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.