The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held in memory of former councillor Annie Reynolds who recently passed away.
ROLL CALL
The Clerk reported that all councillors representing all districts of the Municipality were present with the exception of Councillor Larry Stewart who was absent due to an illness in his family.
- Warden Louise Halliday
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor George El-Jakl
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Wilford Smith
- Councillor Sean Strang
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councillor Smith informed members that he will be declaring conflict of interest later in the meeting when the request of George Salibury is considered.
TABLED MOTION RE: FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Clerk read the motion which was tabled at the last meeting of Council.
“Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality pay the Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department $59,079.82, and the Barrington Volunteer Fire Department $18,000.00, as previously indicated in their applications to the Emergency Services Provider Fund of the Province of Nova Scotia.”
The Clerk reported that neither department received the full amount of their request and only partial funding was approved by the Province. The Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department has indicated that they would require $16,020.74 from the 2008/2009 budget. The Barrington Volunteer Fire Department has not yet responded to the request for additional information.
Resolution C080126
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that the above matter be deferred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
NEW BUSINESS
Business Retention and Expansion Project
Gary Gaudet of the South West Shore Development Authority was scheduled to make a presentation to Council tonight on the Business Retention and Expansion Project. Mr. Gaudet failed to appear for his presentation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the minutes of the last meeting held January 14, 2008 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Heart Month Proclamation
The Warden informed members that correspondence has been received from the Heart & Stroke Foundation requesting Council to proclaim February 2008 as Heart Month. The proclamation was read by the Warden, and having received no objections to the proclamation, the Warden declared February 2008 as Heart Month in the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion M-38
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with correspondence received from MP Peter Julian. Mr. Julian is requesting support of Council on the following motion:
Motion M-38
That, in the opinion of the House, the government should recognize that fire retardants containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are proven to be the most dangerous form of flame retardant harmful to people, animals and the environment, and that legislation completely phasing out the production and import of products containing additive PBDEs should be brought forth within a year.
Resolution C080127
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the above matter be deferred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
During discussion of this matter, question was raised as to why the Annex 2 of the letter only contained British Columbian municipalities in support of M-38.
It was agreed that additional information be obtained regarding this matter prior to it being further discussed by the Committee of the Whole.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
An Inconvenient Truth
The Clerk informed members that the DVD, An Inconvenient Truth, has been purchased through the Western Counties Regional Library. A gift plate with the inscription “Given to the Barrington Municipal Library by the Municipality of the District of Barrington Council” has been placed on the DVD cover. The DVD will be available for public use, and has public performance rights making it legally available for showing in classrooms and to groups.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Woodland Multi-Use Trail Association
Mr. Ron Wallet, President; and Mr. Percy Cox, Vice-President; of the Woodland Multi-Use Trail Association appeared before the meeting. They informed members that it is the main objective of the Association to develop a multi-use trail system using primarily the 93 kilometers of abandoned rail corridor throughout Shelburne County. The first phase of the development is in the eastern part of the County. The first phase will include the development of the abandoned rail line for an 8.3 kilometer section from Highway 103 in Sable River to the eastern Shelburne County line at Wilkins Lake, and for a 10 kilometer section from Highway #3 in Sable River to Canada Hill Road. The development of these two sections of trail is planned for 2008. They are currently in the process of applying for funding from ACOA and the Department of Health Protection and Promotion.
They informed members that the purpose of their presentation tonight was to request a letter of support from Council.
Resolution C080128
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality provide the Woodland Multi-Use Trail Association with a letter of support for the concept and for their plan to develop a multi-use trail system throughout the County.
Motion carried unanimously.
At this time the Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address the matter.
Discussion took place regarding the use of the Barrington Bay Trail.
The Warden resumed the Chair.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
Capped Assessment
The Warden suggested that the Property Valuation Services Corporation be invited to make a presentation to Council to explain CAP Assessment, etc.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
Resolution C080129
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that the Property Valuation Services Corporation be invited to make a presentation to Council on CAP Assessment, and that this presentation take place at the next televised Council meeting, and that the public be encouraged to attend.
Motion carried unanimously.
Food Bank Fundraiser
The Warden also informed members that Marilee Ross, in cooperation with the Recreation Director, Anna Kenney, is planning a fundraiser at the Barrington Municipal High School on February 23, 2008. The purpose of the fundraiser is to raise money for the two food banks in the area. Arrangements are being made for Dwight d’Eon to perform along with some local performers.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SUBDIVISION BY-LAW
At this time a Public Hearing was held pursuant to the Municipal Government Act to consider amendments to the Subdivision By-Law. Proposed amendments will restrict the use of Instruments of Subdivision to the consolidation of lots and the correction of common property boundaries. This amendment will also provide that only a limited number of lots can be created by the use of Instruments of Subdivision from any parent parcel of land, and that no more than 3 new lots will be permitted to be created from any parent parcel in existence on the effective date of this amendment.
Notice of the Public Hearing was advertised in the Coast Guard Newspaper and adjoining municipal units were notified by way of letter dated January 15, 2008.
The Regular Council Meeting was then called back to order.
Resolution C080130
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that proposed amendments to the Subdivision By-Law be approved in second and final reading.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor George El-Jakl
No committees to report.
Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Councillor Messenger provided a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor Wilford Smith
No committees to report.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
Councillor Sean Strang
Committee of the Whole Council
Barrington Regional Curling Club
Resolution C080131
Moved by S. Strang and seconded D. Messenger that the Municipality defer the payment due from the Barrington Regional Curling Club, in the amount of $15,000.00, until May 31, 2008.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Wilford Smith
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Resolution C080132
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that two (2) councillors, the Clerk-Treasurer and two (2) members of the Board of Directors of the Barrington Regional Curling Club meet for the purpose of discussing the Club’s finances, and bring forward a proposal to the Committee.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Sean Strang
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Motion carried.
Resolution C080133
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the members from Council who will participate in the discussions with the Barrington Regional Curling Club will be Deputy Warden Nickerson and Councillor El-Jakl.
Motion carried unanimously.
Region 6 Solid Waste Management Budget
Resolution C080134
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality approve the proposed budget for the Region 6 Solid Waste Management Authority.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
Proposed Fire Response and Emergency Services Policy #54
Resolution C080135
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Council give notice that the proposed Fire Response and Emergency Services Policy #54 will be considered at the next meeting of Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Request of George Salisbury
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Smith declared conflict of interest, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area. Councillor Smith is an owner of property in this matter.
Resolution C080136
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality inform both parties that Council believes that access by right of way is a civil matter that should be negotiated to a satisfactory resolution between the parties involved.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday George El-Jakl
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Councillor Smith returned to his seat.
Old School House Property
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be sent to the Old School House Restaurant indicating that the Municipality is not interested in purchasing their property as it does not fall within the Municipality’s budget.
Resolution C080137
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the above motion be amended to indicate that the Municipality is looking for land only for the development of a business park and has no need for buildings.
Motion carried unanimously.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried unanimously.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 24, 2008
Barrington Bay Trail
Resolution C080138
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality install several signs along the Barrington Bay Trail indicating that users will be expected to clean up behind their animals when using the Trail.
Motion carried unanimously.
Wood’s Harbour Multi-Purpose Trail
Resolution C080139
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality tender the multi-purpose portion of the Wood’s Harbour Trail Project and have it completed as soon as possible in the near future.
Motion carried unanimously.
Building Inspector
Resolution C080140
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Glen Muise be hired as Building Inspector/Development Officer/Fire Inspector and By-Law Enforcement Officer for the Municipality of Barrington.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday George El-Jakl
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Resolution C080141
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Peter Weeks be appointed the alternate for the position of Building Inspector/Development Officer/Fire Inspector/By-Law Enforcement Officer for the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
Property Services Technician
Resolution C080142
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Cameron Whiteway be hired for the vacant position of Property Services Technician.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
Deputy Warden Nickerson gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
Resolution C080143
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the appointment of an alternate to attend meetings of the South West Shore Development Authority be referred to the Committee of the Whole for discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer provided a brief report on activities carried out during the month of December.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Assessment Information
The Clerk circulated information to members on total taxable assessment for the last five years. Information was also provided on the capped taxable assessment for the year 2008 and 2007.
Order of Nova Scotia
Resolution C080144
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that Hattie Perry be nominated for the Order of Nova Scotia and that a letter be written by the Warden supporting this nomination.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
Funding Resolution Re: Wood’s Harbour Multi-Purpose Trail
The Clerk informed members that the Funding Resolution in the amount of $670,000.00 for the Multi-Purpose Trail and Sidewalk in Wood’s Harbour will expire May 28, 2008. The Clerk asked Council to approve renewal of the Temporary Borrowing Resolution in the amount of $670,000.00 for interim financing of the project.
Resolution C080145
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by E. Nickerson that the following resolution be approved:
WHEREAS the Municipality of the District of Barrington is authorized by law to borrow by the issue and sale of debentures of the Municipality a sum not exceeding Six Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($670,000) for the purpose of water systems;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to a resolution passed by the Municipal Council on the 28th day of May, 2007, the Council postponed the issue of debentures and with the approval of the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Affairs dated the 11th day of June, 2007, borrowed from a chartered bank or trust company doing business in Nova Scotia a sum not exceeding Six Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($670,000) for the purpose set out above for a period not exceeding twelve months;
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient that the period of borrowing be further extended;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT subject to the approval of the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations the authorized period of borrowing in the amount of Six Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($670,000) be extended for a further period not exceeding twelve months from the date of the approval of the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
Motion carried unanimously.
Arena Discipline Policy
The Clerk informed members that notice was given at the last meeting of Council for consideration of amendments to the Arena Discipline Policy to be considered tonight. Proposed amendments were read by the Municipal Clerk. Proposed amendments dealt with fines.
Resolution C080146
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that proposed amendments to the Arena Discipline Policy be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
Flag Policy
The Clerk informed members that notice of consideration was given at the last meeting of Council. Consideration will be given tonight to the adoption of the Flag Policy. The policy was read by the Municipal Clerk.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 28, 2008
Resolution C080147
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Flag Policy be adopted as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
Request from R.M. Greenwood Telecommunications
The Clerk informed members that a letter has been received from R.M. Greenwood Telecommunications requesting office space at the former telephone office located next to the Old Court House. He is also requesting a reduced rental rate.
Resolution C080148
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the request for office space received from R.M. Greenwood Telecommunications be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a potential legal matter.
The Regular Council Meeting was then called back to order.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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