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 Wayne Smith
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
Absent was Councillor Dwayne Hunt due to vacation.
FLAGS AT HALF MAST
The Warden informed members that the Federal Government has requested flags on all provincial and federal buildings be lowered to half mast out of respect for the Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan. The flags will remain at half mast until after the last soldier is buried on Thursday afternoon. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is suggesting that Municipal units may want to do the same.
One minute of silence was held in memory of the Canadian soldiers.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that the minutes of the last meeting held April 10, 2002 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
C.S.I. Causeway
Correspondence received from the Department of Environment and Labour Minister, David Morse, was read by the Clerk. The letter advised that Council's request for an evaluation of a proposal to open a portion of the causeway does not fall within the jurisdiction of his department.
South West Nova District Health Authority
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the South West Nova District Health Authority regarding the source of alternate funding for the Roseway Hospital switchboard night shift. The letter advised that at present a funding source has not been identified. When the Department of Health approved the business plan officials agreed that it was reasonable to fund the night shift outside the South West Nova District Health Authority budget. The Authority has been directed to work with the Department of Health to establish another source.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
It was agreed that this letter will be copied to Councillor Hunt.
Unsightly Premises
The Clerk reported on investigations carried out on two (2) unsightly premises reported at the last meeting of Council.
Property owned by Mr. Wylie Blades has been investigated and the building is in the same condition as it was when it was inspected on November 24, 1998. A discussion took place with Mr. Blades on April 17, 2002 and he has advised that he plans to put siding on the building this summer. Since conditions of the building itself have not changed and has been accepted in the past, the doors are closed and no garbage is around the property, it is the recommendation of the By-Law Enforcement Officer that the file be closed at this time and no further action be taken.
The Clerk reported that information has been received from Mr. Mario Cormier, owner of the Victoria Hotel/Motel property in Barrington Passage. Mr. Cormier has agreed to place signs on the property as soon as possible and have entries blocked.
Baccaro Properties
Question has been raised as to whether a response has been received from the Federal Government regarding their intentions relating to the contamination of their properties located at Baccaro.
The Clerk reported that he has been in telephone conservation with government officials but nothing official has been received yet.
"CAT" Model
Councillor Smith requested an update relating to the display of the "CAT" model donated by Mr. Newton Nickerson of Clam Point. Council was informed that the Cape Sable Historical Society is willing to display the model if the facility opens this summer and Bay Ferries has requested pictures of the model before granting approval of the use of their logo. Pictures have been sent and a response is expected soon.
PROCLAMATION - DAY OF MOURNING
The Warden reported that information has been received from the South Shore Labour Council requesting Council to consider proclaiming April 28, 2002 as a day of mourning to remember those workers killed, injured, or disabled on the job.
Hearing no objections, the Warden declared April 28, 2002 as a Day of Mourning, to remember those victims of workplace accidents and disease.
ANNUAL R.C.M.P. REPORT
Sergeant Michael Leighton of the Barrington R.C.M.P. Detachment appeared before the meeting and provided information on activities of the detachment for the year 2001.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
He advised that the Barrington Detachment continues to be one of the busiest detachments in the Province of Nova Scotia based on criminal code file ratio. The criminal code case burden for last year was 104, down from 118. The Detachment responded to 2,063 complaints in 2001.
Sergeant Leighton informed members that officers continue to take an active roll in community activities. They support the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. They have raised funds for a number of local charities including an annual bursary for a graduating student at the high school. They continue to offer the Rec Kid Nition Program, bus safety program, etc.
At the end of Sergeant Leighton's presentation he invited questions from members. The Family Violence Program was questioned in light of provincial budget cuts. Sergeant Leighton advised that the province has agreed to approve 3.5 positions for all of Nova Scotia to deal with the Family Violence Programs. These positions will be for coordinators. Our area will be allotted one full-time position and the coverage area will include Kingston to Chester.
Sergeant Leighton informed members that he has spoken to the Shelburne R.C.M.P. Detachment and they will be approaching their council and he will be returning to Council to request their support for the Family Violence Program at a later date.
At this time the Deputy Warden assumed the chair at the request of the Warden.
The Warden expressed concern regarding a recent accident which took place in front of the Wesleyan Church located in Wood's Harbour. There is a hidden crest at this location and it is felt by many that signs and/or warning lights are needed at this location.
Moved by S. Belliveau and seconded by W. Smith that Council contact the Department of Transportation and request that they once again consider the possibility of installing a church sign and flashing light, to warn people of the blind crest in the vicinity of the Wesleyan Church located in Wood's Harbour, and that a copy of this letter be forwarded to our MP, MLA and the R.C.M.P.
Motion carried.
Sergeant Leighton informed members that he is fully aware of this situation and does not have a problem writing a letter of support.
Sergeant Leighton was then thanked for appearing before Council and presenting his Annual Report.
Warden Belliveau resumed the chair.
CORRESPONDENCE
Marine Centre of Excellence
The Clerk reported that two (2) letters have been received regarding the establishment of a Marine Centre of Excellence. One letter was received from the Municipality of Shelburne which advised that it was the decision of Council that they write a letter of support to the Municipality of Barrington regarding the Marine Centre of Excellence. The second letter was received from the Town of Yarmouth which advised that their council is prepared to support the establishment of a Marine Centre in any location that meets the stakeholders/investors needs.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
V.I.C. Application
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Cape Sable Historical Society which advised that the Seal Island Light Museum is in need of repairs in order that it be open for business this tourist season. The status of the V.I.C. application was questioned since the application contained funding for repairs to the museum.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality notify the Cape Sable Historical Society that we are currently awaiting the results of our application and that the Society forward any information they may have on the condition of the museum structure.
Motion carried.
Traffic Control Signals
The Clerk reported that a response has now been received from Mr. Joe Crowell of the Department of Transportation and Public Works as it relates to traffic control signals being installed in Barrington Passage. The letter advised the installation of traffic control signals at a study intersection is warranted when the total priority points equal or exceed 100. Studies have been carried out on the intersection at Trunk 3 and Route 330 in Barrington Passage and the results are as follows:
- Study date April 2, 1997 - 59 priority points
- Study Date March 23, 2000 - 80 priority points
- Study Date October 18, 2001 - 65 priority points
Braille and Talking Book Library Service
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from C.N.I.B. requesting donations to be used to purchase new digital talking book machines for C.N.I.B. library readers.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the request received from C.N.I.B. for donations to be applied towards the purchase of new digital talking book machines be referred to the budget process.
Motion carried.
WARDEN'S REPORT
The Warden reported that he attended two (2) meetings since the last meeting of Council. A public meeting was held on April 12, 2002 regarding the Barrington Municipal High School and a meeting was held on April 18, 2002 regarding the Marine Centre of Excellence.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Finance and Administration Committee
Municipal Library
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality contact the federal government regarding access to funding for library construction.
Motion carried.
Business Occupancy Tax
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that having exhausted all possible avenues of collection the Municipality write off the balance of the business occupancy tax on the account of Dr. Naill Buckley, in the amount of approximately $1,125.00.
Motion carried.
Home Care Offices
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality proceed with the installation of the ventilation system in the downstairs of the Administrative Building at an approximate cost of $7,700.00 and include this in the budget for the 2002/2003 fiscal year.
Motion carried.
Options for Wastewater Management Conference
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipal Clerk attend the Options for Small Scale Wastewater Management Workshop in Truro, N.S., on May 14th and 15th, 2002.
Motion carried.
District Health Authority Business Plan
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that the Warden or Deputy Warden and the Municipal Clerk attend the meeting at which the District Health Authority will be presenting its business plan.
Motion carried.
Grass Mowing Tenders
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that the tender from Green Flamingo Landscaping be approved subject to satisfactory reference being obtained from the supplier regarding their quality of work.
Motion carried.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
Municipal Grant Request Re: Cape Sable Important Bird Area
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality provide a grant of up to $1,000.00 to the Cape Sable Important Bird Area Association from the remaining District 7 Community Grant Funds that were transferred to the Special Reserve Fund at the end of March 2002 and that this grant be provided subject to the Department of Transportation approval being provided to the Municipality by the Birding Group.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the above motion be amended by deleting "and that this grant be provided subject to the Department of Transportation approval being provided to the Municipality by the Birding Group".
There being a tie vote, the motion was declared lost.
The original motion was then put to a vote and defeated.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter. It was originally thought that the grant would be applied towards the cost of a sign for the Cape Sable Important Bird Area Association. Now it appears that the grant is to be used for a parking area on private property.
Mr. Grant Milroy, chairperson for the Association, has requested the grant for landscaping at the new sign to be installed at The Hawk. They are in need of gravel and rock barriers for appropriate protection and beautification around the interpretive sign.
Concern was expressed over the Municipality spending money on private property.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality provide a grant of up to $1,000.00 to the Cape Sable Important Bird Area Association, upon presentation of receipts, from the remaining District 7 Community Grant Funds that were transferred to the Special Reserve Fund at the end of March 2002 and that the funds are to be used for parking facilities and park improvements at The Hawk.
Motion carried.
South West Shore Development Authority
Councillor Halliday reported on a meeting of the South West Shore Development Authority held in Yarmouth on April 17, 2002.
Waterfront Development
Councillor Smith provided a brief report on the Waterfront Development Committee meeting which was held April 16, 2002. At that meeting a letter of resignation was considered from Lillian Perry.
Mr. Chris d'Entremont from the South West Shore Development Authority was in attendance and he will be preparing tender documents for the Causeway Walkway project.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
C.S.I. Sewer Committee
Councillor Smith briefly reported on a meeting held on April 17, 2002 by the C.S.I. Sewer Committee. Plans were discussed for a sewer on Cape Sable Island and another meeting of the committee will be held in the near future.
It was agreed that the C.S.I. Sewer meeting date be added to the next Finance agenda.
Volunteer Dinner
Councillor Smith briefly reported on the Volunteer Dinner held on April 22, 2002 in Clark's Harbour.
B.M.H.S. Meeting
It was reported that an invitation has been extended, to the Clerk, to attend a meeting at B.M.H.S., on Thursday, April 25, 2002. The letter indicated that he was being invited to provide expertise in the matter and a call has been placed to Gerry Digout in an attempt to obtain more information on the meeting.
The Clerk informed members he has no "expertise" in this area and if this was the only reason he was being invited, he did not believe his participation would be beneficial.
Tobacco Strategy Working Group
Councillor Bower reported that he attended a meeting of the Tobacco Strategy Working Group held on April 22, 2002. The meeting concluded that they would wait to see what steps are taken by the province as it relates to smoking in public places, etc.
ON-SITE SEWAGE
Deputy Warden Nickerson indicated that a number of residents have contacted him to determine when public sewer services were going to be provided on Cape Sable Island. Some residents are experiencing problems with their existing systems, while others are having to install new systems to provide for their residence. Deputy Warden Nickerson questioned whether holding tanks could be installed in the interim until a public sewer system is provided on Cape Sable Island. New on- site sewage disposal systems cost between $10,000.00 and $20,000.00.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by A. Atkinson that the Municipality contact the Department of Environment and request a representative of that department attend an upcoming meeting of the C.S.I. Sewer Committee to discuss on-site sewage disposal systems and public sewer systems with members.
Motion carried.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
COMMON ISSUES TO ALL MUNICIPAL UNITS OF SHELBURNE COUNTY
Deputy Warden Nickerson reported that the municipal units in Shelburne County had many similar and common issues; such as fire protection, police services, Emergency Measures Organization, collecting taxes, street lighting, enforcing by-laws, infrastructure management and others.
While many of these issues are local in nature and are best dealt with locally there are also some issues that could best be dealt with on a county wide basis.
The Deputy Warden noted five (5) issues that are now being discussed and dealt with by all municipal units:
1. Proposed oil and gas distribution pipelines.
2. Marine Centre of Excellence.
3. Health Services including the District Health Authority and Physician Recruitment.
4. Waste Management including construction and demolition waste and waste coordinator.
5. Assessment Services.
Deputy Warden Nickerson stated that he felt it would be more advantageous for our residents if Shelburne County could speak with a united voice on some of these issues and cooperate in their development. In order to try and do this he suggested the Warden host a meeting of Shelburne County municipal units to discuss the five issues previously mentioned to determine if a common approach can be taken to any or all of them.
It was agreed by general consensus that letters be written to the other municipal units in Shelburne County asking if they would like to get together to discuss proposed oil and gas distribution pipelines, the Marine Centre of Excellence, health services, waste management and assessment services.
If support is received a meeting will be held in early June.
C & D WASTE
Deputy Warden Nickerson informed members that the only C & D Waste Disposal Site in eastern Shelburne County was operated by Bill Deschamp on the Ohio Road. He has closed that site and now the businesses in eastern Shelburne County must find another disposal site for their C & D waste. The municipal units in eastern Shelburne County are trying to make alternate arrangements for disposal of C & D waste, but it takes time to develop plans, locate a site and start operation. They would like to have an interim disposal site while they are addressing a long term solution. Deputy Warden Nickerson suggested that we provide them with an interim C & D waste disposal site.
The Deputy Warden assumed the chair at the request of the Warden.
Warden Belliveau suggested that the C & D Landfill Site should be open to all companies depositing waste from within the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark's Harbour. At present, companies from outside the area depositing waste generated from within are charged a fee of $100.00 per tandem truck load.
The chair was then resumed by the Warden.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
Some councillors expressed concern over filling up the landfill site.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality allow businesses and contractors from the three municipal units located in eastern Shelburne County to deposit C & D waste at our C & D Landfill Site for a period of three (3) months while they develop plans for their own site. Because this will fill in a portion of our Landfill and require additional record keeping, fill and equipment usage, the three municipal units will pay one half of the cost of operation during the three month period. Only C & D waste will be accepted and the same policy that is now in place will apply to the residents of the three additional units using the Landfill. This agreement will be subject to the approval of the Department of Environment.
Councillor Bower raised a point of order since a similar motion had been made previously. The Warden informed members that this matter had never been considered by Council, but was considered at the committee level sometime ago. Therefore, since this matter was never considered by Council the Warden allowed the motion.
Motion defeated.
ARENA BEVERAGE AGREEMENT
The Clerk reported that the agreement with Pepsi Bottling Group will come to an end this fall. For the past seven years Pepsi has made a total contribution of $7,000.00 towards the Municipal Arena. It was agreed that the Recreation and Facilities Manager be permitted to contact Coca Cola and Pepsi for proposals for beverage concession.
CLOSED SESSION
A Closed Session of Council was held at this time to deal with the sale of municipal property.
The regular Council Meeting was called back to order.
BEATRICE NICKERSON REQUEST
Conflict of Interest
Conflict of interest was declared by Councillor Wayne Smith since Beatrice Nickerson is his sister-in-law.
It was reported that a letter has been received from Mrs. Beatrice Nickerson requesting an extension to purchase her property located at Cat Rock Drive. In her letter she indicated that she has $800.00 and she needs a few more months in order to pay the balance.
Moved by F. Bower that the request received from Beatrice Nickerson be denied.
There being no seconder the motion was declared lost.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Council, April 24, 2002
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipal Clerk contact Beatrice Nickerson and inform her that Council will grant her an extension to pay the total amount due to buy back her property located at Cat Rock Drive, subject to her paying $800.00 before April 27, 2002, and paying $1,000.00 per month until the balance is paid in full.
Motion carried.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson that if Mrs. Beatrice Nickerson fails to honour the extension agreement by Saturday, April 27, 2002, that the Municipal Clerk take steps to remove the trailer from the property.
Motion carried.
Councillor Smith returned to the meeting.
Militia Island
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by W. Smith that the offer received from Tyler Nickerson of Shag Harbour for the purchase of Militia Island be accepted.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
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