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, excluding Councillor Sean Strang who was absent due to illness.
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest declared.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by D. Messenger that the minutes of the last meeting held April 10, 2006 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add the following items to the agenda:
- Spruce Drive.
- Option to Lease.
- Thank You Letter.
- Volunteers.
- Assessment.
- Former B.M.H.S.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Spruce Drive
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from MacIsaac Environmental Consulting Ltd. outlining a budget for engineering services for the Spruce Drive Subdivision. The letter advised that engineering services would be performed in two phases. The first phase would include a topographical survey with base plan preparation suitable for making design decisions on the design issue. The total cost of Phase I is $2,200.00, plus H.S.T.
Phase II would include the design of the road system with a view to including all of the positive features of the existing road and upgrade where necessary to the TAC standards and 50 km per hour speed limit. This phase would include drawings with a plan and profile, etc. The cost of this phase is $5,000.00, plus H.S.T.
It was indicated by the Clerk that Phase I and Phase II would need to be completed in order to determine the cost to upgrade the road. Once the cost was determined then the matter would be presented to residents of Spruce Drive. The total cost of the project would include the $5,200.00 to carry out Phase I and Phase II. If the project does not proceed, then the cost of Phase I and Phase II would be paid by the Municipality.
Resolution C060414
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipal Clerk gather further information regarding this proposal, and that the matter be further discussed by the Committee of the Whole Council at their meeting to be held on May 1, 2006. It was also the decision of Council that Mr. Stephen Devine and Mr. Jim Nickerson be invited to attend the meeting.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Court Room Lease Agreement
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Minister of Justice indicating they have agreed to renew the lease agreement for the Court Room and that members from the Department of Justice will be in contact with us to discuss the next step.
Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Fund
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Fund acknowledging receipt of our applications for the following projects:
- C.S.I. Sewer
- Wood's Harbour Volunteer Fire Department Improvements
- Wood's Harbour Walking Trail
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
The letter further advised that the first intake of applications under the Fund has just ended and our applications will be reviewed for consideration during this round. We will be notified in the event that projects are approved. Approved applications will be retained for consideration in future rounds.
Resolution C060415
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that a copy of the letter received from Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Fund be forwarded to MLA Cecil O'Donnell, MP Gerald Keddy, and the Minister of Service Nova Scotia, Richard Hurlburt, for their information.
Motion carried unanimously.
Bay Side Home Expansion
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Minister of Health advising that they will proceed with the transfer of Bay Side Home from the Department of Community Services to the Department of Health. The letter further advised that they will adopt the principles established by the committee regarding the transition plan for the current residents, and use of the 22 beds currently housed in the facility.
The letter further advised that it was his understanding that the proposal for an additional 12 - 16 beds has not been endorsed by the community. In closing, the Minister advised that they are not prepared to award additional beds to the community at this time, and that they are in the process of developing a province-wide strategy to look at further investment in continuing care resources across the province.
Resolution C060416
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the letter received from the Minister of Health be forwarded to the MLA Cecil O'Donnell and the Minister of Service Nova Scotia, Richard Hurlburt, as well as the chairman of the Continuing Care Steering Committee.
Motion carried unanimously.
Letter Writing Campaign
Resolution C060417
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipal Council endorse the initiative to circulate a form letter addressed to the Minister of Health supporting the 50 bed expansion to Bay Side Home and that 1000 copies of the form letter be provided.
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Yarmouth Hospital Foundation
Correspondence has been received informing members that the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation second Annual Spring Gala will be held at the Rodd Grand Convention Centre, in Yarmouth, on Saturday, April 29, 2006.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
Highway 103 Meeting
The Clerk reported that an invitation has been received from the Municipality of Shelburne to attend a meeting with Roger Larkin of the Department of Transportation to discuss the highway safety on the 103. This meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, in Shelburne, on Thursday, May 4, 2006, at 6:30 p.m.
The Clerk requested councillors to let him know if they plan to attend in order that he may advise the Municipality of Shelburne.
Option to Lease
The Clerk informed members that the Barrington Wind Energy Limited was given an option to lease property at Forbes Point for a one (1) year period. That option expired on January 15, 2006 and the company is now requesting that it be renewed for a further one (1) year period under the same terms and conditions.
Resolution C060418
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by L. Halliday that the option to lease land at Forbes Point by the Barrington Wind Energy Limited be renewed for a further one (1) year period under the same terms and conditions as the previous lease option.
Motion carried unanimously.
Thank You Letter
The Warden informed members that correspondence has been received from Brennan C.D. Goreham, Chairman of the Grad Affairs, thanking councillors for their hard work, dedication and efforts that allowed them to occupy the new B.M.H.S. on April 19, 2006.
Volunteers
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Municipality of Annapolis, along with a copy of a resolution supporting volunteers. The Municipality of Annapolis is requesting the province to consider providing additional support to volunteers as follows:
1. Provide appropriate insurance coverage to protect all "not for profit societies" registered in Nova Scotia including insurance coverage for all volunteers while serving those organizations in a volunteer capacity; and
2. Absorb all out-of-pocket expenses typically incurred by volunteers in the delivery of volunteer goods, services, facilities, and organizations.
Resolution C060419
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality of Barrington support the resolution provided by the Municipality of Annapolis, and that it be forwarded to the Premier.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
Assessments
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a summary of activities and information about assessment services and its work in the Municipality of Barrington. Information provided included:
- A profile of the 2006 Assessment Roll and associated changes from last year.
- Statistics on 2005 assessment appeals in our Municipality.
- A summary of assessment activities in 2005.
Former B.M.H.S.
The Clerk informed members that the Municipality is scheduled to take over the former Barrington Municipal High School property on May 1, 2006. Informally, School Board employee Steven Stoddart has advised that the property may not be turned over to the Municipality until June 1, 2006.
The Clerk informed members that regardless of the date, steps need to be taken to secure the property.
Resolution C060420
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by F. Bower that $10,000.00 be taken from Reserves to cover the cost of securing the former B.M.H.S. property.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden reported that he recently attended an RDA Meeting held in Clare.
The Warden also attended the Volunteer Dinner held at the Seaside Heritage Hall in Clark's Harbour on Monday night.
The Warden publically thanked Cathy Johnson for providing a sunset picture which was submitted to CTV as part of their Warden's challenge to provide a sunset picture. The picture was aired on Tuesday, April 25, 2006.
The Warden briefly reported on the forest fire recently in Wood's Harbour. He informed members that one of his constituents suggested that the provincial government may want to consider having controlled burns. It was suggested by the Warden that maybe this should be brought forward at the Rural Caucus Meeting or further discussed by the Emergency Measures Organization.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk provided a report on activities during the month of March 2006.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
ILLEGAL DUMPING
It was reported that illegal dumping is taking place along the new 103 highway. It was further reported that there is an old washer in the ditch close to the County line.
The Clerk informed members that both matters would be addressed by Municipal Staff.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Volunteer Dinner
Councillors Halliday and Messenger both reported that they attended the Volunteer Dinner which was held Monday evening in Clark's Harbour.
Councillor Messenger informed members that she attended the Open House at the new Barrington Municipal High School on April 22, 2006.
Councillor Eddie Nickerson informed members that he and members of the Island and Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department met with members of the Fire Departments of Nova Scotia Association. The meeting was held in Yarmouth. Steps are being taken to have standard procedures put in place by the province for volunteer fire departments.
Community Health Care Advisory Committee
Councillor Nickerson informed members that there was a meeting of the Community Health Care Advisory Committee held on Tuesday, April 25, 2006. At that meeting it was agreed by members that a plaque of recognition should be provided to Dr. Mikhail, Dr. Yee and Dr. Blair for their services to the community over the years. It is suggested by the committee that individual plaques be provided by the Town of Clark's Harbour and the Municipality of Barrington.
Resolution C060421
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality prepare plaques of recognition acknowledging the three medical doctors' years of service in the community.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060422
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipal Council allocate $1,000.00 of the Physician Recruitment Funds being held in Reserves to be used to pay for visitation expenses of potential physicians.
Motion carried unanimously.
EMO
The Clerk informed members that the Emergency Measures Executive Committee has had their first meeting with the new EMO Coordinator, David Kendrick. Mr. Kendrick has also scheduled an EMO Planning Committee meeting which was held on April 19, 2006. An EMO Executive Committee meeting and an EMO Planning Committee meeting have also been scheduled for the month of May.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
NEW BUSINESS
Rural Caucus Meeting
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with information to be discussed at the Rural Caucus Meeting to be held on May 11, 2006, in conjunction with the UNSM Spring Workshop.
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION RE: MEALS
It is proposed that Section 10 of Policy No.8, "Annual Remuneration and Expenses for Councillors, Staff and Others" be amended by changing the rates to be paid for meals to be equivalent to the rates paid by the Federal Government to their employees and that no receipts be required. The Federal Government rates are as follows:
- Breakfast $12.50
- Lunch $12.00
- Dinner $33.60
Actual amendments to the policy will be considered at the next meeting of Council.
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS - C & D LANDFILL POLICY
At the last meeting of Council, Notice of Consideration of Amendments to the C & D Landfill Policy was given. Proposed amendments provide fees for household hazardous waste. The rates for non residents of the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark's Harbour disposing of household hazardous wastes will be as follows:
- $1.00 per item
- $1.00 per gallon for containers having more than 1 gallon
- $5.00 per 20 lb. propane tank
Resolution C060423
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the fees for Household Hazardous Waste be approved as presented and that the C & D Landfill Policy be amended accordingly.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS RE: PERSONNEL POLICY
At the last meeting of Council notice was given that Council would consider amendments to Article 26 of the Personnel Policy. It is proposed that the existing Article 26.01 be deleted and replaced with the following:
Article 26 - Clothing
26.01 The employer agrees to provide protective clothing as listed below subject to the approval of the Clerk at no cost to the Water and Wastewater Staff, Property Services Staff and C & D Landfill Staff:
- hard hats, coveralls of a uniform color and any other protective clothing as deemed necessary by the Clerk,
- The employer agrees to reimburse the cost of one (1) pair of steel-toed shoes, up to maximum of $100.00 per twelve (12) month period.
Resolution C060424
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that Article 26.01 of the Personnel Policy be amended as written above.
Motion carried unanimously.
MILEAGE ALLOWANCES
The Clerk informed members that notification was recently received that the provincial mileage rate was increased to $.3885 per km, effective April 1, 2006. Consistent with our policies, Municipal employees will now be paid the new provincial rate.
The Clerk also informed members that the information recently received provided for retroactive mileage increases, effective April 1, 2004 and effective April 1, 2005.
It is the recommendation of the Municipal Clerk that retroactive increases not be provided to Municipal Staff since the overall benefit would be minimal and the task would be very time consuming.
Resolution C060425
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Messenger that the recommendation of the Municipal Clerk that the mileage allowance increase be effective April 1, 2006, and that there be no retroactive increases.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Litter Clean-up
Brian gave a brief report on the Community Litter Clean-up. The Clean-up started the latter part of March, and as of today's date 61.4 kms. of highway have been cleaned, 3,630 kgs. of waste has been collected, and $5,990.00 has been paid out.
This report was provided for information purposes only. A final report will be given once the program has been completed.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
GOVERNANCE STUDY
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of an email received from the South West Shore Development Authority dealing with options for voting structure and board membership.
During discussion of this matter it was suggested that the Governance Study should be turned over to the two Chambers of Commerce in the area and let them set up the Board.
After much discussion it was the consensus of members that this matter be referred to the May 1, 2006 meeting of the Committee of the Whole Council for further discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
B.M.H.S. PROPERTY - INSURANCE
The Clerk informed members that consideration has to be given to the amount of insurance coverage we want to put in place for the former B.M.H.S. property.
Resolution C060426
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipal Clerk be authorized to insure the former B.M.H.S. property for $500,000.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with legal matters and personnel matters.
The Regular Council Meeting was called back to order.
YEARLY INCREMENT
It was reported that Brian O'Connor will complete one year of employment with the Municipality of Barrington on May 9, 2006.
Resolution C060427
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Messenger that Brian O'Connor be taken on full-time staff with the Municipality of Barrington and that he receive his increment effective May 9, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2006
MUNICIPAL GRANT
Resolution C060428
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality of Barrington provide a grant to the South West Shore Development Authority in the amount of $66,000.00 for economic development in the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion carried unanimously.
YARMOUTH AREA INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Resolution C060429
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by F. Bower that the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission be provided with a five (5) year option to purchase an additional 300 acres of land located off the 103 highway near Clyde River, at a purchase price of $220.00 per acre.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
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