Regular Council Meeting

RESOLVED THAT the presentation from the SCOR EDC Executive Director and the Chair of the Board of Directors be received and filed.

RESOLVED THAT we do now move into Committee of the Whole.

Jones RESOLVED THAT approval be granted for submission of a second application for MNRF’s Legacy Wells Municipal Transfer Payment Program Year 2 and 3 collaborative funding.

RESOLVED THAT the Elgin County Heritage Centre’s public open hours be revised as follows on an annual basis effective immediately: May 1 to Thanksgiving weekend: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Thanksgiving weekend to April 30: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; and, THAT the Museum Curator be further authorized to adjust public open hours on a temporary basis subject to public notice and approval of the Director of Community and Cultural Services.

RESOLVED THAT the report titled “Proposed Provincial Planning Statement Official Plan Modifications” from the Director of Planning and Development dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT Council endorses the proposed modifications to the adopted Elgin County Official Plan, and directs staff to forward said modifications to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for his consideration when approving the Official Plan.

Jones RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Ambulance Vehicle Replacements for 2025 and 2026 – Sole Source" from the Manager of Procurement & Risk and Director of Financial Services / Treasurer dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT the Manager of Procurement & Risk be authorized to issue a purchase order to Crestline Coach Ltd., for two ambulances, at the estimated price of $478,046, plus applicable taxes, to be included in the 2025 Capital Budget; and THAT the Manager of Procurement & Risk be authorized to issue a purchase order to Stryker Canada., for two Stryker power load systems, two power-pro stretchers and two stair chairs to be purchased in 2025, at the estimated price of $152,890, plus applicable taxes, to be included in the 2025 Capital Budget; and THAT staff be authorized to purchase two ambulances from Crestline Coach Ltd. and associated power-load equipment from Stryker Canada to be included in the 2026 capital budget; and THAT staff determine the number of ambulances to be declared surplus in 2025 and 2026, once operational needs are identified, and that disposal be done in accordance with the Asset Disposal Policy.

RESOLVED THAT the report titled “2024 Quarter 2 Financial Review” from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed.

WHEREAS the County of Brant, Middlesex County, Municipality of Strathroy Caradoc, Norfolk County, Town of Tillsonburg, Municipality of East Zorra Tavistock, Grey County, Perth County, City of Stratford, Municipality of Lambton Shores, and Wellington County have successfully utilized government funding to create and sustain local community transit through Southwest Community Transit; and WHEREAS 85,000 riders have utilized the Southwest Community Transit services in the first half of 2024 alone, demonstrating significant community reliance on these services; and WHEREAS the economic impact of this transit system is estimated to be $748,800,000 annually, largely due to its role in providing transportation to employment opportunities; and WHEREAS the current funding for this critical small urban and rural inter-community transit service is set to expire in March 2025, putting the sustainability of the service at risk: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin urges the provincial government to continue funding Southwest Community Transit beyond March 2025 to ensure the ongoing viability of this essential service for small urban and rural Ontario; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be circulated to the County of Brant, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, Oxford County, Municipality of Strathroy Caradoc, Town of Tillsonburg, Municipality of East Zorra Tavistock, Perth County, City of Stratford, Municipality of Lambton Shores, We

RESOLVED THAT Correspondence Items #7.2.1 - 7.2.3 be received and filed.

RESOLVED THAT we do now rise and report.

Jones RESOLVED THAT the September 10, 2024 Closed Meeting Minutes be adopted.

RESOLVED THAT the confidential report titled "Lease Renewals - County Administration Building" from the Manager of Corporate Facilities dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT Elgin County Council approve a new commercial one-year term Lease Agreement between Carol Hawthorne and Elgin County in relation to Suite 345-1 commencing May 1, 2024; and THAT Elgin County Council approve a new commercial two-year term Lease Agreement between Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas, and Elgin County in relation to Suites 229, 232 and 237-1 and storage room 344 commencing May 1, 2024; and THAT Elgin County Council approve a new commercial two-year term Lease Agreement between 1342961 Ontario Inc (John Hogan Law Office), and Elgin County in relation to Suite 313 commencing May 1, 2024; and THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute these agreements.

Jones RESOLVED THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee of the Whole.

RESOLVED THAT By-Law No. 24-34 be now read a first, second, and third time and finally passed.

RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 11:18 a.m. to meet again on October 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the meeting held on September 10, 2024 be adopted.

RESOLVED THAT approval be granted for submission of a second application for MNRF’s Legacy Wells Municipal Transfer Payment Program Year 2 and 3 collaborative funding.

RESOLVED THAT the report titled “Participation in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot” from the Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT the County respectfully decline the invitation to participate in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot program and express interest in participation at a later time.

RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Ambulance Vehicle Replacements for 2025 and 2026 – Sole Source" from the Manager of Procurement & Risk and Director of Financial Services / Treasurer dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT the Manager of Procurement & Risk be authorized to issue a purchase order to Crestline Coach Ltd., for two ambulances, at the estimated price of $478,046, plus applicable taxes, to be included in the 2025 Capital Budget; and THAT the Manager of Procurement & Risk be authorized to issue a purchase order to Stryker Canada., for two Stryker power load systems, two power-pro stretchers and two stair chairs to be purchased in 2025, at the estimated price of $152,890, plus applicable taxes, to be included in the 2025 Capital Budget; and THAT staff be authorized to purchase two ambulances from Crestline Coach Ltd. and associated power-load equipment from Stryker Canada to be included in the 2026 capital budget; and THAT staff determine the number of ambulances to be declared surplus in 2025 and 2026, once operational needs are identified, and that disposal be done in accordance with the Asset Disposal Policy.

RESOLVED THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act to discuss the following matters under Municipal Act Section 239 (2): Closed Meeting Item #1 - Closed Meeting Minutes - September 10, 2024 Closed Meeting Item #2 - Lease Renewals - County Administration Building (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board.

RESOLVED THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee of the Whole.

RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 11:18 a.m. to meet again on October 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Motion