Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Monday, April 26, 2004.
The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add two (2) more
items to be dealt with in Closed Session at the end of the meeting.
These matters relate to a legal matter and a personnel matter.
ROLL CALL
The Clerk reported that all councillors from all districts were present excluding Councillor Fred Bower who was absent due to illness.
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Dwayne Hunt
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
NEW BUSINESS
Consideration of Amendments Re: Policy #52
The Warden informed members that Notice of Consideration was given at the last meeting of Council that Policy #52 “Council Meetings and Proceedings Policy” be amended as follows:
- Delete Section 7(16) and replace with the following:
“When a division on a question is demanded the Chairman shall call for the yeas and the nays, that is, the councillors voting in the affirmative shall raise their hands and be counted and then the councillors voting in the negative shall raise their hands and be counted, and the Chairman shall then declare the results.”
This change is being proposed to eliminate the requirement for each councillor to stand when voting on an issue.
Resolution C040421
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that Policy #52 “Council Meetings and Proceedings Policy” be amended by deleting Section 7(16) and replacing it with the section quoted above to allow members to vote by show of hands.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the minutes of the last meeting held April 14, 2004 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
36 Canadian Brigade Group
Councillor Smith informed members that he requested that this matter be placed on the agenda again. He indicated to members that he would be willing to attend the meeting to be held in Yarmouth on Friday, May 7, 2004.
Resolution C040422
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipal Council agree to pay milage for Councillor Smith to attend the meeting to be held in Yarmouth on May 7, 2004 with the 84th Independent Field Battery.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tabled Motion - Street Lights across Causeway
It was reported that at the last meeting of Council the following motion was tabled:
“Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that street lights be installed on every pole across the Causeway in order to adequately light the walkway.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday Angus Atkinson
Eddie Nickerson Sterling Belliveau
Dwayne Hunt
Wayne Smith
Motion defeated.
It was agreed that a letter be forwarded to the Waterfront Development
Committee informing them of Council’s decision.
PROCLAMATION
The Warden informed members that correspondence has been received requesting Council to declare the week of May 2 - 8, 2004 as North American Occupational Safety & Health Week.
The Warden read the Proclamation and having received no opposition declared
the week of May 2 - 8, 2004 as Occupational Safety & Health Week in
the Municipality of Barrington.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Phase II Brass Hill STP Upgrade Tenders
Mr. Glenn Ross of Horner Associates was present for this portion of the meeting.
The Warden informed members that three tenders have been received for Phase II of the Brass Hill Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade.
The Warden opened the tenders and reported the following:
- Amber Construction Limited $412,000
- Opron Maritimes Construction Limited $373,000
- Garian Construction Limited $424,115
Resolution C040423
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the tenders be turned over to Horner Associates for review to ensure that they meet the specifications of the tender call and that a recommendation be made to Council at their next meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C040424
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the above motion be amended to authorize Horner Associates to award the tender to the low tenderer subject to all requirements of the tender call being met.
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Barrington Regional Curling Club
The Clerk informed members that the Barrington Regional Curling Club has forwarded a cheque in the amount of $5,000 to be applied towards the interest on the debenture relating to the Curling Club. This payment is in addition to the annual payment amount of $28,000.
Waste Check
Correspondence has been received from Waste Check advising that the
Authority will be receiving the results of the Annual Municipal Waste/Resource
Management Diversion and Cost Report at their next meeting. Waste
Check is inviting the Clerk and other representatives of the Municipality
to attend this meeting. The meeting will be held on May 3, 2004,
at 10:00 a.m.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
Resolution C040425
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that a council representative attend the Waste Check meeting to be held on May 3, 2004.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Angus Atkinson
Louise Halliday
Dwayne Hunt
Eddie Nickerson
Wayne Smith
Motion carried.
Unexpended Special Assessment - Port LaTour Fire Department
As a result of the last meeting of Council various fire departments were informed of unexpended special assessments and requested to advise Council of projects for which these funds could be applied.
Correspondence has now been received from the District 8 Volunteer Fire Department advising that they would like to use their unexpended special assessment funds to apply towards this years’ increased insurance costs. The total amount of funds available to the Port LaTour Volunteer Fire Department is $3,068.35.
Resolution C040426
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the request received from the District 8 Volunteer Fire Department to apply unexpended special assessment funds in the amount of $3,068.35 towards the cost of insurance be approved.
Motion carried unanimously.
Curfew
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a copy of a letter received from Constable Tracy M. O’Brien of the Barrington R.C.M.P. requesting Council to put in place a curfew for the Wood’s Harbour area on Halloween night.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter. During discussion it was noted that a request had been received from Mrs. Gertrude Nickerson in December of 2000 requesting that a Halloween curfew be put in place. At that time it was generally the belief of councillors that imposing a curfew would not achieve the desired effect of curtailing violence and property damage. It was felt that enforcement by the R.C.M.P. needed to be dealt with more strictly.
At this time the Warden turned the chair over to the Deputy Warden.
The Warden addressed the matter. He suggested that the matter of a curfew be added to the agenda of the UNSM Spring Workshop and that the matter be referred to the Rural Caucus for consideration.
After expressing his concerns, the Warden resumed his chair.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
Resolution C040427
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the R.C.M.P. be requested to attend the next Finance Committee Meeting to discuss the request for a Halloween curfew.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Angus Atkinson Eddie NIckerson
Sterling Belliveau
Louise Halliday
Dwayne Hunt
Wayne Smith
Motion carried.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden informed members that he has attended no meetings since the
last meeting of Council and therefore has no report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Planning Advisory Committee
Resolution C040428
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality contact the Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning Board who is currently seeking comments on their interim report on off- highway vehicle use, indicating to them the concern for use of off-highway vehicles in Coastal Wetland areas and the Watershed area at the centre of Cape Sable Island, and requesting that the Voluntary Planning Board include in their report locations throughout the Province for use of off-highway vehicles as well as restricting areas where off-highway vehicles cannot be used.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was agreed that the letter should also indicate to the Voluntary Planning Board that it is believed that the majority of users of off-highway vehicles do not abuse these vehicles nor the properties on which they are used, and that the Municipality is aware of the issues involved in the use of off-highway vehicles and the widespread recreational use of vehicles in this area.
Finance and Administration
Mower Tender
Resolution C040429
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality tender for a commercial grade lawn mower and that the cost of this lawn mower be included in the upcoming Municipal budget.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
Festivals CD
Resolution C040430
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality commit $2,500 to the coming fiscal year’s budget for the Festival CD.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Litter Clean-up Incentive Policy
It was reported that much interest has been expressed in the Community Litter Clean-up Incentive Policy.
The Clerk informed members that five (5) kilometers have been cleaned up in the Wood’s Harbour area. During this clean-up 140 bags of waste was collected.
RDA
Councillor Smith questioned whether the Nova Scotia Community Colleges were aware of the community’s need for carpenters, plumbers and electricians.
Councillor Halliday informed members that this matter has been discussed by the RDA and it seems that the colleges are attempting to bring back some of the trade courses.
Resolution C040431
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that a letter be drafted to both the Yarmouth and Shelburne Community colleges and express Council’s concern for the need of tradesmen in our area such as carpenters, electricians and plumbers.
Motion carried unanimously.
Councillor Halliday informed members that she has a copy of the presentation to the Task Force on seasonal work. This information will be given to the office for copying.
Councillor Halliday also informed members that she has a copy of a report from Frank Anderson, Chairman of the Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities. The report is entitled “ACOA and Rural Development: A Success Story”. This information will be copied and circulated to members.
S.S.T.
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received, by fax, from the Minister of Education. The letter advised that he is finally in a position to confirm the requirements with respect to land and services for the new school to be constructed in Barrington. The letter formally requests the following:
1. The Municipality prepare a deed transferring approximately
16.5 acres to the Province of Nova Scotia. They will provide a detailed
description of the land but would request our approval in principle for
the conveyance of the land generally as indicated on the plan attached
to the letter.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
2. They request permission to connect to the domestic water supply on the site at a location mutually convenient. They are aware that there is a requirement for a second well to be installed and they are prepared to cost share in the capital cost of that as they understand it is not an immediate requirement of the Municipality.
3. They request formal permission to connect to our sewer system on the site.
4. They request approval in principle to re-grade the entrance road into the site. This work will likely be carried out next spring and they will provide plans of the work to be completed prior to our formal approval of this request.
During discussion of this matter many questions and concerns were raised.
Resolution C040432
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Clerk contact Mr. Paul MacLellan of the Department of Education to set up a meeting to discuss the letter from the Minister of Education.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Angus Atkinson Dwayne Hunt
Sterling Belliveau
Louise Halliday
Eddie Nickerson
Wayne Smith
Motion carried.
Resolution C040433
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipal Council provide approval in principle of items 1 and 4 as indicated in the letter from the Minister of Education, dated April 22, 2004.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Angus Atkinson Wayne Smith
Sterling Belliveau
Louise Halliday
Dwayne Hunt
Eddie Nickerson
Motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Rural Caucus - Terms of Reference
The memo received from the Chairman of the Rural Caucus was circulated to members for their information at the Finance Committee meeting held April 20, 2004. It was the decision of the committee that members would further review and discuss this matter and any points they may wish to bring up at the UNSM Spring Conference would be further discussed at the April 26th Council Meeting.
No comments were made on this matter.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
Invitations
The Warden informed members that he requested this item be added to the agenda. He advised that an invitation was received from MP Robert G. Thibeault to attend a funding announcement on April 23, 2004. The Warden expressed concern that the invitation was received on April 21, 2004, the function was being held on April 23rd, and the earliest Council meeting was April 26th, therefore no approval could be received from Council for members to attend.
Debenture Issuance Re: V.I.C.
It was reported that a resolution for Pre-Approval of debenture issuance is required for the Visitor Information Centre.
Resolution C040434
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the Pre-Approval of a debenture in the amount of $125,000, at an interest rate not to exceed 6.5%, for the construction of the Visitor Information Centre, be approved as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
PRESS RELEASE - V.I.C.
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a proposed press release which would be put out the week before the official opening of the V.I.C. The official opening of the V.I.C. will take place on May 20th at 6:00 p.m.
Resolution C040435
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the press release regarding the Visitor Information Centre be approved as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT
The Clerk-Treasurer gave a report on activities for the month of March.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
A Closed Session of Council was held to deal with the following matters:
- Sale of Municipal Property
- Legal Matter
- Personnel Matter
The Regular Council Meeting was then called back to order.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, April 26, 2004
SALE OF MUNICIPAL PROPERTY
Mr. Arthur Smith has provided a plot plan showing the proposed location for a survey line to indicate the property he will be purchasing from the Municipality of Barrington. He is proposing to survey one straight line and the other boundaries of the property will be Little Goose Creek.
Resolution C040436
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipal Council accept the proposed survey line presented by Arthur Smith.
Motion carried unanimously.
PERSONNEL MATTER - TAX OFFICE
Resolution C040437
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that the Clerk contact someone to fill in, in the Tax Office, in the interim while the Tax Clerk is on sick leave.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by D. Hunt that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
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