L’Orignal, Ontario February 12, 2014 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 9:00 a.m. on February 12, 2014. Were present: Jean Paul St. Pierre, Warden, Gary J. Barton, René P. Berthiaume, Robert Kirby, Marcel Guibord, Jean-Yves Lalonde (left meeting at 10:40 a.m.), Claude Levac, François St-Amour, and, Council Members. Also Present: Stéphane P. Parisien, CAO (9:15 a.m.), Sylvain Charlebois, Michel Chrétien, Marc Clermont, Anne Comtois-Lalonde, Louise Lepage- Gareau, Louis Prévost, Jonathan Roy, and Jean St-Pierre, Department Heads, and Andrée Latreille, Clerk. Absent : Louise Lalonde, Home Administrator and Mr. Jean-Yves Lalonde left the meeting at 10:40 a.m. following the presentation of Item 2 of the Agenda. The report is presented as follows: 1. Problems with wild turkeys A City of Clarence-Rockland farmer exposed his dilemma with wild turkeys on his land creating problems to his crops. A considerable increase of turkey flocks in recent years has undeniably caused a huge impact on agriculture and a loss of income. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS that the Administration contact the staff at the Ministry of Natural Resources to inquire about initiatives and programs in place to control this growing nuisance and report back at a forthcoming meeting. 2. River Feasibility Study Consultants Richard Dion and André Moreau of Plania Inc. presented the feasibily study “Corridor de destination touristique riverain” to the members. They shared the nature and course of the mandate, redefine the concept developed in the study, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks, the approach to tourism development, environmental mapping, site planning, costs, deadlines, and implementation. This concept of major tourism development estimated at $ 21.6 million includes a series of six locations identified in the municipalities of Alfred/Plantagenet (Lefaivre and South Nation River in Wendover), East Hawkesbury (Chute-à- Blondeau), Hawkesbury (Chenail Island) Champlain Township (L’Orignal), and Clarence-Rockland (Clarence Point). Some mayors believe that municipalities should take a stand regarding their financial involvement before further investing in the project. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS that the Director of Economic Development and Tourism submit a report to Council. 3. Correspondence from the AMO and the EOWC’s Report The Warden reported on several important topics such as policing and the joint and severability liability which a municipality may be subjected to. For information purposes, the EOWC’s report listing various topics was also shared with the members. Committee of the Whole - 2 - L’Orignal, Ontario February 12, 2014 4. Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Day (GPR) at Queen’s Park Our MPP informed the Chief Administrative Officer that the date of the GPR Day at Queen's Park has been changed to March 19th. Members took note of this change. 5. Cancellation of Council Meeting In agreement with the Warden, the Council session scheduled for February 19 has been canceled given the short time between the Committee of the Whole meeting and the Council session. After closing of the agenda, Council will meet in Special Session to ratify a by-law that requires Council’s immediate intervention. 6. Lease Amendment for the Alfred Ambulance Post The Director of Emergency Services confirmed that a change with regards to Section 8 of the insurance was made in the lease agreement ratified by Council in November 2013. 7. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Report of our 2014 Annual Repayment Limit The Treasurer mentioned that the UCPR’s annual debt repayment limit in 2014 amounted to $11,065,256. The UCPR’s annual debt amounts to $799,596. 8. Supplemental Environmental Liability Insurance The Treasurer explained that our current environmental coverage insurance does not cover damages to our properties caused by spills or other damages from our facilities. This premium would be very expensive, which is why this additional insurance was not purchased. Moreover, the risk is minimal given that our facilities are new. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS the status quo in this matter. 9. By-law to allow ATVs on County Road 5 in Limoges The Director of Public Works received a request from the Eastern Ontario ATV Club to provide access to ATVs on Limoges Road (County Road 5) during the winter rally to be held on February 22th next. The two municipalities involved agreed with this request. A By-law to allow this particular access will be adopted at a Council’s Special Meeting following the Committee of the Whole meeting. 10. Tender for Salt Having dealt with the same company for the last five years, the Director of Public Works mentioned he would be soliciting bids for the supply of salt for winter road maintenance. The contract is to provide approximately 32,000 metric tons of salt to be delivered in the yard of municipal garages. The majority of local municipalities agreed to return to tender. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS proceeding with the bidding process for the salt contract. 11. Request from the Town of Hawkesbury to transfer two Connecting Link routes to the UCPR The Council of the Town of Hawkesbury sent a letter and resolution to the Director of Public Works requesting the UCPR take responsibility for two Connecting Link Routes. This resolution will be dealt with by the Public Works Committee. 12. Report on County Roads Winter Maintenance The Director of Public Works explained the detailed options developed in his report aiming to improve the level of service on the winter maintenance of county roads. One option consisted of giving certain plowing routes to contract. To mitigate operational concerns, the Director recommended the purchase of a truck, hiring employees and that an agreement be entered with the Township of East Hawkesbury for the transfer and maintenance of certain roads. A discussion having followed, members are not willing to increase staff or to purchase an Committee of the Whole - 3 - L’Orignal, Ontario February 12, 2014 additional truck. The option to negotiate a contract for road maintenance could be considered but members need more information to make an informed decision. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS that the Director of Public Works explore costs relating to a maintenance contract for maintenance of certain roads and report to Council thereafter. 13. Closed Session regarding a proposal regarding land acquisition Following a proposed sale of land in Hawkesbury, the Chief Administrative Officer confirmed a telephone discussion with a promoter/owner as to the time limit to complete the said transaction. This presentation was given in-camera according to the Municipal Act, Section 239(2)c), a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Counties. 14. Adjournment The Committee of the Whole adjourned at 11:50 a.m. ALL OF WHICH IS RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED. Jean Paul St. Pierre, Chairman Moved by René P. Berthiaume Seconded by Gary J. Barton THAT THIS REPORT BE ADOPTED Adopted by Council March 26, 2014 ______________________________ Jean Paul St. Pierre, Warden ___ Andrée Latreille, Clerk .