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.
PROCLAMATION
The Warden informed members that she has received information from the Hepatitis Outreach Society requesting Council to proclaim May 2007 as Hepatitis C Awareness Month, and May 1st as Hepatitis Awareness Day.
The proclamation was then read.
Having received no opposition to the proclamation, the Warden declared May 2007 as Hepatitis C Awareness Month, and May 1, 2007 as Hepatitis Awareness Day 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:
- Recycling Shed.
- Utility and Review Board Hearing.
- Memorial Wall.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by S. Strang that the minutes of the last meeting held April 11, 2007 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 23, 2007
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
There were no matters arising from the minutes.
CORRESPONDENCE
Western Counties Regional Library Funding
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Western Counties Regional Library Board stating that the provincial budget tabled on March 23, 2007 contained no increase for the Regional Library Board’s grant over last year. This will mean that the library grants for this year are the same amount as for 2006/2007, and will actually be a significant decrease in their ability to operate the library system due to cost increases for medical benefits, audit, etc. The funding situation will be worsened next year when the effect of the decline in population shown in the 2006 census comes into affect.
The Executive Committee will be issuing a press release later this week advising the public of their funding concerns and requesting their support. Petitions will be placed in their branches and they are requesting Council to encourage people to visit their library and sign the petition, and to telephone or email their MLAs, the Minister of Education and the Premier. The Library Board is further requesting that Council send a letter to the Minister of Education supporting their efforts.
Resolution C070420
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Education in support of the Western Counties Regional Library Board request for additional funding.
Motion carried unanimously.
Global Positioning System Unit
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the province indicating that the Municipality will be receiving a GPS unit which will help provide the most accurate information to the Nova Scotia Civic Address File for our Municipality, as well as the Town of Clark’s Harbour. The GPS unit is valued at $13,000.00, and it is expected that this unit will be received in the very near future.
South Shore Labour Council
It was reported that correspondence has been received from the South Shore Labour Council advising that on April 28, 2007 they will be holding a “Day of Mourning” service at the DesBrisay Museum in Bridgewater. The SSLC is requesting the Municipality of Barrington to lower its flag to half mast on April 28th in respect of those workers who lost their lives, or were badly/seriously injured at their workplace.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 23, 2007
Resolution C070421
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality of Barrington lower its flag to half mast on April 28th as requested by the South Shore Labour Council and that the names of Benji Waybret and Curtis Jones be forwarded and added to their list of those mourned.
Motion carried unanimously.
Lighthouses
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from Fisheries and Oceans Canada in response to our letter of March 13, 2007. In our letter we requested to know whether or not the lighthouse properties will be brought up to a “visually acceptable standard” prior to transferring them to new owners.
The Department has advised that normally properties are transferred as is and the new owners are responsible for the care and maintenance of the property. They will ensure that the new owners receive any due diligence reports, i.e. environmental assessments, etc. prior to the property being transferred.
Recycle Shed
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from a resident of Blanche expressing concern over the lack of recycling at the C & D Landfill Site as it relates to furniture, etc. She is suggesting that a recycling shed be set up at the site where individuals could take clothes, household items, furniture, exercise equipment, etc. and make them available to the public.
During discussion of this matter it was noted that a number of items are offered for sale at the Landfill Site such as lumber, lobster pots, scrap metals, windows, doors, lawn mowers, bicycles, pallets, etc. Also, used clothing can be taken to the Salvation Army located in Yarmouth, or New to You located in Shelburne. It was also noted that there is a local website where unwanted items can be posted.
Resolution C070422
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Strang that a letter be forwarded to Pam Killinger informing her of recycling which is currently taking place at the C & D Landfill Site, and existing avenues of recycling which are currently available in the area.
Motion carried unanimously.
UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD HEARING
The Municipal Clerk once again reminded councillors that the hearing of our application to confirm the number of councillors and the boundaries of the polling districts will take place on Thursday, May 17, 2007, in the Conference Room, in the Administrative Centre.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 23, 2007
MEMORIAL WALL
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from Inky Mark, MP, regarding Bill C-417 the Canadian Soldiers’ and Peacekeepers’ Memorial Wall Act.
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by G. El-Jakl and carried:
WHEREAS Canada has yet to properly honour, in a suitable location that is always accessible to the public, the NAMES of ALL of OUR FALLEN in wars and peacekeeping:
AND WHEREAS over 15,000 Fallen have their graves in seventy-three countries and hundreds of cemeteries;
AND WHEREAS their remains, by law, cannot be repatriated to Canada;
AND WHEREAS we must create a suitable national shrine to our fallen;
AND WHEREAS proper recognition will show our gratitude and respect for their sacrifice;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Barrington request that the Government of Canada enact Private Members Bill C-417, the Canadian Soldiers’ and Peacekeepers’ Memorial Wall Act.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
The Warden informed members that the Shelburne County Career Connections Meet & Greet has been rescheduled for May 9, 2007, commencing at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS
Deputy Warden Nickerson
Hiring Committee
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Stewart declared conflict of interest, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area. Councillor Stewart’s son, Darren Stewart, has applied for the Property Services Technician position.
Property Services Technician
Resolution C070423
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that Brenard Faye be hired as the Property Services Technician.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 23, 2007
Resolution C070424
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded G. El-Jakl that Darren Stewart be designated the alternate for Property Services Technician in the event that Brenard Faye did not accept the position.
Motion carried unanimously.
Councillor Stewart returned to his seat.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer gave a report on activities carried out during the month of March 2007.
NEW BUSINESS
Ridge Road
The Clerk informed members that Dexter’s Construction Ltd. has left crusher dust in the Riverhead Pit area after completing the construction of the 103 highway extension. Mr. Kenneth Quinlan lives on the Ridge Road and has an agreement with the Municipality to maintain the road. Mr. Quinlan has been permitted to use the crusher dust to carry out repairs to the road. The remaining crusher dust will be taken to the Barrington Regional Curling Club parking lot and if any material remains it will be deposited on the Goose Lake Road.
District Planning Commission
The Clerk informed members that an advertisement will be placed in the Halifax paper next week advertising for a new Planner for the Yarmouth/Argyle/Barrington District Planning Commission. Interviews will be conducted by the Clerks or CAO’s. The District Planning Commission has provided a proposed budget for the upcoming year. The contribution from the Municipality will be $41,500.00. This is a decrease from last year due to a surplus. The overall budget of the Planning Commission will be increased to $205,806.00 as compared to last year’s budget of $193,781.00.
Resolution C070425
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the proposed budget provided by the District Planning Commission be referred to the Committee of the Whole to be reviewed during budget preparations.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 23, 2007
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by W. Smith that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
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