REPORT TO THE CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE. 2. Public Sector Accounting Board / Asset Management (Report Attached)

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1 REPORT TO THE CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE From: Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk-Treasurer Date: January 11, 2007 Subject: Agenda / Executive Summary Call to Order Acknowledgements of any Pecuniary Interests Approval of Minutes o December 14, 2006 ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Land Ambulance Update a. Cross Border Billing (report attached) b. Kincardine Station Lease (report attached) 2. Public Sector Accounting Board / Asset Management (Report Attached) 3. Staffing In 2006 Committee approved the addition of a full-time custodian to be shared between the Park Street facility and the Cayley Street facility. The individual who was hired has recently resigned and accepted a position with Bruce Power. This position was introduced in 2006 based on a review of the additional needs at Cayley Street and Park Street. After utilizing the full-time position for six months, and now given the opportunity to review it, the Maintenance Supervisors at Cayley Street and Park Street are recommending that the full-time position not be replaced, rather 2 part-time positions be used. Staff Recommendation: 4. On-Call That 2 part-time custodian positions be created, one for Park Street and one for Cayley Street in place of the one full-time, split shift custodian. I am recommending the Maintenance Supervisors at Cayley Street and Park Street be granted one week additional vacation to reflect the Corporation s requirement that they are available on an on-call basis at the facilities. Supplementary information will be circulated at the meeting.

2 5. Clothing Allowance The current uniform allowance for the maintenance staff at the Cayley Street and Park Street facilities is $125 and $125 for safety boots. This last revision to the policy was April, I am recommending that the 2007 budget reflect an increase in the uniform allowance to $ and the safety boot allowance to $ Budget Review Schedule ACTION ITEMS POLICY MATTERS 7. Communications Referred: INFORMATION ITEMS a. Township of Madawaska Valley Resolution petitioning the Government of Ontario to take immediate action both administratively and fiscally to resolve the medical care practitioner shortage in Ontario. Staff Recommendation: For your consideration. 8. Ministry of Finance Office of the Deputy-Minister Advising that the 2007 Education Tax Rates will remain unchanged from the 2006 rates. 9. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Advising that the County s share of the recently announced 2007 funding for Land Ambulance Services is $307, Carol Mitchell, M.P.P. Huron-Bruce Commenting on the Province s recent announcement of Land Ambulance Funding for Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) The County of Bruce has received a 2007 allocation notice and as per the provincial commitment the County s allocation will remain at the same level as 2006, $620,000. The County s allocation was to have been decreased according to the Phase-in Adjustment by $500,000 in ADJOURNMENT

3 Corporate Services Committee Finance and Property Division December 14, 2006 Council Chambers Warden Twolan moved into the Chair of the Committee of the Whole and called the meeting to order. Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk-Treasurer joined Warden Twolan as the presenting Department Head. Mr. Doug Smith,EMS Director was in attendance for the Land Ambulance Update portion of the meeting. Mrs. Susan Petrik joined Committee for the 9-month financial review and Transfer to Reserves Report. Wayne Jamieson, Chief Administrative Officer and all Committee members were present. Recording Secretary: Darlene Batte, Administrative Assistant Pecuniary Interests: None Declared. ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Minutes Moved by Mr. Bagnato Seconded by Mr. Smith That the minutes of the November 9 th and 16 th, 2006 meeting be adopted as circulated. Carried. 2. Land Ambulance Update Mrs. Cobean introduced Mr. Doug Smith, EMS Director to Members of Committee. She noted for the benefit of new Committee members that Land Ambulance Update is a regular agenda item. Mr. Smith reported that the Annual Emergency Exercise as mandated under Emergency Management Ontario s legislation was conducted on December 13 th, He noted that this is a living document which is necessary to be updated on an ongoing basis. Overall, he commented that it was an excellent exercise which generated good discussion. Presentation Angela Freiburger representing Marvin Freiburger and Sons (the County s preferred vendor for ambulance fleet management) joined Committee and presented a $2,500 donation to the County s Land Ambulance Program. a. Cross Border Billing Previously it was reported that Grey County had identified more anomalies in their database, specifically standby s they had done in Wiarton that didn t show up in Bruce County s database. After review of these calls it was determined that they were valid. At the last meeting of the Southwestern Ontario Ambulance Group of municipalities on October 16, 2006 it was determined that after a general review of the database and the

4 correction of obvious errors there was still a 2-3% error rate. It was felt that the time it would take to find and correct this 2-3% error rate was not worth the time it would take for staff to complete the analysis. The default provision of O. Reg. 256/00, s.4. allows a provider municipality to charge a recipient municipality the total costs associated with the provision of land ambulance services for the year. This applies for the years inclusive. The Western Ontario Wardens Caucus negotiated a lower rate than the default provision based on the principles of the Elgin-Middlesex agreement. This agreement lowers costs significantly for recipient municipalities. On October 31, 2006 an invoice in the amount of $351, was sent to the County of Grey for costs associated with the provision of land ambulance services for the years 2001 through They were also informed that interest would accrue effective December 1, 2006 until such time as the invoice is paid. The legislation further states: o A recipient municipality who is charged an amount under this section shall pay the amount to the provider municipality on demand. O. Reg. 256/00, s.4. o If the recipient municipality fails to pay the amount due at the time required by the provider municipality, the provider municipality may charge interest on the amount due at a rate to be set by the provider municipality and the recipient municipality shall pay the interest. O. Reg. 256/00, s.4. o The provider municipality shall give the recipient municipality prior written notice of the day on which interest begins to accrue and of the interest rate. O. Reg. 256/00, s. 4. We have complied with all provisions of the legislation regarding Cross Border Billing. We would expect that other municipalities would do the same. On November 29, 2006, CAO Wayne Jamieson received an request from Grey County Chief Administrative Officer Gary Wood extending an offer that he and Grey County Warden Bob Pringle would make a presentation to Bruce County Council on the position Grey County is taking with Cross Border billings and to answer any questions Councillors might have. This presentation is similar to the presentation Mr. Wood made to a meeting of the Western Ontario Warden s Association recently where Mr. Jamieson and Mayor Oswald were in attendance. The Clerk-Treasurer indicated that staff have not responded to Mr. Woods offer and are seeking Committee s direction to the request. Committee directed staff to send a letter under the CAO s signature indicating that the County s position remains the same as per previous correspondence sent and a presentation from Grey County CAO and Warden is not required.

5 b. Non-Emergency Patient Transportation Mr. Smith explained that the Non Emergent Patient Transportation Regional Steering Committee has been meeting for over 2 years with the focus of reviewing the current system for non emergency transfers in both Grey and Bruce Counties. The committee will also provide recommendations to each respective organization s political Committee or CEO on ways to find improvements and efficiencies the current system which will be beneficial to all stakeholders. Committee membership includes EMS services from Grey and Bruce County, hospital representatives from Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS), South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) and Hanover Hospital. The committee has looked at call volumes, patient destination trends, call booking procedures, decision making guidelines and has viewed presentations by non ambulance transportation services capable of servicing the Grey/Bruce area. Discussions held at the most recent meeting in November 2006 led to a decision of the committee to recommend a pilot project to each organization regarding utilizing a non ambulance transfer service to transport patients from Grey Bruce Health Services to health care facilities outside of the Grey/Bruce area and more specifically into the London, Kitchener/Waterloo, Toronto and other facilities where transportation times are in excess of four hours. The committee heard that the long distant transfers produce the heaviest burden on the EMS services in Grey and Bruce Counties. Non Emergency transfers of this type often result in emergency vehicles being out of the counties for up to eight hours at a time. There are instances when three or four of these transfers are completed in a single day which severely limits our ability to meet legislated response times as well as having a negative impact on cross border billing as resources from surrounding communities are often utilized to complete calls in Bruce County due to our lack of available ambulances. The implementation of the pilot project will help to identify if there are improvements gained in meeting response times and reducing CBB costs if the current ambulance resources being used for out of town transfers are available to service the County. The pilot project will last approximately 3-6 months and all costs associated with the project will be borne by GBHS. Once completed the project will be evaluated from both the EMS perspective and the hospital perspective and the decision to continue will be made at that time. Moved by Mr. Oswald Seconded by Mr. McIver That the County endorse the pilot project recommended by the Non Emergent Patient Transport Regional Steering Committee utilizing non ambulance transportation services for long distance non emergency transfers. Carried. c. Heart & Stroke Foundation Memorandum of Understanding Mr. Smith explained that in the fall of 2005, the Heart & Stroke Foundation issued new recommendations to encourage greater access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public locations like airports, casinos and sports facilities. These 2005 guidelines reflected results of a Public Access Defibrillation trial, which reinforced the importance of planned and practiced response to cardiac emergencies by lay rescuers. The Foundation also recommends that AEDs be viewed as part of the Chain of

6 Survival which includes links as early as possible to: recognition, emergency medical care, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, advanced cardiac care and rehabilitation. The tragic death of 11 year-old Chase McEachern at school in Barrie earlier this year made it clear, there is a growing consensus that government, the healthcare community and the private sector must work together to make AEDs more widely available. Chase had sent a letter, just before his death to noted sports broadcaster Don Cherry, advocating AEDs be placed in hockey arenas and schools. The Heart & Stroke Foundation is uniquely positioned to play a role in knitting together the various efforts and levels of support involved in ensuring local communities are cardiac safe places. More specifically, the Foundation can provide the leadership necessary to unite the key local / regional players to help a community build Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Programs, so that more AEDs and trained responders are available in high-risk settings, and more lives are saved. For this reason, the Foundation has partnered with the family of the late Chase McEachern, to create the Heart & Stroke Chase McEachern Tribute Fund (CMTF). Its purpose is to raise funds and awareness to get more AEDs into local Ontario communities. (see attached) The County has received a letter indicating that The Heart & Stroke Foundation (HSFO) is very pleased to inform you that we received, through the Heart & Stroke Chase McEachern Tribute Fund, a $100,000 donation from Mr. Richard Rooney who specifically asked that the majority of these funds be used to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and provide related training in both Bruce and Grey County. Over the past several months, HSFO staff have been in contact with a number of municipal Emergency Management / Paramedic Services, in order to encourage the creation of local Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Programs. Obviously, the recent donation targeted at your area will be a major catalyst for the creation and development of your own local programs, which will be needed to provide the infrastructure to actually convert this charitable donation into an organized system to place AEDs and arrange training. A joint press conference, with participants from the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the County of Bruce and the County of Grey, was held at Grey Roots Museum in Owen Sound on Tuesday November 28 th to announce this donation. Heart & Stroke Foundation CEO, Rocco Rossi and Chase McEachern s father John were present and spoke along with Warden Ron Oswald, Huron-Kinloss Mayor Mitch Twolan and Director of EMS Doug Smith from Bruce County. The Foundation is offering to coordinate a process by which all parties, including Bruce County Emergency Medical Services, the McEachern family and the Foundation, develop a framework for a regional PAD program. The Foundation believes that they can help all parties play an important role in building the capacity to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest in our area, and help make Chase McEachern s dream a reality.

7 Mr. Smith provided a recommendation to Committee that the County enter into an agreement with the Heart & Stroke Foundation. He reported that Zoll Medical, a company the County deals with has presented an offer to the County to purchase additional defibrillator units at a cost of $2195 plus taxes. He explained that the County EMS system currently uses Zoll defibrillators and therefore the use of this product is compatible with the County equipment. Moved by Mr. Kraemer Seconded by Mr. Bagnato That a by-law be introduced authorizing the Warden and Clerk to execute an agreement with the Heart & Stroke Foundation to implement the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program and that relief from the purchasing policy be authorized for the purchase of the defibrillator units from Zoll Medical. Carried. Staff were directed to forward a letter of thanks to the donor and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. d. Emergency Coverage Policy The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care maintains Balanced Emergency Coverage Policy agreements between Land Ambulance Service Delivery Agents and Central Ambulance Communications Centres. The County of Bruce signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2004 with London Central Ambulance Communications Centre and the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care finalizing a Balanced Emergency Coverage Policy for Bruce County Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Smith explained that the objective is to establish a clear and efficient balanced emergency coverage policy for the County of Bruce. After working with the current policy for over two (2) years it became apparent to both management of Bruce County Emergency Medical Services and London Central Ambulance Communications Centre that minor changes were necessary for improved efficiency. The Emergency Coverage Policy as amended is mutually acceptable to the County of Bruce Emergency Medical Services and London Central Ambulance Communications Centre. The agreement consists of a Letter of Agreement with the policy detailed in an appendix. Changes to the appendix can only be made by mutual agreement of the County of Bruce Emergency Medical Services and London Central Ambulance Communications Centre. Mr. Smith provided a summary of the recommended changes as follows: In the Notes section: (changes are in bold print) Delete: Between hrs and hrs, on duty crews will complete emergency transfers (Code 4s)

8 Insert: Between hrs and hrs, on duty crews will complete emergency transfers (Codes 3 & 4) Delete: Where possible, Code 3 transfers will be scheduled for on-coming (0700 or 1900 hrs) crews if appropriate and approved by sending Hospital. (number 5 deleted so previous # s 6-9 changed to 5-8) Delete: Scheduling of non-emergency patient transfers (Codes 1 & 2) should be 24 hours in advance AND o 0800 (pickup) and 1630 hrs Monday-Friday excluding Statutory Holidays o 1600 and 1900 hrs will be completed by the 12 hr vehicles Insert: Scheduling of non-emergency patient transfers (Codes 1 & 2) should be 24 hours in advance AND 0800 (pickup) and 1630 hrs Monday-Friday excluding Statutory Holidays the Bruce Duty Officer must approve any scheduled calls between 1900 and 0700 hrs that require transport outside Bruce County Delete: Maximum four (4) ambulances utilized for non-emergency patient transfers Insert: Maximum three (3) ambulances utilized for non-emergency patient transfers In the Strategies for Maintaining Emergency Coverage section: (Action to be taken in the order presented (TOP > BOTTOM in the left column then top > bottom in the right column) Delete: Kincardine: If there are no ambulances available Move Port Elgin > Kincardine Base OR Move Walkerton > Kincardien Baee OR Move Chesley > Kincardine Base Insert: Kincardine: If vehicle(s) are committed on calls outside their service area and there are 2 in PE move 1 > KIN Base 2 in WAK move 1 > KIN Base Move CHS > WAK AND WAK > KIN Base NOTE: If Kincardine ambulance is on an emergency call and is > 10 min from base then Move Walkerton > Kinloss OR Port Elgin > Underwood until Kincardine has cleared the call. NOTE: If KIN is on an emergency call and > 10 minutes from base (eg responding to Ripley Point Clark, Inverhuron) Move WAK > Kinloss OR PE > Underwood until KIN has arrived at hospital OR is back in their coverage area

9 Moved by Mr. Goetz Seconded by Mr. Kraemer That the Chair and Department Head be authorized sign the Letter of Agreement for the updated Emergency Coverage Policy. Carried. 3. Purchase of Remembrance Day Wreaths In recognition of our veterans, the Department Head Committee recently discussed the purchase of Remembrance Day Wreaths in various locations. Moved by Mr. Kraemer Seconded by Mr. Oswald That we recommend the purchase of a Remembrance Day Wreath annually for each Cenotaph located in the County and further that a wreath be placed in Walkerton and Wiarton respectively on behalf of Brucelea Haven, Walkerton and Gateway Haven, Wiarton. Carried Month Financial Statement A 9-Month Financial Report as prepared by Susan Petrik, Deputy-Treasurer was circulated for Committee s review. Mrs. Petrik was in attendance to answer questions from Committee members. Mr. Jamieson acknowledged the efforts of the Deputy-Treasurer for the preparation of the statements. 5. Transfer to Reserve Funds A Transfer to Reserve Funds Report as prepared by Deputy-Treasurer, Susan Petrik was circulated for Committee s review and consideration. Recommended transfers were as follows: All Departments (with the exception of Highways) - Staff recommend that all unspent budgeted capital be transferred to reserves to be utilized in future years for the purpose intended. All Departments Staff recommend that all unspent special funding monies be transferred to reserves for the purpose the funding was provided. Social Housing - Staff are recommending that any surplus in the service managers portion of the budget will go into a reserve to offset future fluctuations with the benchmarks for future private non profit housing providers subsidies. Human Resources Capital Staff recommend that the unspent budgeted amount of $25, for a vacant position in the IT Budget be transferred to reserves for future IT related costs. Planning There are several planning revenue accounts already surpassing annual budget figures. Staff recommend that 30,000 from Planning Revenues be transferred to

10 a reserve fund for future purchase of capital asset software compatible with current GIS mapping software. Moved by Mr. Kraemer Seconded by Mr. McIver That we authorize the following 2006 Transfers to Reserve Funds : Unspent Capital Budget with the exception of Highways All unspent special funding monies received Social Housing surplus at yearend to Social Housing Reserve Planning 30,000 in excess revenue for future software costs 6. ADJOURNMENT Department Head Department Councillor

11 From: Doug Smith, Director of EMS Date: January 11, 2007 Subject: Inter-Municipal Billing Update REPORT TO CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE In my previous report of December 14, 2006 I had indicated that on October 31, 2006 an invoice in the amount of $351, was sent to the County of Grey for costs associated with the provision of land ambulance services for the years 2001 through They were also informed that interest would accrue effective December 1, 2006 until such time as the invoice is paid as allowed by O. Reg. 256/00, s. 4. On December 18, 2006 we received a copy of a brief from the County of Grey (attached) sent to Ron Sapsford, Deputy Minister, Health and Long-Term Care as a follow up to their meeting held in Toronto on November 9, An overview of this document would conclude, that for all intents and purposes, the County of Grey continues to dispute the process and continues to refuse to pay the above invoice.

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23 From: Doug Smith, Director of EMS Date: January 11, 2007 Subject: Kincardine Ambulance Station REPORT TO CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE BACKGROUND The Kincardine ambulance station is owned by Ontario Limited (MacArthur Management Services). It currently consists of a total of 1,908 sq. ft. and is located at 369 Lambton Street, Kincardine, ON. The existing lease is a five (5) year lease at $2, monthly ($ per annum), which expires on October 31, The cost per sq. ft. is $ MacArthur Management Services pays all utilities, maintenance and taxes. This facility is centrally located in Kincardine and as such ambulances are able to respond in a timely manner anywhere within the coverage area. While garage facilities are spacious, crew quarters and office space are at a premium and as such we have had to find additional office space for the station manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Kent Padfield. This additional space is leased from the Municipality of Kincardine and consists of a spare office at the Kincardine Fire Hall, which is some distance away from the ambulance station. MacArthur Management Services has submitted a proposal to construct a 16 x 18 addition (288 sq. ft.) to the front of the crew quarter area that would add an administration office and storage for medical supplies. A minor variance was required and has been approved. ANALYSIS MacArthur Management Services proposal would require changes to the present lease under the following sections: 1. Term 2. Right of Early Termination 3. Rent 1. TERM The term would change to a ten-year lease from the current five-year lease and expire on the 31 st day of October RIGHT OF EARLY TERMINATION The right of early termination would change to eighteen (18) months written notice from the current six (6) months written notice.

24 3. RENT Rent would increase from $2, monthly to $3, monthly (38, annually) effective on completion of construction and ending the 31 st day of October 2010 based on the current $15.33 per sq. ft., which amounts to an additional $ per month payable on the additional 288 sq. ft. Further an escalation clause would be added increasing the rent by 2.5% every two years thereafter until the end of the term as follows: Year 4 commencing Nov. 1, 2010 an increase of $79.28 per month to $3, ($39, annually) Year 6 commencing Nov. 1, 2012 an increase of $81.26 per month to $3, ($39, annually) Year 8 commencing Nov. 1, 2014 an increase of $83.29 per month to $3, ($40, annually) RECOMMENDATION That the current lease with MacArthur Management Services be amended to reflect the above terms on satisfactory completion of construction of a 16 x 18 (288 sq, ft.) addition to the Kincardine ambulance station. Rationale This addition will provide much needed on site office space for the station manager and improved climate controlled storage for medical supplies.

25 REPORT TO CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE From: Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk Treasurer Date: January 11, 2007 Subject: Public Sector Accounting Board / Asset Management At the Councillor Orientation Session in November, I touched ofthat were considered by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB), as well as Tangible Capital Assets Amendments that were approved by PSAB on June 12 th, These amendments are significant to municipalities and there are a number of activities currently underway to assist municipalities with preparing for compliance by January 1 st, The current local government standards contained in the Public Sector Accounting Handbook are based on modified accrual accounting standards that do not require capital expenditures to be recognized as tangible capital assets on the Statements of Financial position. The depreciation of these assets over their useful lives is also not recognized as an expense on the Statement of Financial activities. Expenditures by municipalities on tangible capital assets are therefore currently reported as capital expenditures in the period that these assets are acquired. Under the recently approved amendments, effective January 1 st, 2009, municipalities will be required to report tangible capital assets as assets in the Statement of Financial Position. In addition, the amortization of the cost of tangible capital assets is to be accounted for as expenses in the Statement of Operations. In a letter from the Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John S. Burke states that while the new accounting and reporting requirements for tangible capital assets are a significant undertaking, they provide for improved accountability to the taxpayer, a better basis for decision making and more effective means to determine the appropriate expenditure levels to maintain the asset. In short it is understood that the improved asset management and reporting practices which the PSAB amendments are designed to promote, will assist all governments in the delivery of efficient and effective services. A co-ordinating Committee for Municipal Asset Management Initiatives comprised of senior staff from various provincial ministries and municipal organizations has been established. The Municipal Finance Officers Association, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, Ontario Good Roads Association have all been very active on this issue to respond to the PSAB amendments. As well, under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), funding of $5.96 million is to be made available to municipalities that are COMRIF eligible (municipalities with populations of 250,000 or less to assist with asset management and capacity building. The County of Bruce has been advised that our notional allocation to the Asset Management Program may be up to $25,221. We are required to complete an Expression of Interest Form on-line prior to March 31, This will be completed. The changes in Treasury Departments across the Province will be significant and will require

26 co-operation and assistance from all departments. Currently I am reviewing the composition of a Steering Committee and developing a timeline in order that we can meet the requirements and be prepared for the implementation date of January 1 st, I am working closely with the Lower Tier Treasurers in not only Bruce County but Grey County as well as the County Auditors and other associations to ensure that we don t all reinvent the wheel, and that we ensure consistency among municipalities. The Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario of which the County is a member is providing up-to-date information and newsletters. I found the latest newsletter written by the Treasurer of Lanark County, Tammy Walters, to be very creatively written while providing a very distinct message for all of the involved stakeholders. I have attached a copy for your information. This item will continue to be an agenda item for Corporate Services over the next 2 years and there will be budget considerations for staffing and asset management software in order that we can complete the job as required. All of which is respectfully submitted, Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk-Treasurer

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30 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MADAWASKA VALLEY 85 Bay St., P.O. Box 1000, Barry s Bay, Ontario K0J 1B0 TEL: (613) FAX: (613) info@madawaskavalley.on.ca November 21, 2006 Please be advised that the Township of Madawaska Valley, at the regular Council meeting of Monday, November 6, 2006, passed the following resolution: Moved by: Sylvie Yantha Seconded by: Bonnie Mask WHEREAS ongoing cuts to medical admissions has created a doctor shortage in Ontario; and WHEREAS these cuts in admissions are a direct result of provincial funding cuts to medical schools and training centers in Ontario. This has resulted in lower numbers of medical practitioners graduating to work in the medical care field in Ontario; and WHEREAS these lower numbers entering the career of medical care givers have resulted in a drastic shortage of caregivers in all areas of Ontario; and WHEREAS this shortage has resulted in greater competition by medical boards to secure the lower number of graduates to fill the many places in need of medical practitioners; and WHEREAS foreign trained doctors are still not being accepted in large numbers to practice under the guidelines as set forth by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons; and WHEREAS local boards by being forced into this competition without the resources to compete in this new field of Free Agency buying of medical personnel are asking local municipalities to fund this hideous practice; and WHEREAS recruiting doctors to (re)locate to rural Ontario is becoming increasingly more difficult; and WHEREAS as medical funding and education funding are mandates the province has steadfastly and enthusiastically administrated and in the best interest of Ontario residents this should continue to be a provincially funded system; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Madawaska Valley requests that the government of Ontario take immediate action both administratively and fiscally to resolve the medical care practitioner shortage in Ontario. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be circulated to all municipalities in Ontario for their consideration of support. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be forwarded to A.M.O. for its consideration and subsequent action on behalf of the supporting municipalities, and to John Yakabuski, MPP and George Smitherman, Health and Long-Term Care Minister. CARRIED Pat Pilgrim, CAO/Clerk PP/cak CC: The Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care John Yakabuski, MPP Renfrew-Nippissing-Pembroke AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario)

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37 REPORT TO CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE From: Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk Treasurer Date: January 11, 2007 Subject: Public Sector Accounting Board / Asset Management At the Councillor Orientation Session in November, I touched on new account and reporting requirements that were considered by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB), as well as Tangible Capital Assets Amendments that were approved by PSAB on June 12 th, These amendments are significant to municipalities and there are a number of activities currently underway to assist municipalities with preparing for compliance by January 1 st, The current local government standards contained in the Public Sector Accounting Handbook are based on modified accrual accounting standards that do not require capital expenditures to be recognized as tangible capital assets on the Statements of Financial position. The depreciation of these assets over their useful lives is also not recognized as an expense on the Statement of Financial activities. Expenditures by municipalities on tangible capital assets are therefore currently reported as capital expenditures in the period that these assets are acquired. Under the recently approved amendments, effective January 1 st, 2009, municipalities will be required to report tangible capital assets as assets in the Statement of Financial Position. In addition, the amortization of the cost of tangible capital assets is to be accounted for as expenses in the Statement of Operations. In a letter from the Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John S. Burke states that while the new accounting and reporting requirements for tangible capital assets are a significant undertaking, they provide for improved accountability to the taxpayer, a better basis for decision making and more effective means to determine the appropriate expenditure levels to maintain the asset. In short it is understood that the improved asset management and reporting practices which the PSAB amendments are designed to promote, will assist all governments in the delivery of efficient and effective services. A co-ordinating Committee for Municipal Asset Management Initiatives comprised of senior staff from various provincial ministries and municipal organizations has been established. The Municipal Finance Officers Association, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, Ontario Good Roads Association have all been very active on this issue to respond to the PSAB amendments. As well, under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), funding of $5.96 million is to be made available to municipalities that are COMRIF eligible (municipalities with populations of 250,000 or less to assist with asset management and capacity building. The County of Bruce has been advised that our notional allocation to the Asset Management Program may be up to $25,221. We are required to complete an Expression of Interest Form on-line prior to March 31, This will be completed. The changes in Treasury Departments across the Province will be significant and will require

38 co-operation and assistance from all departments. Currently I am reviewing the composition of a Steering Committee and developing a timeline in order that we can meet the requirements and be prepared for the implementation date of January 1 st, I am working closely with the Lower Tier Treasurers in not only Bruce County but Grey County as well as the County Auditors and other associations to ensure that we don t all reinvent the wheel, and that we ensure consistency among municipalities. The Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario of which the County is a member is providing up-to-date information and newsletters. I found the latest newsletter written by the Treasurer of Lanark County, Tammy Walters, to be very creatively written while providing a very distinct message for all of the involved stakeholders. I have attached a copy for your information. This item will continue to be an agenda item for Corporate Services over the next 2 years and there will be budget considerations for staffing and asset management software in order that we can complete the job as required. All of which is respectfully submitted, Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk-Treasurer

39 REPORT TO CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE From: Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk Treasurer Date: January 11, 2007 Subject: Public Sector Accounting Board / Asset Management At the Councillor Orientation Session in November, I touched on new accounting and reporting requirements that were considered by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB), as well as Tangible Capital Assets Amendments that were approved by PSAB on June 12 th, These amendments are significant to municipalities and there are a number of activities currently underway to assist municipalities with preparing for compliance by January 1 st, The current local government standards contained in the Public Sector Accounting Handbook are based on modified accrual accounting standards that do not require capital expenditures to be recognized as tangible capital assets on the Statements of Financial position. The depreciation of these assets over their useful lives is also not recognized as an expense on the Statement of Financial activities. Expenditures by municipalities on tangible capital assets are therefore currently reported as capital expenditures in the period that these assets are acquired. Under the recently approved amendments, effective January 1 st, 2009, municipalities will be required to report tangible capital assets as assets in the Statement of Financial Position. In addition, the amortization of the cost of tangible capital assets is to be accounted for as expenses in the Statement of Operations. In a letter from the Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John S. Burke states that while the new accounting and reporting requirements for tangible capital assets are a significant undertaking, they provide for improved accountability to the taxpayer, a better basis for decision making and more effective means to determine the appropriate expenditure levels to maintain the asset. In short it is understood that the improved asset management and reporting practices which the PSAB amendments are designed to promote, will assist all governments in the delivery of efficient and effective services. A co-ordinating Committee for Municipal Asset Management Initiatives comprised of senior staff from various provincial ministries and municipal organizations has been established. The Municipal Finance Officers Association, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, Ontario Good Roads Association have all been very active on this issue to respond to the PSAB amendments. As well, under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), funding of $5.96 million is to be made available to municipalities that are COMRIF eligible (municipalities with populations of 250,000 or less to assist with asset management and capacity building. The County of Bruce has been advised that our notional allocation to the Asset Management Program may be up to $25,221. We are required to complete an Expression of Interest Form on-line prior to March 31, This will be completed. The changes in Treasury Departments across the Province will be significant and will require

40 co-operation and assistance from all departments. Currently I am reviewing the composition of a Steering Committee and developing a timeline in order that we can meet the requirements and be prepared for the implementation date of January 1 st, I am working closely with the Lower Tier Treasurers in not only Bruce County but Grey County as well as the County Auditors and other associations to ensure that we don t all reinvent the wheel, and that we ensure consistency among municipalities. The Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario of which the County is a member is providing up-to-date information and newsletters. I found the latest newsletter written by the Treasurer of Lanark County, Tammy Walters, to be very creatively written while providing a very distinct message for all of the involved stakeholders. I have attached a copy for your information. This item will continue to be an agenda item for Corporate Services over the next 2 years and there will be budget considerations for staffing and asset management software in order that we can complete the job as required. All of which is respectfully submitted, Bettyanne Cobean, Clerk-Treasurer