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:
- 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
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 a Closed Session to the agenda to deal with a legal matter and personnel matters.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Stewart that the minutes of the last meeting held February 25, 2008 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Bantam Female Flames
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the parents of the Bantam Female Flames. The letter advised that both Barrington and Shelburne municipalities would be represented by the Bantam Female Flames at the upcoming Hockey Nova Scotia Provincial Championships, in Antigonish, on March 28th and 29th. The group is requesting a financial donation as well as municipal pins and the use of the municipal flag.
The Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address the matter.
After making comments on the matter, the Warden resumed the Chair.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Resolution C080301
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by S. Strang that the Bantam Female Flames be provided with municipal lapel pins as well as the use of the municipal flag.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by L. Stewart that $150.00 from the District 1 Community Grants Fund be provided to the Bantam Female Flames to assist with their costs in attending the Hockey Nova Scotia Provincial Championships in Antigonish on March 28th and 29th.
Resolution C080302
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the above motion be amended to also include $150.00 from the District 7 Community Grants Fund.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Gas Tax Transfer Program
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat regarding the Gas Tax Transfer Program for 2007/2008.
The Clerk informed members that payment has now been received in the amount of $144,009.00. This brings the total monies in reserves for the Gas Tax Transfer Program to $325,244.00, to date.
Invitation from Town of Clark’s Harbour
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with an invitation from the Town of Clark’s Harbour to attend the Grand Opening of the Clark’s Harbour Centre. The opening will be held on March 26, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. The Municipal Office will inform the Town of the number of councillors planning to attend.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
World Malaria Day
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with correspondence received from FCM advising that the City of Kingston has proclaimed April 25, 2008 as World Malaria Day. The proclamation launches the city’s drive to “net a village” in Africa. The City of Kingston invites other municipalities across Canada to join in this initiative. The City of Kingston is encouraging personal contributions to the campaign.
Resolution C080303
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality of Barrington join the initiative and proclaim April 25, 2008 as World Malaria Day in the Municipality of Barrington, and support the resolution provided by the City of Kingston.
Motion carried unanimously.
Property Valuation Services Corporation
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Property Valuation Services Corporation advising that the 2008/2009 municipal assessment costs are $136,735.51. As in previous years, these costs will be billed in equal quarterly installments. The first installment is due March 15, 2008.
Request from Shag Harbour Incident Society
Cindy Nickerson of the Shag Harbour Incident Society is attempting to access funding from the provincial government to assist with the cost of the Shag Harbour Incident Festival to be held August 8th and 9th, 2008. They plan to use the remaining $350.00 Municipal Grant which was paid to them earlier in the year, and they are requesting in kind donations as follows:
- Warden and Deputy Warden to take part in Festival
- advertise Festival on website
- borrow equipment from the Municipality such as podium, screen, etc.
The Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address the matter.
After making her comments, she resumed the Chair.
During discussion of this matter it was also noted that it is necessary for the Municipality to sign a portion of the grant application confirming support from the Municipality.
Resolution C080304
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality agree that the remaining $350.00 Municipal Grant provided to the Shag Harbour Incident Society be used for the Shag Harbour Incident Festival, that the Municipality provide in kind donations as indicated above, and that the application be signed by the Warden of the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Department of Transportation Traffic Count
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Department of Transportation advising of the annual temporary count program for 2008.
Resolution C080305
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipal Clerk check with officials from the Department of Transportation to determine whether a count can be carried out to identify the volume of traffic on the 103 highway entering Barrington by way of exits 29 and 30, and that this information be discussed further at the next Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden provided a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor Larry Stewart
No committees to report.
Councillor Sean Strang
Committee of the Whole
Sherose Island Tourist Rest Stop
Resolution C080306
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality survey the residents on Sherose Island to determine whether or not they wish to have a rest stop constructed along the Sherose Island Road.
Motion carried unanimously.
Shelburne County Tourism Coordinator
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the proposal for the establishment of a Tourism Coordinator for Shelburne County be presented by the Warden and Clerk-Treasurer to other municipal units in the County for their consideration.
The Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address this motion.
After making her comments, the Warden resumed the Chair.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Resolution C080207
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by W. Smith that the above motion be amended by deleting the words “be presented by the Warden and Clerk-Treasurer to other municipal units in the County” and inserting the words “be forwarded to Alan Nelson, Discover Shelburne County”.
Motion carried unanimously.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Sean Strang
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Richard Nickerson Request
Resolution C080308
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality respond to Mr. Nickerson indicating that they have determined that the Municipality is not interested in purchasing the two parcels of land which he owns on Petticoat Lane in Barrington.
Motion carried unanimously.
UNSM Municipal Property Tax Relief Policy
The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is proposing a Property Tax Relief Policy to be put in place by all 55 municipal units across the province. The Committee of the Whole has considered four questions put forth by the UNSM. Questions and responses are as follows:
Question 1: Does your Municipality agree that there should be a province wide low income property tax relief policy to address low income home owners?
Response: Yes
Question 2: Does your Municipality agree with maximum annual property tax relief of $500.00?
Response: Yes
Question 3: Do you agree that the maximum family income to be eligible for property tax relief in the District of Barrington should be $20,000.00 as recommended by Statistics Canada Low Income Cutoff Statistics?
Response: Yes.
Question 4: Does your Municipality agree that there should be a minimum tax paid by all property owners? If so, should that amount be $250.00?
Response: No, there should be no minimum tax paid by all property owners.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Resolution C080309
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipal Council forward the above responses to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities as requested.
Motion carried unanimously.
Waste Collectors
Resolution C080310
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that $7,500.00 be included in the 2008 Fiscal Budget for the funding of a curbside inspection program within the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Lilllian Perry Letter - Old Telephone Office Building
Resolution C080311
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that Municipal Staff contact Mr. Vernon Schnare, Regional Coordinator for Aliant South Shore, regarding the storage of an antique switchboard.
Motion carried unanimously.
Annapolis Road
Resolution C080312
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that a letter be sent to the District of Shelburne indicating that the Annapolis Road project is something that should first be addressed as part of a tourism plan for Shelburne County, to be developed by a Shelburne County Tourism Coordinator.
Motion carried unanimously.
Earth Hour
Resolution C080313
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that all local residents who wish to participate in the Earth Hour on March 29, 2008, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., be encouraged to do so.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
PAC Non Council Members
Resolution C080314
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Mr. Robbie Newell and Mr. Cecil Swimm serve as the public members of the Planning Advisory Committee for the next two year period, beginning April 1, 2008.
Motion carried unanimously.
Women in Local Government Bursary
Resolution C080315
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality pay an annual contribution of $300.00 for a period of three years for the Women in Local Government Bursary as requested by the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Sean Strang
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Joanne Rose Request
Resolution C080316
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Joanne Rose, the Administrator of Bay Side Home, be permitted to maintain her membership in the Sun Life Financial Pension Plan, together with our municipal employees, at no cost to the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Grant Request
Resolution C080317
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that a grant in the amount of $585.00 be provided to the West Baccaro Cemetery from the District 4 Community Grants Fund.
Motion carried unanimously.
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor Wilford Smith
No committees to report.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
Sea Cadets - Dinner Theatre
Resolution C080318
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that a letter of congratulations be forwarded to the Sea Cadets on their recent Dinner Theatre fundraiser, and it be suggested that next year all councillors be invited to attend.
Motion carried unanimously.
Adopt a Book Program
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger informed members that April is Adopt a Book Month. She challenged councillors and staff to adopt a book at the Barrington Municipal Library.
Boys Night Out
She also informed members that the R.C.M.P. holds a Boys Night Out, one night per month, at the Barrington Municipal Library to promote reading.
Community Health Centre
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger informed members that the VON Clinic held at the Community Health Centre will be discontinued at the end of March due to lack of funding. It was suggested that Josephine Blinn, of VON, be invited to appear before Council at a televised Council meeting to discuss this matter in detail. It was also suggested that other municipal units in Shelburne County be made aware of this meeting and invited to attend if they so wish.
Councillor George El-Jakl
Councillor George El-Jakl expressed concern regarding the lack of staffing at the ambulance bays located in Wood’s Harbour and Barrington Passage.
Resolution C080319
Moved by George El-Jakl and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipal Clerk obtain additional information on EHS staffing.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Volunteer of the Year
Resolution C080320
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Stewart that Howard Lamrock be selected as the Municipality’s Volunteer of the Year.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Wood’s Harbour Trail Project - Tenders
The Clerk informed members that tenders were invited for the Wood’s Harbour Trail. The deadline for tenders was today at 4:00 p.m. Thirteen tender documents were taken out and five tenders were received.
Tenders were opened by the Warden and reported as follows:
- R & T Excavating Ltd. - $167,630.00
- Leonard G. Stuart - $ 93,785.00
- David A Trefry Excavating Ltd. - $168,880.00
- Spinney Excavating Ltd. - $147,500.00
- Gardiner Allen Excavating Ltd. - $167,000.00
Above quoted tenders do not include H.S.T.
Resolution C080321
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by L. Stewart that the tenders be referred to the engineers, Horner Associates, for review, and the engineers be instructed to award the tender to the lowest bidder meeting all requirements of the tender call.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Sean Strang
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Request from Dr. Yee
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from Dr. Kenny Yee. The letter advised that Dr. Grant Kinsley will be doing a locum for him from July 7th to August 1st, 2008. Dr. Yee is requesting Council to consider providing accommodations to Dr. Kinsley in the apartment at the Community Health Centre.
Resolution C080322
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality agree to provide accommodations to Dr. Kinsley at the Community Health Centre subject to its availability.
Motion carried unanimously.
Birthday Party Rental Fee
Notice of consideration of amendments to the Sherose Island Community Centre Policy of the Facility was given at the last meeting of Council. It is proposed that the rental fee for birthday parties be set at the rate of $25.00, plus H.S.T., per party.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Resolution C080323
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Policy No. 12 “Sherose Island Community Centre Policy for the Facility” be amended by adding a new section 5A which will read as follows:
“Individuals who wish to use the facility for birthday parties may do so at the rate of $25.00, plus H.S.T., per party.”
Motion carried unanimously.
Payment of Committee Fees
At the last meeting of Council notice was given by Council that they would be considering amendments to Policy No. 8 “Annual Remuneration and Expenses for Councillors, Staff and Others”. It is proposed that Section 5 be amended by deleting $250.00 from the first paragraph and inserting the following:
“$25.00 per meeting attended, plus expenses, effective April 1, 2008"
Resolution C080324
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by S. Strang that the above proposed amendment to Policy No. 8 “Annual Remuneration and Expenses for Councillors, Staff and Others” be approved as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
Garbage Collector’s Licence Fee
It was suggested that the current fee of $10.00 for a garbage collector’s licence be increased.
Resolution C080325
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that licence fees be reviewed by Municipal Staff and recommendations be brought forward at a future Council meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
Poll of Electors
The Clerk informed members that on Wednesday, February 27, 2008, a meeting was held at the Wood’s Harbour Volunteer Fire Department for the purpose of informing the public of a proposed area rate of 5 cents per $100.00 of assessment which is to be put in place for the next ten year period in order to finance the construction of a new fire hall. The result of the poll was as follows:
- 50 in favour
- 4 opposed
- 0 spoiled ballots
Page 11, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, March 10, 2008
Resolution C080326
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by W. Smith that an area rate be put in place for the Wood’s Harbour Volunteer Fire Department in the amount of 5 cents per $100.00 of taxable assessments, in Districts 5A and 5B, for a ten year period commencing April 1, 2008, for the cost of construction of a new fire hall.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a legal matter and personnel matters.
The Regular Council Meeting was then reconvened.
Yearly Increment
Resolution C080327
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by D. Messenger that Brian O’Connor, Property Services Supervisor, receive his annual increment, after having received a satisfactory performance evaluation. This increment will be effective on his anniversary date of March 5, 2008.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be dealt with, the meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
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