The Municipality of the District of
Town of Barrington
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Monday, June 13, 2005.  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 Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Councillor Sean Strang

- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the minutes of the last meeting held May 24, 2005 be approved as circulated.

Motion carried unanimously.


CLOSED SESSION

At this time a Closed Session of Council was held for members to meet with Mr. Frank Anderson of the South West Shore Development Authority to discuss the possible sale of Municipal property.

The Regular Council Meeting was called back to order.


MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Proprietor's Land

The Clerk informed members that a letter has been received from the Minister of Natural Resources regarding questions raised by Council regarding proprietor's land.  The letter advised that over the past several years the Department has been working cooperatively with the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Partnership acquiring parcels of land throughout Nova Scotia pursuant to the "owner's unknown" provisions of the Municipal Government Act. 

The lands within the Municipality of Barrington acquired by the Province have high wildlife values and are noted as important habitat areas for waterfowl, seabirds and shorebirds, including the rare piping plover.  One of the parcels is known to contain the rare "Thread-Leaved Sundew" which is listed under the Federal Species At Risk Act.  The letter further advised that the province considers these properties as important acquisitions in its continuing efforts to secure habitats that support the conservation of endangered species in the province, and in its endeavors to protect and preserve the environment for future generations of Nova Scotia. 

Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

Resolution C050601

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that a letter be written to the Minister of Natural Resources requesting to know what will happen to camps which are located on the properties currently being acquired by the Province.

Motion carried unanimously.


CORRESPONDENCE

RRFB Annual General Meeting

The Clerk informed members that an invitation has been received from the Board of Directors of the RRFB inviting all councillors to attend their 9th Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, June 23, 2005, in Halifax.

Dalhousie University School of Nursing Anniversary

The Clerk informed members that a letter has been received from Dalhousie University advising that this year will mark the 10th year of the delivery of the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program in Yarmouth.  The letter further invited councillors to participate in their celebratory activities occurring on July 9th.

Shelburne Sailing School Association

A letter has been received from the Shelburne Sailing School Association advising that they will be launching the 2005 program on Thursday, June 16th , and inviting councillors to attend.

Bowater Mersey Woodlands Open House

The Clerk informed members that an invitation has been received from Bowater Mersey inviting councillors to attend an open house to view and make comments on Bowaters' two year operating plan for company lands.  Information will also be available on Bowater Merseys Forest Management, including forest planning, harvest practices, silviculture, research conservation and forest recreation.  Open houses are scheduled to be held on June 9th in Brooklyn, and on June 16thin Upper Tantallon. 

Letter from residents of Wood's Harbour

It was reported that a letter has been received from concerned residents of Wood's Harbour advising of the dangerous and unsightly condition of the old bowling alley property located in Wood's Harbour.  The letter also expressed concern regarding the house located across the road from Keith Dixons. 

Resolution C060502

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipal Clerk take the necessary steps to address these concerns and report back to Council.

Motion carried unanimously.


Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

The Clerk informed members that action has been taken on both of these matters and the Building Inspector has reported that there is no problem with the house located across the road from Keith Dixon's property.  The building which has been referred to as a house is actually an accessory use building located on the property.  Concern was also expressed regarding the oil tank on this property and that matter is being pursued. 

The old bowling alley property is currently being investigated by the By-Law Enforcement Officer.  Steps are being taken to address the matters of concern.


REPORT OF WARDEN

June 2, 2005

The Warden informed members that he participated in the Head for the Cure on June 2, 2005.  Fourteen (14) participants had their heads shaved at the Official Opening of the Shelburne County Lobster Festival.  Approximately $16,000.00, in total, was raised.

June 12, 2005

The Warden informed members that he attended the Fire Department Extrication and Symposium held at the Arena, which was hosted by the Wood's Harbour and Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Departments.  There were eleven (11) entries in the competition.


REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER

The Clerk-Treasurer gave a report on activities during the month of May. 


ILLEGAL DUMP SITE

The Deputy Warden informed members that illegal dumping is taking place at the end of Station Road located in Barrington Passage.

The Clerk informed members that the matter will be investigated by the By-Law Enforcement Officer.


COMMITTEE REPORTS

S.S.T.

Councillor Halliday provided a brief report on the June 1, 2005 meeting of the S.S.T.  At the present time the construction of the new school is five weeks behind schedule.  It is anticipated though that this can be made up during the project.  She informed members that a status report is available for viewing by councillors and anyone wishing to view the document may contact Dave Buckland at B.M.H.S.  During her report she indicated that basic music equipment will cost $59,000.00, and at present only $20,000.00 has been allotted.


Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

FCM Conference

Councillor Halliday gave a detailed report on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference held June 3rd, 4th and 5th in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Reports on the conference were also given by Councillor Messenger, Deputy Warden Bower and Councillor Strang.

Hiring Committee

Property Services Labourer

Resolution C050603

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality hire Michael Swimm as Property Services Labourer.

Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution C060504

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality designate William Nickerson as an alternate in the case that Mr. Swimm does not accept the position of Property Services Labourer.

Motion carried unanimously.

Pool Summer Staff

Resolution C050605

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that the following three (3) applicants be hired as lifeguards for the upcoming season: Stephanie Swim, Shasta Nickerson, and Megan Harris.

Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution C050606

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Clerk and Recreation Director be authorized to hire adequate staff for the pool for the season in the case that any of the three (3) applicants is unavailable.

Motion carried unanimously.

Program Supervisor

Resolution C050607

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality hire Courtney Nickerson, Katie Thurber, Devon Newell and Brittany Ryer as Program Supervisors for the Day Camp, and that Ashley Watt be designated an alternate to be hired in the case that any of the four persons previously recommended are unavailable to serve.

Motion carried unanimously.

Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

Community Health Care Advisory Committee

Councillor Messenger informed members that Dr. McKnight has started practicing at the Community Health Centre and will be there for the next six (6) month period. 

She also informed members that Dr. Kim Mailman is looking into the possibility of opening a dental practice in the area.

Nurse Practitioner

Resolution C050608

Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that the committee invite Mr. Blaise MacNeil, CEO; and Cathy Blades, Vice President, of the District Health Authority, to meet with the committee to further discuss the provision of nurse practitioners.

Motion carried unanimously.

Audit Committee Meeting

Review of Draft Statements

Resolution C050609

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that $250,000.00 be transferred from the General Revenue Fund Surplus to the Special Reserve Fund Capital to provide for future capital expenditures for the Municipality.

Motion carried unanimously.

Committee of the Whole

Barrington Ground Search & Rescue

Resolution C050610

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the South West Shore Development Authority be informed that the Municipality of Barrington supports the request of the Barrington Ground Search & Rescue Group to purchase a building from which to operate as indicated in their financial request and proposal.

Motion carried unanimously.

South Shore Ice Equipment Limited

Resolution C050611

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the outstanding property taxes on property assessed in the name of South Shore Ice Equipment Limited, in the amount $17.60 for 2003, and $11.41 for 2004, be written off as uncollectible.

Motion carried unanimously.

Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

Equipment Purchases

Resolution C050612

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that Municipal Staff proceed with repairs to the entry at the Barrington Municipal Arena at a cost of approximately $7,000.00, plus H.S.T., and that this amount be included the budget for the current fiscal year.

AFFIRMATIVE            NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau            Fred Bower
Louise Halliday            Eddie Nickerson
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang

Motion carried.

Grading of Roads

Resolution C050613

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that correspondence be sent to the Supervisor of the Department of Transportation requesting that the Lighthouse Road in Baccaro be repaired and graded as necessary.

Motion carried unanimously.

Advertising Flyers

Resolution C050614

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality contact the distributors of advertising flyers within the Municipality and request that they be placed in proper receptacles for distribution, and not be thrown on the ground as is now common practice.

Motion carried unanimously.

Building Officials Survey

Information regarding the Building Officials Survey was previously circulated to members for their information and review.  The survey was reviewed by the Committee of the Whole and the following comments were provided:

1.      Should Building Officials be required to have a minimum qualification?    Yes.

2.    Should Building Officials only be allowed to administer work for which they are trained?  Yes.


Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

3.    What is the most important to you in the administration of the Building Code?   
   
    1.    public safety
    2.    reduced potential Municipal liability exposure
    3.    improved accountability.
    4.    improved customer relations
    5.    reduce complaints

6.    Should the UNSM have a position on the certification board?  No.

7.    If the minimum qualification is established is a phased in approach desirable?  Yes.

8.    Should the Building Code Act enable the appointment of qualified persons to administer and enforce the Building Code?  Yes.

9.    What kind of buildings are constructed in your municipality? 

    -    Houses and duplexes, fast food/coffee shops, fire halls, small apartment buildings, services garages, recreation centres, hockey rinks, restaurants, licenced bars or lounges, small industrial plants, commercial and retail buildings and churches.

10.    What is a reasonable minimum qualification to be appointed a Municipal Building Official?
   
    1.    Level 1 Residential
    2.    Level 2 Small Buildings
    3.    Level 3 Large Buildings & All Assembly Occupancies

Resolution C050615

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the responses completed and discussed above be forwarded to the Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee, Public Safety Division, Department of Environment & Labour.

Motion carried unanimously.

Friends of the Library

Resolution C050616

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality issue receipts for donations received by the Friends of the Library for the purchase of equipment, books, etc., for a new library to be constructed by the Municipality.

Motion carried unanimously.

Waste Collection

In order to allow the Waste Collector ample time to transport waste to the Queens Landfill, it is being proposed that collection begin at 7:00 a.m.


Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

The Deputy Warden assumed the chair in order that the Warden could address the mater.

The Chair was then resumed by the Warden.

Resolution C050617

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality change the hours at which the Municipal Waste Collection will begin in the morning to 7:00 a.m. for a trial period of six (6) months.

AFFIRMATIVE            NEGATIVE
Fred Bower                Sterling Belliveau
Louise Halliday            Larry Stewart
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger        Sean Strang
Eddie Nickerson

Motion carried.

Resolution C050618

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality pay the Municipal Waste Collector at the rate of $100.00 per ton for all waste collected during fall and spring clean-ups.

Motion carried unanimously.

Bursary Selection

Resolution C050619

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipal Bursary in the amount of $1,000.00 be awarded to Courtney Nickerson for 2005.

Motion carried unanimously.

Hiring Policy

Resolution C050620

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that Municipal Staff hire all part-time employees for the remainder of this Council's term which is to expire October 2008.

AFFIRMATIVE            NEGATIVE
Fred Bower                 Sterling Belliveau
Louise Halliday       
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang

Motion carried.


Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005


IDENTIFICATION CARDS FOR COUNCILLORS

The Deputy Warden requested identification cards for councillors. 

It was agreed that this matter would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Committee of the Whole Council.


LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S MEDAL

Councillor Stewart informed members that he attended the presentation ceremony of the Lieutenant Governor's medals.  The medals were awarded to Grave XI students on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in the community and school.  There were fourteen (14) recipients of the medals and two were from B.M.H.S., Brennan Goreham and Katie Thurber.

Resolution C050621

Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality send letters of congratulations to both Brennan Goreham and Katie Thurber.

Motion carried unanimously.

C.S.I. Sewer Committee

Councillor Stewart informed members that the C.S.I. Sewer Survey had been prepared.  It is hoped that a group can be identified to carry out the survey in the very near future.

Waterfront Development Committee

Councillor Nickerson informed members that the Waterfront Development Committee recently held a meeting.  At the meeting the boardwalk project was discussed and the committee is continuing with that project.

The boat at McGray Avenue was also discussed and it was agreed that this matter be placed on the agenda for the next Committee of the Whole Meeting.

Councillor Nickerson also informed members that the committee is working on a pamphlet to promote waterfront development.


PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO POLICY #8 RE: STIPENDS

At the last meeting of Council notice was given that consideration of amendments to Policy #8 "Annual Remuneration and Expenses for Councillors, Staff and Others" would be considered at tonight's meeting.

It is proposed that the last sentence in paragraph 1 of Section 6 be deleted which requires at least one meeting to be held during the payment period.  Deletion of this sentence will entitle non Council members to an annual remuneration of $250.00 regardless of the number of meetings held during that year.

Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 13, 2005

Resolution C050622

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the proposed amendment to Policy #8 "Annual Remuneration and Expenses for Councillors, Staff and Others" be approved and that the last sentence in paragraph 1 of Section 6 be deleted.

AFFIRMATIVE            NEGATIVE
Fred Bower                Sterling Belliveau
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang

Motion carried.


ADJOURNMENT

Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.



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