L’Orignal, June 14, 2017

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

To the Warden and Members of Council, United Counties of Prescott and Russell

The Committee of the Whole met in L’Orignal at 9:58 a.m. on June 14, 2017.

Were present: Gary J. Barton, Jeanne Charlebois, Guy Desjardins, Fernand Dicaire, Robert Kirby, Conrad Lamadeleine, Pierre Leroux and François St- Amour, Council Members.

Stéphane P. Parisien, Michel Chrétien, Marc Clermont, Pierre Gauthier, Louise Lalonde, Carole Lavigne, Julie Ménard-Brault and Louis Prévost, Department Heads; and Justin Bromberg.

Were absent: Anne Comtois Lalonde, and Andrée Latreille, Clerk.

The report is presented as follows:

1. Amount allocated for Conferences As a follow-up, the Chief Administrative Officer asked members to provide the amount allocated for conferences at their own municipalities. Members declined to provide that information and reiterated their position that the amount of $6,000 per member be included in the 2018 budgetary section for Council’s evaluation and decision-making.

2. New Waste Free Ontario Act The Chief Administrative Officer recalled that Mrs. Charlebois suggested that a training session be hosted at the county level for municipalities interested by the new Waste Free Ontario Act. The CAO informed that there is little information available, but he will inquire for additional details and keep Council informed of any developments.

3. Rules of Procedure The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the Clerk’s Office will be reviewing the Procedural By-law in the fall but noted that he has not received many comments from Council members, other than from the Mayor of Russell. Among other things, Mayor Leroux has recommended a two-year Warden term and eliminating the Committee of the Whole, in favour of two Council meetings per month. The CAO noted that Council retains the option of calling a Special Meeting, rather than eliminating the Committee of the Whole.

Members provided their comments and opinions on both the Warden’s term and the Council meeting structure. The Mayor of Russell further expressed his opinion that the weighted voting structure could become problematic if the west end of the Counties continues to grow at the current rate, as compared to the east end of the Counties. This was evidenced earlier today during the vote that largely affects the east end of the Counties.

4. Resolution from the Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) The Chief Administrative Officer explained that the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus is considering a resolution on the definition of “small and rural” for any funding involving the Government of ’s rural and northern communities’ infrastructure fund. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that the EOWC’s resolution be brought forward for Council’s adoption at the next meeting.

5. Prescott and Russell Residence The Chief Administrative Officer noted that discussions continue with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as well as the Hawkesbury General Hospital regarding the construction of the new Residence. He has approached Colliers Project Leaders about submitting a funding application to the MOHLTC for capital costs related to the Committee of the Whole - 2 - L’Orignal, Ontario June 14, 2017

construction. In order to relieve pressure on the administration, he has invited Colliers to make a presentation to Council at the next meeting to explain the procedure and what the funding application entails. Colliers will also present its proposal to Council and ask whether it would like to retain its services. The CAO noted that the location of the Residence should be decided prior to the funding application being submitted. He noted, however, that distancing the Residence from Hawkesbury would make the process more complicated. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that Colliers provide its presentation and recommendations to Council at the next meeting.

6. Fire Dispatch Communications The Chief Administrative Officer noted that he received the proposal from Bell after a two-month delay. He has not yet had the opportunity to review the offer in detail but he will soon be presenting a report to Council. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that a report be presented at the next Council meeting for Council’s adoption.

7. AMO Proposal on the “Local Share” The Mayor of Alfred and Plantagenet inquired whether County Council should be taking a position on AMO’s proposal for a 1% HST increase, or if that decision should be deferred to the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that AMO would continue to make presentations and share information throughout the summer, including at the AMO Conference, and confirmed that there is no need for Council or the EOWC to take a specific position at this point.

8. Flooding and Provincial / Federal Financial Assistance The Mayor of Hawkesbury inquired whether the Township of Champlain was eligible for financial assistance as a result of the recent flooding. Mr. Barton explained that his Township has to incur a minimum of $175,000 in emergency expenses in order to become eligible for such funding. The Mayor of Clarence-Rockland noted that his municipality’s expenses amount to $526,000, rendering it eligible for funding. The Treasurer noted that the County’s threshold is $1.2 million, and that its expenses related to staff time cannot be claimed by a local municipality, but only the County itself.

9. Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy The Treasurer explained the new policy on reserves and reserve funds required by the Gas Tax. Among the proposed changes to reserves, she would like to rescind two reserves which have a zero balance (Economic Development and Public Works) and create a new reserve for contingencies by regrouping three former reserves (Information Technology, Planning and Administrative buildings) that will serve to provide quickly for contingencies such as this year’s flooding. The policy puts in writing what is currently in practice and does not create significant changes for Council. The Mayor of Alfred and Plantagenet suggested that the Administration create a reserve for the widening of County Road 17. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that the Treasurer bring forward the proposed changes for Council’s adoption at the next meeting, and that a reserve be established for County Road 17, as of the 2018 budget.

10. Entranceway By-law Following recent discussions, the Public Works Director presented three options regarding the Entranceway By-law: 1) maintain the status quo, 2) create an exemption for the Township of , or 3) specifically define some sections of the rural area as built-up or settlement. The Director advised against creating exemptions for specific municipalities. The Chief Administrative Officer provided several considerations. A lengthy discussion ensued and Council members provided various comments, following which, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that a resolution be presented at the next Council meeting to approve Option 2.

Committee of the Whole - 3 - L’Orignal, Ontario June 14, 2017

11. Dispatch System Changes and Fire-Medic Pilot Projects The Emergency Services Director provided a brief update on changes announced by the Province last week, including an investment in a new medical dispatch system that will help triage and prioritize 911 calls for ambulance services. This new system is expected to be in place in the first site by March 2018 and should better prioritize calls based on patient need and redirect low acuity patients to locations other than emergency departments. The Director noted that these changes should help reduce the number of calls from the Counties into the City of .

The second announcement, regarding fire-medic pilot projects, would provide funding for two pilots in interested municipalities that will enable firefighters certified as paramedics to respond to low acuity calls to treat and release or treat and refer a patient, and provide symptom relief to high acuity calls. The Director noted that this would have a financial impact on municipalities, and that AMO, the EOWC and several municipalities had previously expressed their concerns and opposition to the Province regarding the fire-medic proposal.

12. Adjournment The Committee of the Whole adjourned at 11:17 a.m.

ALL OF WHICH IS RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED.

Gary J. Barton, Chairman

Moved by Robert Kirby Seconded by Conrad Lamadeleine

THAT THIS REPORT BE ADOPTED

Adopted by Council June 28, 2017

Gary J. Barton, Warden

Andrée Latreille, Clerk