Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Wednesday, April 23, 2003.
The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Dwayne Hunt
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
It was agreed that the following additions be made to the agenda:
- Correspondence:
- Church Request.
- South West Shore Development Authority Requests.
- 7(a) R.C.M.P. Proposal.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the minutes of the last meeting held April 9, 2003 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
PROCLAMATION
Information has been received from the Hepatitis Outreach Society requesting that the Municipality proclaim May 1st , “Hepatitis C Awareness Day”.
The proclamation was read by the Warden.
There being no objections received, the Warden declared May 1st as “Hepatitis
C Awareness Day” in the Municipality of Barrington.
MATTERS ARISING
V.I.C. Design
The Clerk informed members that Mark Townsend of the South West Shore
Development Authority has informed him that the engineers will complete
the V.I.C. design early next week and would like to meet with councillors
on April 30th to review the design.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
Resolution C030421
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that councillors meet with the engineers to review the design of the new Visitor Information Centre.
Motion carried.
It was agreed that notices be sent to all council members regarding
this meeting.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Deferred Motions
Tri County Housing Authority Appointment
The Clerk informed members that a motion was tabled at the March 26, 2003 Council meeting regarding the appointment of a member to serve on the Tri County Housing Authority Board. The motion was tabled until the Clerk had established the criteria and process to be used to review applications. That information was presented to the Finance Committee at their meeting held April 22, 2003. It would now be appropriate to deal with the following motion:
Resolution C030422
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that Clyde Nickerson be appointed to serve as Council’s representative on the Tri County Housing Authority Board.
Motion carried.
Taping of Council Meetings
At the April 9, 2003 Council Meeting a motion that the report of the Clerk-Treasurer be done each month during the taped Council meeting was tabled until further discussion of the matter. This matter was further discussed by the Finance Committee at their meeting held April 22, 2003 and it would now be appropriate to bring the tabled motion forward. The tabled motion is as follows:
Resolution C030423
“Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the report of the Clerk-Treasurer be done each month during the taped council meeting.
Motion carried.”
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
CORRESPONDENCE
Healthy Beginnings Program
It was reported that an invitation has been received from the South West Nova District Health Authority to attend an upcoming meeting of the “Healthy Beginnings Implementation Team”. This team will develop the implementation plan for the Healthy Beginnings Program and develop strategies to ensure that the program responds to each community’s needs and culture. A meeting is scheduled to take place on May 7, 2003, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Family and Children’s Service Board Room, in Yarmouth.
No interest was expressed by members to attend this meeting.
Baccaro Loran Site
It was reported that a letter has been received from Public Works and Government Services Canada regarding the Baccaro Loran Site. The letter advised that Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbour’s Branch have identified the Loran Site as a high priority site for environmental cleanup. The work will be done as soon as funds become available in the new fiscal year.
During discussion of this matter it was noted that the site is currently unsecure.
Resolution C030424
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Hunt that a letter be written to Mr. Tom Nowlan, Public Works and Government Services Canada requesting him to have the site secured immediately.
Motion carried.
Church Request
A request has been received from the Solid Rock Baptist Church for permission to use the facilities at Owaissa Park to hold outdoor gospel meetings during the summer months.
Resolution C030425
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Solid Rock Baptist Church be granted permission to use the facilities at Owaissa Park for outdoor gospel meetings during the summer months.
Motion carried.
S.W.S.D.A. Request
A letter has been received from the South West Shore Development Authority requesting the release of project funds relating to the Waterfront Development Project at McGray Avenue. 50% of the Municipal contribution has already been paid and the Authority is now requesting the remaining 50%, in the amount of $64,170.00.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the second half
of the Municipal contribution relating to the McGray Avenue Project, in
the amount of $64,170.00, be paid to the South West Shore Development Authority.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
Resolution C030426
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by F. Bower that the above motion be tabled until after the Waterfront Development Committee meeting scheduled to be held on April 24, 2003.
Motion carried.
It was reported that a letter has been received from Mr. Chris Atwood, CAP Coordinator, Shelburne & Yarmouth, advising that on Friday, May 9, 2003, the South West Nova Access Society, in cooperation with the S.W.S.D.A., Western Counties Regional Library and other local organizations will be hosting the First Annual South West Information Technology Week Expo. The Expo will be held at the Nova Scotia Community College, Burridge Campus. Mr. Atwood is requesting the Municipality to provide a donation of $750.00 towards the Expo and other activities to help offset the cost of the event. The total municipal contributions being requested is $6,000.00.
Resolution C030427
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that $750.00 be provided to assist with the cost of the Expo to be held on May 9, 2003.
Motion carried.
WARDEN’S REPORT
The Warden informed members that on April 16, 2003 he attended an R.D.A. meeting in Yarmouth. Following that meeting, a meeting of the Energy Committee was held.
A meeting of the Roseway Hospital Charitable Foundation was held on April 16, 2003. At that meeting discussion took place regarding the forgivable loan. The matter will be pursued further with the Foundation.
The Warden informed members that he has been invited to attend a meeting with the Minister of Education, Mayor of Clark’s Harbour and a representative of the Safe &Quality School Committee on Friday, April 25, 2003, in Halifax.
Resolution C030428
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Warden be authorized to attend the meeting with the Minister of Education, in Halifax, on April 25, 2003.
Motion carried.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Waterfront Development Committee
Chairman Eddie Nickerson informed members that the Committee is currently
considering the construction of the Trail across the causeway. The
remaining funds from the McGray Avenue Project will not cover the cost
of this project and therefore the committee would like the Municipality
to request additional funding from ACOA.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
Resolution C030429
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be sent to ACOA requesting additional funding for the Causeway Trail.
Motion carried.
During discussion of this matter the status of the causeway opening was questioned. The Warden will investigate this matter and provide a progress report at the next meeting of council.
Community Health Centre
A number of councillors advised that they attended the Open House held at the Community Health Centre, on Saturday, April 19, 2003. Members were pleased with the renovations carried out at the Centre.
Public Works Committee
Barrington Regional Curling Club
The Curling Club proposes that they will pay the amount of $28,000.00 annually until such time as the debenture principal has been paid, and the interest on the debenture has been paid in full. In addition, a new paragraph will added to the agreement indicating that the Curling Club will provide financial statements to the Municipality not later than ninety (90) days after the end of its fiscal year.
Resolution C030430
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by F. Bower that the proposed amendments to the agreement between the Barrington Regional Curling Club and the Municipality of Barrington be approved.
Motion carried.
East Bay Realty Request
Resolution C030431
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by E. Nickerson that East Bay Realty be informed that at this time the Municipality is not interested in leasing the property formerly occupied by the Visitor Information Centre.
Motion carried.
Finance and Administration Committee
Casual Labour Policy
Resolution C030432
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that notice be given that a proposed Casual Labour Policy will be considered by Council at their next subsequent council meeting.
Motion carried.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
Proposed Amendments to Policy #9
It is proposed that Policy #9 “Policy Governing Administration and Enforcement of the Building By-Law, Building Code Act and Land Use By-Law” be amended to be consistent with requirements of the Municipal Government Act.
Resolution C030433
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that notice be given for amendments to Policy #9 to be considered at the next subsequent council meeting.
Motion carried.
Amendments to By-Law #21 “Barrington Municipal Sewer”
It is proposed that charges for sewer units in mini home parks be added to Schedule A of By-Law #21 as follows:
- Mini Home Park - first three (3) mini homes, per unit,
1.0;
- for each additional mini home thereafter, per unit, 0.75.
Resolution C030434
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that first reading be given to proposed amendments to By-Law #21 to put in effect sewer charges for mini home parks.
Motion carried.
Tax Write-Off
Resolution C030435
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality write off the balance of the account of W & R Liquidation Centre, c/o Rhonda Roy, in the amount of approximately $91.86.
Motion carried.
Town of Clark’s Harbour Request Re Fire Inspections
Resolution C030436
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality respond to the Town of Clark’s Harbour stating that the Municipality is unable to provide fire inspection services for the Town until it is determined whether or not Municipal staff will be able to provide this service to municipal residents and accommodate the volume of inspections required.
Motion carried.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
CD Rom Launch
Resolution C030437
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality respond to Mrs. Rhuland’s request stating that someone from the Municipality will attend the event.
Motion carried.
The Clerk informed members that Diane Smith, V.I.C. Manager, will be attending the CD Rom Launch on behalf of the South Shore Tourism Association.
Hilbert Thomas Request
Resolution C030438
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipality reduce the taxes on the property of Mr. Hilbert Thomas which was destroyed by fire, in proportion to the reduction in assessed value for the subsequent year.
Motion carried.
Cost of Tax Certificates
Resolution C030439
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the price of a tax certificate be increased from $15.00 to $30.00, effective May 1, 2003.
Motion carried.
Fishers’ Companion
Resolution C030440
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday and carried:
WHEREAS Shelburne and Yarmouth Counties depend on the marine industry for their economic well being;
AND WHEREAS like jackets and personal floatation devices are required for all commercial vessels and pleasure crafts;
AND WHEREAS life jackets and personal floatation devices are seldom worn in the work place because they are bulky and create excessive body heat which makes them uncomfortable;
AND WHEREAS the Global Positioning System is in common use today and
has a high standard of accuracy;
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality of Barrington requests the South West Shore Development Authority and its subcommittee, the Marine Resource Centre Committee, to investigate the possibility of the creation of a lightweight life device “fishers’ companion” which would be capable of incorporating the technology of the Global Positioning System in conjunction with vessel on board alarm electronics. This technology would provide a greater safety in all areas of Atlantic Canada and from coast to coast for commercial to recreational boaters.
Motion carried.
South West Shore Development Authority Request
V.I.C.
Resolution C030441
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality release 50% of the municipal contributions for the construction of a Visitor Information Centre, to the South West Shore Development Authority, in the amount of $62,755.00.
Motion carried.
Resolution C030442
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that Municipal staff arrange interim financing for the Visitor Information Centre as soon as possible.
Motion carried.
Arena Fundraising Committee Request
The Arena Fundraising Committee is proposing that a third compressor be installed in the Arena. The compressor would be a 30 hp machine. This would provide a 50 hp compressor and two 30 hp compressors in the Arena. The condenser and the chiller would need to be upgraded in order to accommodate the extra compressor. This would also require some changes in the electrical system.
Dehumidification is a concern that has been expressed in regards to putting ice in the Arena during the summer months.
The Fundraising Committee has $40,000.00 to invest in this project and is proposing to borrow, interest free, $60,000.00 from the Municipality to be repaid over a period of five (5) years, or less.
The Arena Fundraising Committee would like to have the compressor installed before the first of August so that ice could be installed during August and a summer hockey school held in the Arena.
Question was raised as to whether the Fundraising Committee would continue
to raise funds and repay the loan if summer ice was found to be not feasible.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
Mrs. Joleen Arey appeared before the meeting on behalf of the Fundraising Committee and assured members that their committee would continue to fund raise and repay the loan if summer ice was found to be not feasible. She further explained that the committee was aware of the dehumidification problem and plans to address this problem once the loan for the compressor is paid back. Mrs. Arey informed members that the Arena Fundraising Committee would be willing to sign documents stating their commitment, if necessary.
Resolution C030343
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality grant the request of the Arena Fundraising Committee, for a $60,000.00 interest free loan, to be repaid over a period of five (5) years. Funds are to be taken from the Special Reserve Fund Capital.
Motion carried.
Family Violence Program
Councillor Hunt informed members that information has been received
from the R.C.M.P. indicating that permanent funding for the Family Violence
Program has been secured from an outside source. A media release
is planned for the near future.
PUBLIC HEARING RE: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MUNICIPAL PLANNING
STRATEGY AND LAND USE BY-LAW
At 8:10 p.m. a Public Hearing was held to deal with proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law to permit the use of wind turbine generators as a utility “as of right” and provide the conditions and regulations required for this development.
Minutes of the Public Hearing are attached hereto and form part of the minutes.
Resolution C030444
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law be approved to permit the use of wind turbine generators as a utility “as of right” and provide the conditions and regulations required for their development.
Motion carried.
R.C.M.P. PROPOSAL
It was reported that the R.C.M.P. is proposing changes to policing in Shelburne County. It was proposed that there will be one (1) Commanding Officer for all of Shelburne County who will be the Administrative Officer for both the Barrington and Shelburne detachments. There will be an Operation NCO who will also be in charge of both the Barrington and Shelburne detachments. There will be a Corporal Supervisor in the Barrington Detachment to which the Constables would report.
This is a significant change to the method of policing currently in place in the Municipality of Barrington.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that Mr. Blair McKnight, R.C.M.P. Superintendent, be invited to meet with Council to discuss proposed changes in R.C.M.P. policing in Shelburne County.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the UNSM be contacted to determine if there is someone available to help Council evaluate the R.C.M.P. proposal.
Motion carried.
The above motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried.
The amended motion is as follows:
Resolution C030445
“...that Mr. Blair McKnight, R.C.M.P. Superintendent, be invited to meet with Council to discuss proposed changes in R.C.M.P. policing in Shelburne County, and that the UNSM be contacted to determine if there is someone available to help Council evaluate the R.C.M.P. proposal.”
It was agreed that the Clerk arrange this meeting as soon as possbile.
GRASS MOWING TENDER SUMMARY
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a summary of grass mowing tenders received. It was reported at the last meeting of Council that four (4) tenders were received which were from the following:
- Levy’s Service Centre
- Jonathan Moules
- Green Flamingo Landscaping
- John’s Yard Care
The tender received from John Moules did not meet the requirements of the tender call and, therefore, could not be considered.
Resolution C030446
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the grass mowing tender received from Green Flamingo Landscaping be accepted.
Motion carried.
The Clerk informed members that he had contacted each tenderer and requested a price for mowing services at the Community Health Centre. Quotes received were as follows:
- Levy’s Service Centre - $270.00 per mowing
- Green Flamingo - $97.75 per mowing
- John’s Yard Care - $75.00 per mowing
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the quote received from Green Flamingo Landscaping for grass mowing services at the Community Health Centre be accepted.
Motion defeated.
Page 11, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
Resolution C030347
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the quote received from John’s Yard Care for grass mowing services at the Community Health Centre be accepted and if for some reason John’s Yard Care does not accept the tender then it is to be offered to Green Flamingo Landscaping.
Motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO VARIOUS POLICIES
Notice of Consideration of amendments to various policies was given at the last meeting of Council held on April 9, 2003.
It is proposed that the following policies be amended to bring them up to date and make them consistent with the Municipal Government Act. Proposed revised policies are as follows:
- Policy #3, “Tax Collection and Tax Sale Policy” - redrafted
- Policy #11, “Policy Re: Court Appearances and Representation”
- revised
- Policy #12, “Policy Re: Sale of Municipal Property” - revised
- Policy #16, “Guidelines for Funding and Awarding a Bursary”
- revised
- Policy #17, “Policy Re: Recognition of Volunteer Fire Fighters
and Volunteer Emergency Service Providers” - revised
- Policy #33, “Returning Officer” - revised
- Policy #39, “Hiring Policy” - revised
- New Policy Re: “Grants to Organizations”
Resolution C030448
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt that the above policies be adopted as presented.
Motion carried.
WASTE REDUCTION REPORT
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with Waste Collection Reports for the month of March 2003, as well as a report for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2003.
The report for March 2003 indicated a diversion rate of 53.88%. The diversion rate for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2003 was 58.69%.
During discussion of this matter the Clerk informed members that Mr.
Mike LeBlanc, Department of Environment and Labour, has requested that
the Warden and Clerk meet with him to discuss the provision of Diversion
Credits to the Municipality. Mr. LeBlanc has indicated that Mr. Bob
Petrie, the Area Supervisor for the Department of Environment and Labour,
and Mr. Gerard MacLellan, the Executive Director of Environmental Monitoring
for the Department, will also attend this meeting. The meeting will
take place on May 5, 2003, at 4:00 p.m., at the Municipal Office.
Page 12, Regular Meeting of Council, April 23, 2003
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
RE: AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY
AND
LAND USE BY-LAW
April 23, 2003
The Public Hearing was called to order by the Warden at 8:10 p.m, in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Dwayne Hunt
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
It was reported that the Public Hearing was being held to deal with proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law, to permit the use of wind turbine generators as a utility “as of right”, and provide the conditions and regulations required for their development.
The Clerk reported that the required Public Participation Meeting had been held and the required notices had been advertised in the Coast Guard Newspaper. Notification was also given to adjacent municipal units.
There were no verbal presentations made by the public at this time.
One written presentation was received from Ms. Bruce Blakemore of Cape Negro. Ms. Blakemore questioned whether the amendment would change the height restrictions in the Municipality of Barrington. She asked whether the change proposed in this amendment would apply to all structures in the Municipality, or is it specific to the wind industry.
The Clerk informed members that the amendments are specific to wind turbine generators and that the proposed amendments are not a general change in height restrictions within the Municipality of Barrington.
It was agreed that the Clerk would answer the concerns raised in Ms. Blakemore’s letter.
The Public Hearing was then adjourned.
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