The Municipality of the District of

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Wednesday, April 11, 2007.

The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:05 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 declared.


MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

There were no matters arising from the minutes.


PROCLAMATION

The Warden informed members that correspondence has been received from Child Care Connections requesting the Municipality to recognize practitioners and the valuable work they do by declaring the month of June 2007 “Child Care Awareness Days”.

The sample  proclamation was read by the Warden, and there being no objections received, the Warden declared the month of June 2007 as “Child Care Awareness Days” in the Municipality of Barrington.


ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add the following items to the agenda:

- Shelburne County Career Connections.
- Joint Police Advisory Board.
- South West Shore Development Authority Letter.
- Tourism Coordinator.
- Letter from Shirley Hopkins.

Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007


CORRESPONDENCE

Lobster Festival

The 21st Annual Shelburne County Lobster Festival will be held June 7 - 10, 2007.  The Lobster Festival Committee is once again requesting a grant in the amount of $250.00 to promote the festival.

Resolution C070401

Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that a grant in the amount of $250.00 be provided to the Shelburne County Lobster Festival Committee. 

Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution C070402

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the Warden attend the opening ceremony on behalf of the Municipality.

Motion carried unanimously.

Pubnico Wind Turbine Facility

The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from Service Nova Scotia advising that the percentage split for the taxes payable by Pubnico Wind Turbine Facility has been determined.  The percentage of the Wind Turbine Facility taxes to be received by Argyle and Barrington is as follows:

    - 96% to the Municipality of the District of Argyle
    - 4% to the Municipality of the District of Barrington

Shelburne County Career Connections

It was reported that a letter has been received from the Shelburne County Career Connections Committee, which is a group of career practitioners and employment support persons who directly assist unemployed Shelburne County residents to locate work.  The committee is extending an invitation to Warden and Councillors to attend a “meet and greet” to be held at the Nova Scotia Community College, in Shelburne, on May 2, 2007, commencing at 6:30 p.m.

Resolution C070403

Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by G. El-Jakl that any councillor attending this function have their expenses paid by the Municipality.

Motion carried unanimously.

Joint Police Advisory Board

The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from Citizens on Patrol advising that they would like to have members Lorraine Pierce and John Ross serve on the Joint Police Advisory Board for the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark’s Harbour.

Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007

Resolution C070404

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that Lorraine Pierce and John Ross be appointed to serve on the Joint Police Advisory Board.

Motion carried unanimously.


NEW BUSINESS

R.C.M.P. Monthly Report

Cpl. Doug Brannen of the Barrington R.C.M.P. Detachment appeared before the meeting.  Cpl. Brannen provided monthly statistics for the months of February and March 2007.  Both months are down compared to last year.

General discussion took place regarding various matters.

Cpl. Brannen informed members that Sgt. Mooney has requested that a message be related to councillors regarding appointments to the Joint Police Advisory Board.  It is Sgt. Mooney’s recommendation that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper inviting expressions of interest from individuals wishing to serve on the Board.

Resolution C070405

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the previous motion appointing Lorraine Pierce and John Ross to serve on the Joint Police Advisory Board be rescinded.

Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution C070406

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper inviting expressions of interest from individuals wishing to serve on the Joint Police Advisory Board for the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark’s Harbour, as recommended by Sgt. Mooney.

Motion carried unanimously.


COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS

Sean Strang

Committee of the Whole Council - April 2, 2007

No Parking at School Area

It was felt by members that it would be beneficial to deal with this matter in the presence of Cpl. Brannen.

Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007


Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that a letter be sent to the Department of Transportation Supervisor, in Shelburne, asking the Department to determine whether parking on the side of the highway near Barrington Municipal High School is a hazard, and if so, will the Department of Transportation place “No Parking” signs in those locations, if necessary.  If further information is required, the Department of Transportation should be instructed to contact Angus Atkinson who is a bus driver at the school. 

Angus Atkinson was present at this time and was given an opportunity to address Council and express his concerns regarding the parking problem in the vicinity of the High School.

Resolution C070407

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the above motion be amended requesting officials of the Department of Transportation to view the situation, and then meet with councillors to discuss appropriate signage.

Motion carried unanimously.

The motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried.

Cpl. Doug Brannen was then thanked for appearing before the meeting.


CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE

South West Shore Development Authority Letter

The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the South West Shore Development Authority requesting the Municipality to acknowledge that the South West Shore Development Authority, through its by-laws and constitution, elect voting members to its Board of Directors.  The Authority also wants us to confirm that we do not appoint any members to the Board, or the Executive Committee of the Board.

Resolution C070408

Moved by W. Smith and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality acknowledge that the South West Shore Development Authority, through its by-laws and constitution, elects voting members to its Board of Directors, and confirmation be provided that we do not appoint any members to the Board or the Executive Committee of the Board.

Motion carried unanimously.

Tourism Coordinator

The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Municipality of Shelburne requesting a meeting to discuss the concept of hiring and funding a tourism coordinator for Shelburne County.

Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007

Resolution C070409

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that this matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.

Motion carried unanimously.

Shirley Hopkins Request - Re: Old Oak Park Road

The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from Shirley Hopkins regarding the poor condition of the old Oak Park Road.  During discussion of this matter it was revealed that the portion of the old Oak Park Road located in Shelburne County is not maintained by the Department of Transportation, although the portion of the road located in Yarmouth County is maintained by the Department of Transportation.

Resolution C070410

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that a letter be forwarded to Mr. Greg Newell, Department of Transportation, recognizing the old Oak Park Road as a “K” road, and requesting the Department to maintain this road as per the reasons given by Mrs. Shirley Hopkins. 

Motion carried unanimously.


CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS

Engineering Services

It has been recommended that the Municipality invite proposals for engineering services for a three year period commencing June 1, 2007.

Resolution C070411

Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality invite proposals for engineering services for a three year period, commencing June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2010.

Motion carried unanimously.

First Reading - Amendments to By-Law No. 25

It is proposed that By-Law No. 25 “Tax Exemption By-Law” be amended by deleting the Barrington Area Lions Club from Schedule “A” of the by-law, and adding it to Schedule “B” of the by-law, which will annually exempt the organization of the responsibility for payment of rates and taxes, exclusive of area rates, sewer charges, service charges and any other special levies.  It is also proposed that Schedule “B” be amended by deleting the Blanche Ball Field since this ball field is no longer used for recreational purposes.

Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007

Resolution C070412

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that proposed amendments to By-Law No. 25 “Tax Exemption By-Law”, as indicated above, be approved in first reading.

Motion carried unanimously.


REPORT OF WARDEN

The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.

During this report it was noted that there will be a meeting of the District Planning Commission on April 12, 2007.

Resolution C070413

Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Warden attend this meeting and her mileage be paid by the Municipality.

Motion carried unanimously.

During the Warden’s Report it was also noted that it is necessary for the Municipality to appoint a member to serve on the Shelburne Area Industrial Commission.

Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that Councillor George El-Jakl be nominated to serve on the Commission.

Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson be nominated to serve on this Commission.

Further nominations were called by the Warden three more times.

It was agreed by members that the appointment would be made by secret ballot and that the Clerk and Deputy Clerk would act as scrutineers.

As a result of the vote, Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson was declared the representative on the Shelburne Industrial Commission.


CONTINUATION OF COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS

Councillor Smith

Councillor Smith gave a brief report on a recent meeting of the Waterfront Development Committee.  He also gave a brief report on the recent meeting of the Continuing Care Steering Committee.  A recommendation from that meeting will be brought forward later.

Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007

Councillor Strang

Committee of the Whole Council - April 2, 2007

Community Service’s Lease

Resolution C070414

Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the lease with the Department of Community Services for space in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, be renewed, and include an escalation clause tied to the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for Canada based on the Consumer Price Index as at the end of July.

Motion carried unanimously.

Western Shelburne County Health Care Charitable Society

Resolution C070415

Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality pay $100.00 to sponsor a table at the fundraising dinner to be held at the Barrington Area Lions Hall by the Western Shelburne County Health Care Charitable Society.

Motion carried unanimously.

Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson

Continuing Care Steering Committee

Bay Side Home Re: Formation of Sub Committee

Resolution C070416

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that Richard Nickerson, Wendy Cunningham and Shaun Hatfield be appointed as members of the Building Committee of Bay Side Home Corporation, and that Bonnie Smith be appointed as alternate in the case that any of the other three members could not attend.

Motion carried unanimously.


REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER

The Clerk-Treasurer gave a report on activities carried out during the month of February 2007.


CLOSED SESSION

At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a legal agreement and personnel matters.

The regular session of Council was called back to order.
   
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007


SALARY - ROB WILLIAMS

Resolution C070417

Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that Rob William’s salary be increased from $14.03 to $14.30 per hour, to place him on the same pay scale as the other Property Services Technicians doing similar work.

Motion carried unanimously.


BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Clerk informed members that Roger Burrill will be resigning from his duties as By-Law Enforcement Officer, effective April 23, 2007, due to job commitments.

Resolution C070418

Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper for a By-Law Enforcement Officer.

Motion carried unanimously.


WOOD’S HARBOUR MULTI USE TRAIL

It was reported that the agreement from the Canada/Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund for funding the Wood’s Harbour Multi Use Trail has been received.  The total cost of the project is $624,711.00.  The Municipality is responsible for one third of the project cost.  Two thirds of the project cost will come from the federal and provincial governments in the amount of $468,474.00.  The federal/provincial fee schedule is as follows:

    - 2007/2008 - $100,000.00
    - 2008/2009 - $216,474.00
    - 2009/2010 - $100,000.00
    Total:             $416,474.00

Resolution C070419

Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality accept the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Agreement as presented.

Motion carried unanimously.

Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 11, 2007


ADJOURNMENT

Moved by S. Strang that the meeting adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.