The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Councillor Fred Bower
- Councillor Tina Wickens
- Councillor Steven Stoddart
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy-Clerk
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Deputy Warden Bower noted a correction to be made on Page 13 of the March 22, 2000 Council Minutes, under the heading "Mailboxes".
At that meeting a motion was passed that Canada Post be contacted to determine whether it would be acceptable for residents in various areas of the Municipality of Barrington to install rural route mailboxes, since the green mailboxes provided by Canada Post are unsuitable. Deputy Warden Bower stated that the question that should have been asked Canada Post was, "Would Canada Post deliver mail to rural mailboxes?"
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that the minutes of the last meeting, held March 22, 2000, be approved as amended.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Bus Stop Concern
The Warden reported that repairs to the shoulder of the road, in Wood's Harbour, in the vicinity of the bus stop located near Civic #7077, had not yet been carried out. It was agreed that staff would check on this matter further.
Visitor Information Centre Supervisor
Councillor Wickens questioned why the recommendation from the Hiring Committee to hire Eric Shand as the Visitor Information Centre Supervisor was defeated. She indicated that Mr. Shand had used her as a reference but prior to the interviews being carried out he had written a letter removing her as one of his references.
Councillor Wickens also informed members that at no time during the hiring process was it suggested that Mr. Shand's application be disqualified.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
Page 2, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that Notice of Motion to reconsider be given the following motion which was approved at the March 22, 2000 Council Meeting.
WHEREAS members wish to hire a Visitor Information Centre Supervisor;
THEREFORE it is moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by F. Bower that Mr. Eric Shand be hired as Visitor Information Centre Supervisor and that Diane Smith be designated as alternate.
Building Inspection Department Restructuring
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by T. Wickens that Notice of Motion to reconsider be given the following motion which was defeated at the March 22, 2000 Council Meeting.
WHEREAS members believe additional qualified personnel are required in the Building Inspection Department;
THEREFORE the Municipality hire a second Certified Building Inspector.
EMERGENCY AGENDA ITEM
Closure of Barrington Court
The Clerk reported that, in consultation with the Warden, it was agreed that this item be added to tonight's Agenda. The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Department of Justice advising, that as a result of the Government's Program Review, the satellite court in Barrington will cease holding court sittings on or about July 1, 2000.
It was noted that a letter was written to the Honorable Michael Baker as a result of the March 22, 2000 Council Meeting, questioning whether there is a possibility that court proceedings may be removed from the Barrington area. No response was received from the Minister.
Sergeant Leighton of the Barrington R.C.M.P. Detachment appeared before Council. He stated that it was his understanding that the decision to close the Barrington Court was made due to financial reasons only. It was his suggestion that the Municipality of Barrington negotiate the rental cost for the facility. Sergeant Leighton suggested that the Municipality may want to suggest a rental rate of one dollar per year. He indicated that if the rental cost is reduced or eliminated then to move to Shelburne would actually result in additional expense to the Department of Justice.
Sergeant Leighton also expressed concern that R.C.M.P. officers cannot afford the extra time to travel to Shelburne or Yarmouth. It should also be noted that the wait in court would be additional time as well.
Sergeant Leighton advised Council that for the period March 1999 to March 2000 the R.C.M.P. handled 1,153 cases presented before the court.
Additional hardship is also placed on the victims, suspects, spectators, etc. for the additional travel time involved.
Page 3, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that a letter be written to the Premier requesting him to provide us with a breakdown of cost savings resulting from the closure of the Barrington Court.
Motion carried.
Victim Support Project
Sergeant Leighton also expressed concerns regarding the Provincial Government's discussion to cut funding for the Victim Support Project. The Program dealt with 151 cases last year, of which 82 cases were from this area.
Sergeant Leighton stated that this service cannot be lost by the citizens of the Municipality and the Town of Clark's Harbour and advised that he would be willing to sit down with Councillors to discuss this program.
It was agreed that the Clerk make arrangements for Sergeant Leighton to meet members at an upcoming Committee Meeting.
PROCLAMATION
The Warden reported that information has been received from National Kid's Day/To Smile Trust requesting that the Municipality of Barrington declare June 10, 2000 as National Kid's Day.
There being no objections to this Proclamation the Warden officially declared June 10, 2000 as National Kid's Day in the Municipality of Barrington.
REQUEST FOR SIDEWALKS
Mrs. Lee Smith of Wood's Harbour appeared before the meeting and advised that many people who reside in the communities of Lower Wood's Harbour, Wood's Harbour and Upper Wood's Harbour have expressed a very strong interest in having sidewalks constructed in their area. She stated that current conditions of the sides of the highway are far too narrow, and in some cases almost completely eroded. This causes a very dangerous situation when you consider the number of children who use these areas, not to mention the number of adults who go walking for personal exercise each day.
A petition was presented which contained 378 signatures in support of sidewalks being constructed in the Wood's Harbour area.
Mrs. Smith further requested that the $5,000.00 that was set aside for the "Rails to Trails Program" be reallocated for this infrastructure project, since the "Rails to Trails Program" will not be followed through.
It was agreed by Council that we would explore the possibility of funding through Provincial and Federal grants.
Page 4, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the request to transfer $5,000.00 from the "Rails to Trails Program" to the infrastructure project for sidewalks, be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.
Motion carried.
Mrs. Smith was requested to obtain a letter from the Committee stating that the "Rails to Trails Program" will not be proceeded with.
CORRESPONDENCE
Two (2) Plate Licence System
The Clerk reported that correspondence has been received from the Town of Antigonish indicating that their Municipal unit will be supporting the efforts to reinstate the two (2) licence plate system.
A letter has also been received from the Municipality of Colchester stating that they will not be sending a letter of support to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Another letter has been received from the Municipality of East Hants and they have decided to take no action on this matter at this time.
Victim Support Project
As a result of our letters, responses have been received from the Department of Community Services and the Department of Justice, which stated that until the review is completed no commitments can be made for any new budget expenditures for the next fiscal year.
As a result of the Provincial Budget presented yesterday the Victim Support Project has been cut.
Quarterly Payment - Library
The Clerk reported that the first quarterly payment to the Western Counties Regional Library for the 2000-2001 budget year is now due in the amount $8,890.00.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the first quarterly payment to the Western Counties Regional Library be made in the amount of $8,890.00.
Motion carried.
Shelburne County Youth Health & Support Association
The Clerk reported that correspondence has been received from the Shelburne County Youth Health & Support Association in which they are requesting $1,000.00 to aid the Centre in establishing a corporate public identity.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the request received from the Shelburne Youth Health & Support Association be referred to the Budget Process.
Motion carried.
Page 5, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Transfer Payments - Health Care
The Clerk reported that the Municipality of Pictou is requesting Council's support of a resolution that calls for the Federal Government to substantially increase the transfer payments for health care. The resolution was read.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality support the resolution submitted by the Municipality of Pictou calling for the substantial increase in transfer payments for health care.
Motion carried.
Doctor Shortage
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Doris Nickerson which requested Council to support reinstatement of Dr. Blair.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the Medical Society be contacted and asked to provide clarification as to why Dr. Blair has been suspended.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the above motion be tabled until after the interview and the public hearing.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR VARIANCE - DARRELL SWAINE
The Clerk reported that an application for a variance from the requirements of the Municipality's Land Use By-law has been received from Darrell Swaine for his residential property located in Shag Harbour.
He is applying for a variance in the side yard requirement from the adjoining property. The Land Use By-law requires a side yard of six (6) feet on one side and ten (10) feet on the other side in the Residential Development (RD) Zone.
Mr. Swaine is requesting that the side yard requirement be reduced from six (6) feet to one and one-half (1 1/2) feet to permit him to build an addition on his house.
The Clerk reported that all property owners located within thirty (30) meters of the proposed variance had been notified of the public hearing being held tonight. No opposition to the proposed variance has been received.
Page 6, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that the variance requested by Darrell Swaine for his residential property located in Shag Harbour to reduce the side yard requirement from six (6) feet to one and one-half (1 1/2) feet be approved.
Motion carried.
INTERVIEW DR. YEE - DOCTOR CRISIS IN AREA
Dr. Yee appeared before the meeting and provided a presentation regarding the doctor crisis in the area. Dr. Yee informed Council that he would be willing to head a team comprised of representatives from the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark's Harbour and a representative from the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.
This team would be aggressive in the recruitment of doctors to the area. He indicated that in order to aggressively recruit doctors an incentive program must be set up. Incentive programs offered in other places consists of $20,000.00 cash payment, which could be used by the doctor to purchase equipment, furniture, etc., six months free rent, and; in return, the doctor would be required to sign a two-year contract.
During discussion it was revealed that Dr. Yee did not support the idea of doctors coming to an area to work in medical centers, since in his opinion doctors working in this type of environment are more apt to leave the area. He suggested that we need doctors who will come to the area and set up a private practice of their own.
In closing Dr. Yee informed Council that he would like to have a written guarantee stating that if he is successful in recruiting doctors that the Municipality would provide the incentive. Dr. Yee informed Council that he would like to have a decision made on his proposal prior to the end of the month.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the proposal submitted by Dr. Yee be referred to the Joint Health Care Committee and that a meeting of the Committee be held as soon as possible to discuss the proposal presented by Dr. Yee. Dr. Yee is to be invited to attend this meeting.
Motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE
Doctor Shortage
The motion tabled earlier was then brought forth. The motion being considered is as follows:
"Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the Medical Society be contacted and asked to provide clarification as to why Dr. Blair has been suspended."
Motion defeated
During discussion of the motion question was raised as to whether Dr. Blair, has in fact, been suspended.
Page 7, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Stoddart that a letter be written to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, stating the concerns of the Municipal Council as they relate to the welfare of our residents, upon the suspension of Dr. Blair. We feel the suspension is too long and is going to cause undue hardship for residents of the Municipality of Barrington.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the above motion be amended to insert the word "pending" before the word "suspension".
Motion carried.
The original motion was then put to a vote and carried.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by S. Stoddart that a letter be written to the Recruitment Officer for Doctors, for the Province of Nova Scotia, expressing concern over the shortage of doctors in the Municipality and that losing a doctor in the area will cause more hardship for residents.
Motion carried.
It was agreed that a copy of this letter be forwarded to the MLA for Shelburne County, Town of Clark's Harbour, Minister of Health, and the College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Owen Wheelock
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a copy of a letter received from Mr. Owen Wheelock.
Mr. Wheelock's letter expressed displeasure regarding a decision of Council not to provide financial support to the Shelburne County AA Blazers hockey team which was attending a tournament in North Sydney. The letter was read by the Municipal Clerk and some Councillors made comments.
Mr. Wheelock also expressed concern in his letter regarding the procedure followed for Volunteer Fire Departments to obtain an area rate.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the concerns expressed by Owen Wheelock regarding the levying of area rates be referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
Motion carried.
Mr. Wheelock also requested Council to give some thought to the formation of a Joint County Committee that could receive funds from each Municipal unit each year and could develop a policy for dispensing the funds to deserving teams and achievers.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that Ray Green be requested to take this issue to the Shelburne County Recreation Co-ordinators Association to explore the possibility of taking the initiative to form this type of a body.
Motion carried.
Page 8, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Visitor Information Centre
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Barrington and Area Chamber of Commerce which advised that they would appreciate being part of the discussion on the location of the Visitor Information Centre.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that the input of the Barrington and Area Chamber of Commerce will be sought prior to the location of the Visitor Information Centre being selected.
Motion carried.
Province Wide Communication System
The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from the Municipality of Queens expressing concern regarding the Province Wide Communication System.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by S. Stoddart that the Municipal Council support the letter and resolution received from the Municipality of Queens regarding the Province Wide Communication System.
Motion carried.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that arrangements be made for Donald Bower to meet with Council Members, on April 20, 2000, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, in the Administrative Centre and that all volunteer fire departments, and EMO be invited to attend the meeting.
Motion carried.
On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Department of Environment which advised that beginning April 15, 2000 lot assessments, system selection or design concerning on-site disposal systems will be carried out by Private Sector Specialists, certified by the Department of Environment.
During discussion it was noted that the application that was processed in the past, free of charge, will now cost the resident $50.00. Residents will also be responsible for hiring qualified persons to carry out required lot assessments and design of disposal systems.
New Composting Campaign
It was reported that a letter had been received from the Department of Environment advising of a new promotional campaign relating to composting awareness. This program is called "Plant a Row, Give a Row". It is intended to promote composting, the use of compost and share the benefits with those less fortunate. The program involves getting composting facilities, community gardens, municipalities and home gardeners to designate a row in their garden to grow vegetables for their local food bank.
Page 9, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that a letter be written to Waste Check suggesting that they promote the composting campaign.
Motion carried.
State of Rural Roads
It was reported that a letter has been received from the Municipality of Yarmouth which expressed concern over the state of rural roads in the Province. They are asking that all Municipal Units in the Province, as well as various regional authorities, support the initiative by writing a letter to the Honorable David Collenette ( Federal Minister of Transport), the MP, Senators, Premier John Hamm, The Honorable Ron Russell (Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation & Public Works) and MLA's.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded E. Nickerson that the Municipal Council support the initiative taken by the Municipality of Yarmouth and that a letter expressing our concerns over the state of the rural roads in the Province be forwarded to the Honorable David Colenette ( Federal Minister of Transport), MP's, Senators, Premier John Hamm, The Honorable Ron Russell (Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation & Public Works) and the MLA for Shelburne County.
Motion carried.
Televised Council Meetings
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Mr. Richard Nickerson of Port LaTour requesting that Council take steps to have Council Meetings televised.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by E. Nickerson that Eastlink Cablevision be contacted and arrangements be made to have Council Meetings televised live, or taped and played at a later date, pending tapes being suitable quality and that this request be made with the understanding that this will be done at no cost to the Municipality.
Motion carried.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden reported on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
March 24, 2000
The Warden advised members that he attended a meeting in Yarmouth with The Honorable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, re: the Marshall Decision.
The Warden informed Council that he was an uninvited guest and did not know why we were excluded from this discussion. The MLA for Shelburne County and MP for the South Shore were not invited to attend this meeting either.
Page 10, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that a letter be written to The Honorable Herb Dhaliwal informing him that the Municipality of Barrington was not invited to participate in the meeting held in Yarmouth regarding the Marshall Decision, and request that we be included in any future meeting which may be held in this area regarding this matter.
Motion carried.
March 27, 2000
The Warden attended a Waste Check meeting held in Yarmouth. Much discussion took place regarding the Municipality's intention to withdraw from the Authority. During that meeting an update was also provided regarding organic waste collection.
March 28, 2000
The Warden advised that he attended a Grand Opening of the "Open Door" which is a Family Resource Centre at North East Point.
April 6, 2000
The Warden advised that he attended a RADAC meeting dealing with the application submitted by Jeffery Nickerson.
April 10, 2000
The Warden reported that he attended the Volunteer Awards Dinner.
April 12, 2000
The Warden advised that he was involved in a video conference held this afternoon regarding the Marshall Decision.
April 19, 2000
The Warden advised that a luncheon meeting is scheduled to be held on April 19, 2000 at 12:00 noon in Yarmouth. This is to be a meeting of Mayors and Wardens and is for the purpose of discussing Waste Check issues.
April 25, 2000
The Warden also advised that a Waste Check Conference is scheduled to be held April 25-28, 2000 and the Warden advised that he would be unable to attend this conference and asked if anyone would be available to attend. No interest was forthcoming.
COMMITTEE & BOARD REPORT
Finance Committee
Page 11, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Former Merle Goreham Property
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that as part of the agreement of sale, a portion of the sewer charge on the property being sold to Mr. Ronald Nickerson, be written off so that the sewer charge on the property is equivalent to the charge for a vacant lot, until an occupancy permit is issued for the property.
Motion carried.
South West Shore Development Authority
Councillor Stoddart made reference to the March 15, 2000 Minutes of the S.W.S.D.A. Page 2 of the Minutes makes reference to a letter being received from the Municipality which requested a copy of the policy concerning travel claims for elected officials. Councillor Stoddart informed members that this was only part of our request. We also requested copies of all travel claims paid out to elected officials in the last couple of years.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that a letter be written to the South West Shore Development Authority and inform them that the Minutes of the March 15, 2000 S.W.S.D.A. meeting does not fully address our request and ask them to please address the full request immediately.
Motion carried.
Waterfront Development
Edward and Ellen Goodwin property, North East Point.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by T. Wickens that the Municipal Council proceed immediately to purchase the property owned by Edward and Ellen Goodwin located at North East Point.
A question was raised as to whether or not the Municipal Council can legally make this motion since there is already a recorded motion dealing with this matter.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by A. Atkinson that the above motion be tabled until the next meeting of Council.
Motion carried.
It was agreed that legal advice would be sought on this matter.
Public Works & Property Committee
Organic Waste Collection
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Angus Atkinson declared "conflict of interest", vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
Councillor Steven Stoddart declared "conflict of interest", vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
Page 12, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
Both Councillors are employed by the South West Regional School Board.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipality of Barrington collect two (2) green carts from each of the schools within the Municipality and that the School Board pay for the cost of the additional cart and the Municipality pay the additional cost of landfill tipping fees.
Motion carried.
Upon the request of two (2) members the division was recorded.
FOR AGAINST
Sterling Belliveau Eddie Nickerson
Fred Bower Wayne Smith
Tina Wickens
Purchase of Fire Truck by Shag Harbour/Bear Point Volunteer Fire Department
WHEREAS members wish to support the Shag Harbour/Bear Point Volunteer Fire Department;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by T. Wickens that the Municipality borrow the amount of $40,000.00 from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce to finance the purchase of a new fire truck for the Shag Harbour/Bear Point Volunteer Fire Department, for which an area rate has been approved to repay the borrowing.
Motion carried.
WHEREAS interim financing will be required for the purchase of a fire truck until the borrowing can be put in place and approved by the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs;
THEREFORE it moved by W. Smith and seconded by T. Wickens that $40,000.00 be paid to the Shag Harbour/Bear Point Volunteer Fire Department from the General Revenue Fund for the purchase of a new fire truck and that this money be replaced when the borrowing instrument is put in place for this purchase.
Motion carried.
Joint Tourism Committee
WHEREAS members of the Committee have discussed the pros and cons of hiring a Shelburne County Tourism Coordinator to work out of the Regional Development offices and;
WHEREAS members of the Committee would prefer to use tourism funds to develop concrete tourism assets such as signs and tourist rest stops, rather than adding another salary into the Regional Development Authority;
Page 13, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
THEREFORE it moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that as a result of the discussion of the proposal presented by the South West Shore Development Authority, that the Town of Clark's Harbour and the Municipality of Barrington combine forces for the development of tourism initiatives in the local area, and that a combined budget of $2,000.00 from the Town of Clark' Harbour and $16,000.00 from the Municipality of Barrington, totaling $18,000.00, be provided for the use of the Joint Tourism Committee for the 2000/2001 fiscal year in order to fund tourism initiatives developed by the Committee.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the above motion be tabled and dealt with during the budget process.
Motion carried.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by A. Atkinson that due to the lateness in the hour that Council deal with the Committee and Boards Reports and Items 18, 19 and 20 of the Agenda and that the meeting adjourn no later than 11:20 p.m.
Motion carried.
Nova Scotia Trails Destination Project
The Clerk reported that funding approval has been received for the application submitted for the Barrington Passage Waterfront Trail. Funding has been approved in the amount of 38.96% of the total project cost. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $77,000.00 and therefore the funding will be in the amount of $30,000.00.
Proposed financing for the project is as follows:
- Municipality of Barrington $25,000.00
- Community In Kind $15,000.00
- N.S. Trails Destination $30,000.00
- Other (possibly H.R.D.C.) $ 7,000.00
Total Funding: $77,000.00
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality of Barrington provide funding towards the Barrington Passage Waterfront Trail Project in the amount of $25,000.00 and that the Clerk be authorized to sign the Letter of Offer which constitutes a contract between the Municipality of Barrington and the Federal and Provincial Governments as it relates to funding for this project.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson that the above motion be amended to refer this matter to the budget process.
Motion defeated.
The original motion was then put to a vote and carried.
Page 14, Council Meeting, April 12, 2000
MEETING OF MAYORS AND WARDENS - WASTE CHECK ISSUES
The informal meeting of Mayors and Wardens scheduled to be held on April 19, 2000 to discuss Waste Check issues was once again discussed by members.
It was basically left up to the Warden to determine whether the Municipality should be represented at this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon reaching the hour of 11:20 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
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