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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the minutes of the last meeting held July 24, 2007 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Cindy Stoddard Re: Softball Team
Mrs. Cindy Stoddard appeared before the meeting representing the Wood’s Harbour Bantam “A” Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team. The girls recently won provincials in Dartmouth and now qualify to compete at Eastern Canadians which is being held just outside of Montreal, PQ, August 22 - 26, 2007. The cost for the girls to attend Eastern Canadians is approximately $6,841.00, not including food and gas expenses. Mrs. Stoddard is requesting financial assistance from Council.
The Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address this matter.
After expressing her concerns she resumed the Chair.
During discussion of this matter it was noted that a similar request had been forwarded to the MLA for Shelburne County, Town of Clark’s Harbour and the Municipality of Shelburne.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
Resolution C070801
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by G. El-Jakl that $200.00 from District 3, and $200.00 from District 1, of the Community Grants Fund be provided to the Wood’s Harbour Bantam “A” Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team to assist with the cost of attending Eastern Canadians.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried
Resolution C070802
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that $150.00 from District 5, $150.00 from District 6, and $150.00 from District 7 of the Community Grants Fund be provided to the Wood’s Harbour Bantam “A” Fast Pitch Softball Team to assist with the cost of competing at Eastern Canadians.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Resolution C070803
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Grant Policy be placed on the agenda for the next Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C070804
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that a flag be loaned to the softball team to be displayed at Eastern Canadians.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Stoddard thanked Council for their support and left the meeting.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
There were no matters arising from the minutes.
CORRESPONDENCE
Early Childhood Development
It was reported that a letter has been received from the Shelburne County Early Childhood Development Association thanking Council for their grant of $500.00 for the 2007/2008 fiscal year.
Letter of Support - South West Shore Development Authority
Each year the Municipal Council is requested to provide a letter of support approving the Municipality’s portion of the Core Funding for the South West Shore Development Authority.
Resolution C070805
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality once again approved their portion of the Core Funding for the South West Shore Development Authority in the amount of $25,500.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
Development of UFO Siting
Correspondence has been received from Joan Bower, Development Officer of the South West Shore Development Authority, inviting the Warden, or a representative from Council, to attend a meeting to discuss development of the 1967 UFO Sighting for the purpose of increasing tourism to the area. The meeting will be held on August 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., at the Barrington CED Centre.
Resolution C070806
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that the Warden or Deputy Warden attend the August 24th meeting, if possible.
Motion carried unanimously.
Baccaro Lighthouse Property
Correspondence has been received from Tourism, Culture and Heritage regarding the Municipality’s interest in acquiring the Baccaro Lighthouse property. The letter advised that the Federal Government is planning to divest a number of lighthouse sites in Nova Scotia. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage in partnership with Natural Resources and Environment and Labour are working cooperatively with the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans on a pilot lighthouse divestiture screening process. The process includes a review of environmental issues, and efforts are underway to ensure appropriate environmental remediation is carried out by the Federal Government in advance of the sites being divested to communities.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
At present the Baccaro Lighthouse site is one of several sites being reviewed by the Province through this process. The letter advised that the screening process is expected to take time, but in the meantime the Department will note the Municipality’s potential interest in the acquiring the Baccaro Lighthouse property.
It was agreed that the Cape Light be added to the next Committee of the Whole Agenda.
Tri-County Pregnancy Care Centre
A letter has been received from the Tri-County Pregnancy Care Centre thanking Council for their recent donation.
Diversion Credit Letter
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of an email received from Valda Walsh of Region 6. The letter advised that the Diversion Credit cheque, in the amount of $46,014.63, included the efforts for both the Municipality and the Town combined. As a result a cheque will be prepared and forwarded to the Town of Clark’s Harbour in the amount of $9,178.73. This results in a total of $36,835.90 of Diversion Credits being paid to the Municipality.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor Nickerson
No committees to report.
Councillor Strang
Committee of the Whole Council
Excavator Tenders
Resolution C070807
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality accept the lowest tender from CAT Atlantic for the purchase of an excavator for the Construction & Demolition Landfill Site.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
George Newell Property
Resolution C070808
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality accept a donation of property from George and Terry Newell.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tenders for Electrical, Carpentry and Plumbing
Resolution C070809
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality tender for certified tradesmen to provide services for plumbing, electrical and carpentry work to the Municipality, for a period of three (3) years.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Larry Stewart
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Destination Southwest Nova Scotia
Resolution C0708010
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that Diane Smith, the Municipality’s Visitor Information Centre Manager serve on the Communications Committee of Destination Southwest Nova Scotia for a period of one (1) year, after which her membership will be reviewed by Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Grant Request
Resolution C070811
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that a grant of $1,500.00 from the District 1 Community Grants Fund be provided to the Clubhouse Playground Group for the purpose of maintenance to their facility.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
Community Health Centre
Resolution C070812
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that Municipal Staff contact Dr. Chaloner, the VON, Diane Corbett and Dr. Vanast, informing them that temporarily their use of the offices at the Community Health Centre would be interrupted. An office will be provided for their interim use until the situation at the Community Health Centre has been resolved. The office being provided in the interim will be in the Municipal Administration Building, if they wish to use it, and will be provided free of charge.
Motion carried unanimously.
Labour Standards
Resolution C070813
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Property Services Employees work an 8 hour day with a ½ hour unpaid break except for those employees who are required to be available for work on a continuous basis.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday George El-Jakl
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
C.S.I. Sewer
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality submit “the Newellton alternative” (sewer sheds 5, 6, 10 and 11) as Phase I of the Cape Sable Island Sewer Project to the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund for future consideration.
Resolution C070814
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the above motion be amended by inserting the words “Centreville and North East Point” after the word “Newellton”.
Motion carried unanimously.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried unanimously.
Resolution C070815
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that up to $866,218.00 of Gas Tax Funds be designated for “the Newellton, Centreville and North East Point Alternative” as Phase I for the C.S.I. Sewer Project, and that this project be submitted to the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat for approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality contribute from General Tax Revenues towards any sewer projects in any district the equivalent of the commitment made by a previous Council to the Wood’s Harbour Sewer System. The contribution from General Tax Revenues will be up to $300.00 per year in any area.
Resolution C070816
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the above motion be amended by inserting the words “per sewer unit” after “$300.00".
Motion carried unanimously.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried unanimously.
Beulah Burman Memorial Animal Shelter Society
The Warden turned her Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address the matter.
After expressing her concerns, the Warden resumed the Chair.
Resolution C070817
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality notify Beulah Burman Memorial Animal Shelter Society of the program that is currently being followed in the Municipality of Barrington for animal control and provide them with any information that is available which they have requested.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the Beulah Burman Memorial Animal Shelter Society be informed that the Municipality has allocated $2,000.00 to a spay and neuter program whereby any person from the Municipality of Barrington having their pet spayed or neutered will receive 50% cost sharing from the Municipality, and this program will become effective April 1, 2008.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Eddie Nickerson George El-Jakl
Larry Stewart Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion defeated.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
Cleaning of Headstones
Resolution C070818
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that Municipal Staff contact Elias Huskins and the local Legion to inform them of the information obtained by Municipal Staff to determine if it is acceptable to make an annual contribution to the Legion for the purpose of cleaning these headstones over the next several years.
Motion carried unanimously.
Seal Harvest
Resolution C070819
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that correspondence be sent to the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Fisheries in support of a grey seal harvest because the number of grey seals in the area is now becoming detrimental to the local fishery and to the economy of the area, and that all other municipal units in the province also be requested to send similar letters of support.
Motion carried unanimously.
Fire Department Meeting
Councillor Strang informed members that he attended a Fire Department Meeting held on Friday, August 10, 2007.
Councillor Stewart
No committees to report.
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor El-Jakl
Councillor El-Jakl gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council. He informed members that he attended the Fire Department Meeting held at the Island and Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department on Friday, August 10, 2007. Fire Department Officials are considering various options to provide better fire fighting services to residents of the Municipality.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
V.I.C. Report
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a comparison chart showing visitors to the Barrington Visitor Information Centre for 2005 - 2007.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
The report shows a decrease over last year of 1,549 visitors during the months of May, June and July. This is a 47% decrease.
Gas Tax Agreement
The Clerk informed members that the Annual Expenditure Report Summary has been completed as required by the Gas Tax Agreement. The summary has been audited and forwarded to Service Nova Scotia. The report shows a total of $221,037 gas tax revenue received to date. $42,660.00 was spent on Spruce Drive local road upgrade. Interest in the amount of $2,858.00 has been earned, leaving a closing balance in the account of $181,235.00.
Occupational Health & Safety Policy Amendments Re: Emergency Contingency Plan at Barrington Municipal Pool
Notice was given at the last meeting of Council that proposed amendments to the Occupational Health & Safety Policy will be considered tonight. The proposed amendments deal with an Emergency Contingency Plan at the Barrington Municipal Pool.
During discussion of this matter it was noted that the 4th item should be changed to read, “if the problem is resolved, complete an Incident Report Form and inform the Aquatic Supervisor and the Recreation Director as soon as possible”. This section currently states that the incident is to be reported to the Supervisor and Director “the following day”.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that proposed amendments to the Occupational Health & Safety Policy be approved.
Resolution C070820
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the above motion be amended to require completion of an Incident Report Form and inform the Aquatic Supervisor and the Recreation Director as soon as possible.
Motion carried unanimously.
The original motion was then put to a vote and carried unanimously.
B.M.H.S. Re: Soccer Field
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from David Buckland, Principal at B.M.H.S., requesting the use of the Richard Swaine Track and Field from August to November 2007 since the soccer field at the new school is not yet ready for use.
Resolution C070821
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that David Buckland’s request to use the Richard Swaine Track and Field from August to November 2007 be approved subject to required insurance certificates being provided, and that scheduling be done through the Recreation Director.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 13, 2007
Island Gospel Tabernacle Request
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from Pastor Bradley S. Pass requesting the use of a site to host a fair on Labour Day Monday. This is a church fundraiser and they are looking for a site with grass to be able to set up inflatable games, rides, etc.
Resolution C070822
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Island Gospel Tabernacle be invited to host their fair on Labour Day Monday at Sherose Island, subject to the required insurance being provided.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION RE: PERSONNEL MATTERS
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with personnel matters.
The Regular Council Session was called back to order.
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by L. Stewart that the wage rate currently being paid to Wes Deschamp be reduced to the same wage rate being paid to the Property Services Technicians - Level 2. This change will become effective the next pay period.
Resolution C070823
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by W. Smith that the above motion be amended to read, “as recommended by the Property Services Supervisor”.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the above motion be amended to insert the reasons why the wage rate is being changed.
Motion defeated unanimously.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by G. El-Jakl that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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