The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
The Clerk reported that all councillors from all districts of the Municipality were present:
- Warden Louise Halliday
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor George El-Jakl
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Wilford Smith
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Councillor Sean Strang
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add the following items to the agenda:
- Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.
- Request from Goreham’s Marine.
- Heritage Conference.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Strang that the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held March 25, 2008, and the minutes of the Special Council Meeting of April 8, 2008, be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
VON Clinic
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from South West Health in response to Council’s letter concerning the discontinuation of the VON Clinic in Barrington Passage. The letter advised that the clinic was initially put in place to support former patients of Dr. Mikhail. Dr. O’Connor has since absorbed many of these patients and the Nurse Practitioner is available to take on patients of the clinic. The letter advised that the number of patients per month accessing the clinic was low. Funding was reassigned to an initiative that would better serve the population.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger informed members that this matter will be further discussed by the Western Shelburne County Health Care Charitable Society at their meeting to be held in May.
It was agreed that this matter be set aside until the Charitable Society has had an opportunity to discuss this matter.
CORRESPONDENCE
Request from Dr. Abud
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from Dr. Abud. The letter advised that Dr. Grant Kinsley will be doing a locum for her from November 10th to November 28th, and she is requesting that he be permitted to use the apartment at the Community Health Centre.
Resolution C080401
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by W. Smith that Dr. Grant Kinsley be permitted to use the apartment at the Community Health Centre, subject to the approval of Dr. Blair.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Maurice Shand Re: Cusk
Mr. Maurice Shand, a lobster fisherman from Shag Harbour, appeared before the meeting. He informed members that he is a member of the LFA Board representing Bear Point and Shag Harbour, and is also a member of the Lobster Management Board. He made members aware of the Legal Listing Consultation Workbook for Cusk which has been prepared by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Mr. Shand informed members that in 2003 the Government of Canada took steps towards protecting species at risk and their habitat, and proclaimed the “Species at Risk Act”. In order to determine which species should be added to the SARA list of protected species, the Government of Canada consults the general public, and the government makes its decisions based on the outcome of consultations as to whether or not to list a species. The consultation workbook which is being distributed is part of the governments effort to obtain feedback on whether or not cusk should be added to the list of wildlife species at risk. Mr. Shand stated that the fishermen do not feel that statistics and research are accurate, and cusk are not at risk. Mr. Shand encouraged everyone to complete the workbook and forward it to the Species at Risk Coordination Office, not later than the deadline of August 1, 2008.
Mr. Shand informed members that if cusk is listed as an endangered species the government would have the authority to close down approximately1/2 to 3/4 of the lobster grounds. All boats fishing outside would then be required to move inside resulting in everyone fishing in the same place. No-one will be permitted to fish in areas occupied by cusk. Mr. Shand indicated that everyone would be impacted by this change – fishermen, boatshops, retail stores, restaurants, etc., etc., etc.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
Resolution C080402
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Strang that the Consultation Workbook Survey be completed and forwarded to the Species at Risk Coordination Office, and that correspondence be forwarded to the federal and provincial governments stating the economic impact on our residents and communities of having cusk listed as an endangered species, and that a copy of the Legal Listing Consultation Workbook for Cusk be forwarded to all councils in Nova Scotia.
Motion carried unanimously.
CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE
Proclamation - Volunteer Week
The Warden read a proclamation for Volunteer Week. There being no objections received regarding the proclamation, the Warden declared April 27th to May 3rd, 2008 as Provincial Volunteer Week in the Municipality of Barrington.
Proclamation - Child Care Awareness Days
The Warden read a proclamation received from Child Care Connections Nova Scotia. Having received no objections to the proclamation, the Warden declared June 2008 as Child Care Awareness Days in the Municipality of Barrington.
Wood’s Harbour Walking Trail
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat providing an amendment to the Offer/Agreement for the Wood’s Harbour Walking Trail. The revised schedule brings forward monies remaining in last years budget for the Wood’s Harbour Walking Trail. The revised schedule was signed by the Warden and Clerk.
Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation
The Clerk informed members that the grant in lieu of property taxes previously paid by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation will be discontinued this year. Last year the grant in lieu of taxes received from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation was $9,817.00.
Request from Goreham’s Marine
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a copy of a letter received from Goreham’s Marine advising of their plans to enter into the mid size pleasure craft market. They are currently in the process of meeting with several government funding agencies to support their efforts to export mid size pleasure crafts. They are requesting a letter from Council supporting their efforts.
Resolution C080403
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be forwarded to Gorehams Marine in support of their endeavors in the pleasure craft boat building industry.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 16, 2008
Heritage Conference
The Warden informed members that correspondence has been received from Susy Atwood, Heritage Conference Coordinator, inviting a Council representative to attend their Welcome Reception to be held on Thursday, April 24th, at the Osprey Centre, starting at 7:30 p.m. She also forwarded the registration form for the Heritage Conference, April 24th to 26th, 2008.
During discussion of this matter it was noted that a Bay Side Home Board Meeting was also scheduled for April 24th, at 7:00 p.m. It was agreed that arrangements be made to reschedule the Bay Side Home Board Meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Resolution C080404
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that a Council member attend the Welcome Reception on Thursday, April 24th, at 7:30 p.m., and that the expenses of this council member be paid.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer gave a report on activities for the month of February 2008.
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor George El-Jakl
Councillor El-Jakl gave a brief report on the meeting he and the Municipal Clerk attended with fire departments on April 1, 2008.
Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Councillor Messenger gave a brief report on the Citizen Engagement and Consultation Workshop held in Halifax on March 27th and 28th. She also gave a brief report on a meeting she attended of the Shag Harbour Incident Society.
Councillor Wilford Smith
No committees to report.
Councillor Larry Stewart
No committees to report.
Councillor Sean Strang
Committee of the Whole Council
Tax Write Offs
The following tax write offs were brought before the committee. These are business occupancy taxes that are deemed to be uncollectible for various reasons.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
D. E. & Sons Fisheries & Eddie & Sons Fisheries
These uncollectible business occupancy taxes are the balance of accounts of D. E. & Sons Fisheries and Eddie & Sons Fisheries. A judgement has been obtained on the account of D. E. & Sons Fisheries in excess of $5,000.00. This judgement was obtained through Small Claims Court for outstanding business occupancy taxes. There is also outstanding business occupancy taxes on the account of Eddie & Sons Fisheries which exceeds $3,300.00. Because these businesses have both gone out of business, and no longer exist, it is impossible to collect these outstanding business occupancy taxes.
Resolution C080405
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the auditors be asked to write off the balance of these accounts in the current years financial statements.
Motion carried unanimously.
McGray Boat Builders Limited
Resolution C080406
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the balance of commercial property taxes in the name of McGray Boat Builders be written off as uncollectible in the current years financial statements.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tobi Fougere Business Occupancy Tax
Resolution C080407
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the balance of business occupancy taxes on the account of Tobi Fougere, Clyde River, be written off as uncollectible in the current years financial statements.
Motion carried unanimously.
Robertson Building
Resolution C080408
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the name of the former Royal Bank building be designated as the Robertson Building.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
Licencing Fees
Resolution C080409
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the licencing fees for garbage collectors in the Municipality of Barrington be raised to $100.00 per year.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday Larry Stewart
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Heritage Project
Resolution C080410
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality enter into an agreement with Heritage Canada to have Trudy Atkinson complete heritage records for the registration of properties in the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Digby Ferry
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that a grant of $1,244.00 be provided to the Municipality of Digby for assistance in their efforts to maintain the Digby ferry service from Digby to Saint John.
Resolution C080411
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the above motion be amended to request the Municipality of Digby to provide progress reports on how the money is spent to secure the ferry service.
Motion carried unanimously.
The original motion was then put to a vote as amended.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Wilford Smith
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
Arena Fundraising Event
Resolution C080412
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality provide a temporary advance of funds to the Arena Fundraising Committee for the purpose of funding the dance to be held on April 26th at the Arena, and that this advance be repaid to the Municipality immediately following the dance.
Motion carried unanimously.
Green Houses
Resolution C080413
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the information regarding the construction of green houses be forwarded to the Barrington Municipal High School Environmental Club.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Literacy Award
Resolution C080414
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that information on the 2008 Canada Post Community Literacy Awards be forwarded to the Shelburne County Learning Centre for their information.
Motion carried unanimously.
Marathon
Resolution C080415
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality provide awards for the various age groups in increments of ten (10) years, similar to other marathon events across the province.
Motion carried unanimously.
Department of Transportation
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal be requested to grade Pope’s Road, to repair Cripple Creek Road, to grade the Lighthouse Road in Baccaro and to grade the West Bear Point Road.
Resolution C080416
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by S. Strang that the above motion be amended by deleting Pope’s Road and West Bear Point Road since these roads have already been graded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried unanimously.
Community Services Air Conditioners
Resolution C080417
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality purchase and install air conditioners for the Community Services offices in the Administrative Centre at a cost not to exceed $6,100.00, and that this expenditure be included in the 2008/2009 operating budget.
Motion carried unanimously.
Wood’s Harbour Sidewalk Tender
Resolution C080418
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the tender from Garian Construction for the construction of a sidewalk in Wood’s Harbour be accepted with the provision that as much of the sidewalk be built as possible with the funds available under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Health Centre Expansion
Resolution C080419
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that any expansion of the Community Health Centre be deferred until further consultation with local doctors and the community.
Motion carried unanimously.
Adopt a Book Program
Resolution C080420
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that a grant of $250.00 be provided to the Western Counties Regional Library for its Adopt a Book Program.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
Hiring Committee Meeting
Resolution C080421
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Mike O’Neil be hired for the Property Services Term Position.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday George El-Jakl
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Resolution C080422
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Stephen Smith be designated as the alternate for the Property Services Term Position should Mike O’Neil not accept the position.
Motion carried unanimously.
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
No committees to report.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
C.S.I. Sewer Project
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee, as well as the Terms of Reference for the hiring of a Project Manager. Councillors were also provided with a copy of comments received from the Department of Environment and Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations.
Resolution C080423
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee and Project Manager and comments received from the Department of Environment and Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations be accepted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Bill C-25 - An Act to Amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with information on Bill C-25 An Act to Amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 14, 2008
The Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address this matter.
After making her comments, she resumed the Chair.
Resolution C080424
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipal Council forward a letter in support of the proposed amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a personnel matter and purchase of property.
The Regular Council Meeting was then called back to order.
Yearly Increment
Resolution C080424
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that Rob Williams receive his yearly increment after having received a satisfactory performance evaluation.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m.
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