The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
The Clerk reported that all councillors representing all districts of the Municipality were present with the exception of Councillor Sean Strang. Members were informed that Councillor Strang was absent due to a family emergency.
- Warden Louise Halliday
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor George El-Jakl
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Wilford Smith
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add the following two items to the agenda:
- Response from Nova Scotia Power.
- Letter from Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Stewart that the minutes of the last meeting held February 11, 2008 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Business Retention and Expansion
Gary Gaudet from the South West Shore Development Authority appeared before the meeting and explained their project regarding business retention and expansion. This is a project that focuses on listening to business owners in the area regarding the challenges that can be addressed to make operating easier, cheaper and more efficient, or create a greater job base. It also focuses on any opportunities they want to discuss for growth, expansion, accessing new markets and customers, reducing operating costs, etc.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 25, 2008
Mr. Gaudet informed members that his purpose for appearing before Council tonight was to include Council in this process, and ask Council for their suggestions regarding businesses he should approach. Mr. Gaudet provided his cellphone number, 740-3404, and his email address, ggaudet@swsda.com.
Mr. Gaudet was thanked for appearing before Council and making his presentation.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Barrington Passage Post Office
The Clerk informed members that a response has been received from Joe Crowell regarding Council’s concern at the Barrington Passage Post Office. After reading the letter it was realized that the letter addressed no parking signs at the Post Office, and not the request of Council for permission to remove the green space next to the sidewalk in front of the Post Office.
The Clerk informed members that he discussed this matter with Mr. Crowell, and Mr. Crowell has indicated that the request will be forwarded to Greg Newell of the Yarmouth Office.
During discussion of this matter it was also questioned whether or not a response has been received from Canada Post. The Clerk informed members that no response has been received.
Resolution C080226
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that a second letter be forwarded to Canada Post, once again making them aware of the parking problems in the vicinity of the Barrington Passage Post Office, and requesting them to address the matter.
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Clyde River Signage
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Municipality of Shelburne advising that they are in the process of purchasing their sign.
The Clerk informed members that we are currently getting prices from two local businesses for the construction of our sign and the sign will be installed in the near future.
Earth Hour
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with information on Earth Hour. Earth Hour is a “lights out” event which is scheduled to take place March 29, 2008, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 25, 2008
Resolution C080227
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by L. Stewart that this matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
B.M.H.S. Environment Club
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with correspondence received from the B.M.H.S. Environment Club. The letter advised that they are beginning a project to promote the use of energy saving light bulbs and water conservation. The Club is asking for a letter of support for their Club.
Resolution C080228
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by W. Smith that the B.M.H.S. Environment Club be provided with a letter of support from Council supporting their effort.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tri-County Regional Science and Technology Expo
Correspondence has been received from the Tri-County Regional Science & Technology Expo advising that their annual expo will be held on March 26, 2008, and they are requesting assistance with financial backing, awards, and in kind donations. They are also looking for individuals to present awards to the finalists.
Resolution C080229
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the Tri-County Regional Science and Technology Expo be provided with a couple of sweatshirts with the municipal logo, and councillors wishing to attend the expo to present awards are to contact the Municipal Office.
Motion carried unanimously.
Nova Scotia Power
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from Nova Scotia Power in response to our letter expressing concerns over recent power outages in the Port LaTour/Baccaro areas. The correspondence advised that Nova Scotia Power completes an inspection of their plant, wire, poles, etc. every two years. Since our inquiry, they have completed a due diligence inspection from the substation located in Clyde River. They have identified some opportunities such as broken insulators and sagged wires. They are also conducting load checks on their wires to optimize power quality. This is to be completed by early March 2008. They will also be re-insulating the transmission line that feeds into Barrington which will have a positive effect on the Port LaTour and Baccaro area.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 25, 2008
Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Assocation
Correspondence has been received from Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association providing an update on their activities, and requested financial support from the Municipality in the amount of $300.00. The letter also advised that financial statements and the information was enclosed, but no such information was attached.
Resolution C080230
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association be requested to forward the financial information, and they be advised that their request will be considered upon receipt of that information.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Committee of the Whole
Legal Services
Resolution C080231
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by G. El-Jakl that a request for proposals for legal services be advertised covering the next five year period.
Motion carried unanimously.
Property Services Term Employee
Resolution C080232
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality hire a term employee for the Property Services Department for a period of between six months and one year and that the position be advertised according to policy.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was agreed that the position will be advertised internally and externally at the same time.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 25, 2008
Resolution C080233
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by W. Smith that the Hiring Committee interview the applicants.
Motion carried unanimously.
Interim Tax Billing Policy
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality implement an interim billing system for taxes in the current year accompanied by an appropriate amount of advertising to inform taxpayers.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Louise Halliday Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith Larry Stewart
Motion defeated.
Resolution C080234
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality implement an interim tax billing policy system for property taxation commencing in the 2009/2010 fiscal year, and that change be advertised appropriately commencing with notices being inserted in the 2008/2009 tax bill.
Motion carried unanimously.
Model Volunteer Community Award
Resolution C080235
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by E. Nickerson that Municipal Staff submit a Model Volunteer Nomination Form on behalf of the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Recreation Centre Rental Rate
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that notice be given of an amendment to the Recreation Centre Policy changing the rental rate for children’s birthday parties to $25.00, plus H.S.T., consistent with that of the Arena.
Resolution C080236
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the word “children’s” be deleted from the above motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
The original motion was then put to a vote as amended and was carried.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 25, 2008
Policy No. 8 Amendments
Resolution C080237
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by L. Stewart that notice be given of an amendment to the Annual Remuneration Policy, Policy #8. The proposed amendment is as follows:
“The annual remuneration to be paid to non Council members of the public who are appointed to Municipal committees shall be $25.00 per meeting attended, plus expenses, effective April 1, 2008.”
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Larry Stewart
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Motion carried.
Guarantee Request
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that the South West Shore Development Authority be informed that the Municipality is unable to extend any guarantee as a result of the information received from the Municipal Advisor of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
Resolution C080238
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the above motion be deferred.
Motion carried unanimously.
Landing of Quakers and Puritans
Resolution C080239
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by G. El-Jakl that a reply be sent to the Cape Sable Historical Society indicating that the Municipality encourages them to form a committee and conduct the appropriate celebration for the anniversary for the landing of the Quakers and Puritans as this is a matter that should be done by members of the community and not by Council. Council wishes to indicate that as in all community endeavors, that it will support this community group as it does all community group activities.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 25, 2008
Approval of Street Names
Resolution C080240
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality approve the requested private road names for a proposed subdivision located at Port Clyde. The private road names being approved are: Seaside Drive, Sand Castle Drive, Oceanside Drive and Beach Drive.
Motion carried unanimously.
Capital Investment Plan Project
Resolution C080241
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Clerk-Treasurer participate in a pilot project for the establishment of a Capital Investment Plan Template for Nova Scotia municipalities.
Motion carried unanimously.
Councillor George El-Jakl
No committees to report.
Councillor Wilford Smith
No committees to report.
Councillor Larry Stewart
No committees to report.
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
Deputy Warden Nickerson gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer gave a report on activities and projects carried out during the month of January 2008.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Water Resources Management Strategy
Copies of the “Towards a Water Resources Management Strategy for Nova Scotia” was circulated to members for their review. The Department of Environment is requesting comments on the discussion paper.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 25, 2008
Wind in Nova Scotia - Quick Facts
Wind in Nova Scotia - Quick Facts was received from the Office of the Minister of Energy. Each member of Council was provided with a copy of this information.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a personnel matter.
The Regular Council meeting was then called back to order.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by W. Smith that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
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