2(d) labour relations or employee negotiations regarding Thames EMS employees; Section 240.2(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board regarding property at the former Elgin Manor; Section 240.2(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose regarding a water-sewage line agreement; and Section 240.2(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board regarding a Statement of Claim. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Menn The matter was deferred complaints. to later n the meeting to allow staff time to review the resident's Carried THAT the issue of construction of an open ditch in front of a property on Highway #3 In West Elgin during rehabilitation of Talbot Line be considered as a Matter of Urgency. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Wilson Councillor Warwick advised that a resident in West Elgin on Highway #3 would like a decision regarding the unwanted construction of an open ditch in front of his home and requested the issue be discussed as a matter of urgency at today's meeting Matters of Ur Notice of Motion - None. Warden Hofhuis remarked on the quality of volunteers that help out at events throughout the County and noted she had attended the Art and Cookery Bank, Rosy Rhubarb, and Port Stanley Terminal Railway 25th Anniversary events over the past weekend Statements/In Members OTHER BUSINESS Carried THAT Correspondence Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre Items #1-9 be received and filed Lord and Lady Elgin their recent visit. 9 8 thanking the County for the warm reception they received during Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to the Honourable George Smitherman regarding Council's resolution concerning long-term care placement and overcrowding at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital. John Tory, Leader of the Ontario PC Party, regarding the PC Caucus concerns for Bill 35 "Investing In Ontario Act" and support for municipal infrastructure 7 Paul Collins, President and CEO, St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Council for attending the Hospital-ity Breakfast meeting. 6 thanking Jackie Fraser, Executive Director, AG Care, with a copy of an information resource newsletter on agriculture and the environment. 5 County Council 5 June 10,2008 WHEREAS there are schools in the County of Elgin that are part of the public school system and that are currently or may in the future be under review for possible closure and, Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre Councillor Wilson read a prepared draft resolution regarding the impact of closure of rural schools and the funding formula used by the Ministry of Education to determine vacant space Mr. William Tucker, Director, Ms. Tracy Grant and Mr. Frank Exley, Trustees, Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) attended at 11 :06 a.m. to present possible solutions to utilize surplus space in schools by partnering with the TVDSB. Mr. Tucker spoke to possible partnerships with municipalities to utilize space determined as vacant by the Ministry of Education and have the Ministry recognize the use of space in this manner as utilized space. Mr. Tucker suggested another partnership between the TVDSB and municipalities could involve initiatives to attract physicians to the County. Mr. Tucker further suggested that a one-day forum could be held to which municipal representatives could bring issues forward and to formulate next steps. The Trustees noted difficult decisions would be made at tonight's meeting regarding relocation of students and recommendations from Accommodation Review Committees. DELEGATION Carried THAT the confidential report and attachments regarding a Statement of Claim be received and filed Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Habkirk Carried THAT the County Solicitor be directed and authorized to meet with the objecting Lower- Tier Municipal Administrators to help reach an understanding and acceptance regarding a water-sewage line agreement and the confidential report be deferred. Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor Acre Carried THAT all costs for this transaction be borne by the developer; that the storm water pond be fenced; that the developer assume all responsibilities and liabilities should grave shafts be uncovered in the area; and that the design and dimensions of the storm water management pond be subject to the approval of the Director of Engineering SeNices. THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to approve the extension of lands on the northwest corner of the former Elgin Manor property by sale to INPARTNR Incorporated according to the terms of an amending agreement and the following conditions: Moved by'Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk A staff direction was given regarding labour negotiations with Thames EMS STAFF DIRECTION Carried THAT we do now Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Wilson rise at 11 04 a.m. and report. County Council 6 June 10,2008 Carried THAT staff be directed to complete the ditching in front of the Donkers' property on Highway #3 in the Municipality of West Elgin as it was prior to construction. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Warwick The Director of Engineering SeNices handed out information concerning a public meeting held for residents affected by the rehabilitation of Highway #3 as well as a letter of complaint received from a property owner. The complainant did not attend the public meeting, as information received in a handout indicated the infrastructure would remain the same as it was prior to reconstruction. The complainant has now been told that the existing covered culvert will be replaced with an open ditch. Council discussed the wording contained on the question and answer sheet that is handed out to residents of property affected by construction and concluded the resident has a legitimate complaint. Council directed staff to change the wording in the handout sheet with concise and easily understandable wording, in order to make sure this situation does not happen in future. MATTERS OF URGENCY - Ditchin Issue on a Prope n West EI n continued The delegation finished their presentation at 11 :41 a.m. and the Warden Invited the delegation to lunch with Council when the meeting adjourned Council requested that Warden Hofhuis forward the above Ontario Wardens Caucus for discussion resolution to the Western Carried Unanimously. Will achieve efficiencies and cost savings when considered from the community as a whole. c) the perspective of and b) Beneficia to local communities a) The Council of the County of Elgin support the concept that for the use of school facilities be developed that are: Sustainable 4 community partnerships The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) be requested to study the development of community partnerships in the use of school facilities from the municipal perspective and look for ways to maintain and enhance the role of schools as centres for community social, cultural, recreational and other activities. 3 The Minister of Education be requested to review its funding policies for school facilities so that surplus school space may be used by community partners (with funding from the community partner) and the space so used not be included as surplus/vacant space in the determination of occupancy rates in a way that negatively affects funding for school facilities and thereby promotes school closures. 2 The Minister of Education be requested to investigate ways to promote community partnerships in the use of school facilities. 1 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the concept that the municipal and educational sectors should work together to maintain and develop the role of schools as community hubs for social, cultural and recreational activity in addition to their traditional educational functions; WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin is concerned about the impact that the closure of these schools as centres of social, cultural and recreational activity would have on the communities in which they are situated; and, County Council 7 June 10,2008 County Council 8 June 10, 2008 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Vowel THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-law No. 08-17 "A By-Law to Authorize the Signing of an Agreement Between the Corporation of the County of Elgin, The Town of Aylmer and the Township of Malahide for the Provision of Water, Sewage and Storm Water SeNices to the Ambulance Base at Terrace Lodge" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT By-Law No. 08-18 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the June 10, 2008 Meeting" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now adjourn at 12:07 p.m. to meet again on June 24,2008 at 9:00 a.m Carried Mar , Chief Administrative Officer.