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 with the exception of the two vacancies existing in districts 1 and 4.
- Warden Louise Halliday
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Councillor Sean Strang
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by S. Strang that the minutes of the last meeting held August 14, 2006 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Interview Anne Smith RE: SABA University
Mrs. Anne Smith, member of the Shelburne County Community Health Board, appeared before the meeting and made members aware of SABA University School of Medicine. The university is located on the small island of Saba located in the Carribean. She informed members that Shelburne County Community Health Board has made contact with SABA University, the university’s contact in the United States, as well as a doctor at the Valley Regional Hospital who attended SABA University. Mrs. Smith informed members that the Board is currently exploring the possibility of establishing such a university in this area. At one time the Board even suggested the former Youth Centre in Shelburne for the project.
It was suggested that information on SABA University School of Medicine should be brought to the attention of students in the area. It was further suggested that maybe this could be done during Career Day.
In closing, Mrs. Smith informed members that the Shelburne County Community Health Board will be pursuing this idea.
Mrs. Smith was then thanked for appearing before the meeting.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
Resolution C060822
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that a letter of support be forwarded to the Shelburne County Community Health Board in support of their idea to establish a medical university in the area.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTER ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Long Term Care Beds
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Shelburne County Community Health Board. The letter advised that the Board has now received a copy of the letter addressed to Keith Menzie from South West Health. Unfortunately, part of the letter has been blacked out. The Board is continuing its efforts to obtain a full copy of the letter through the Freedom of Information Act. If successful, a copy will be forwarded to councillors.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Results of Community Needs Assessment
Ray Green, Recreation Director, and Jennifer Spencer, Community School Programmer, appeared before the meeting to present the results of the Community Needs Assessment. In May 2006, 2,745 surveys were mailed to households within the Municipality of Barrington. The survey contained 17 questions and only 123 surveys were returned.
Conclusions and recommendations drawn from the Community Survey are attached and form part of the minutes.
Mr. Green and Mrs. Spencer were both thanked for appearing before the meeting.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add the following two items to the agenda:
- Letter Re: Employment Insurance Rate.
- Appointment of Returning Officer.
INTERVIEW MICHAEL HENNIGAR RE: SEWER SERVICES
At this time Mr. Michael Hennigar appeared before Council and requested Council to give consideration to the following:
- That the Municipality extend the sewer line across the No. 3 highway in Barrington Passage to provide sewer services to the former I.O.O.F. Hall which is currently being renovated by Mr. Hennigar. Mr. Hennigar also informed Council that it is his intention to develop lands behind the I.O.O.F. Hall in the future.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
Members were informed that Mr. Hennigar installed an 8 inch sewer line up Butler’s Road to serve his residence and the subdivision which he is currently developing. The cost of installing this sewer line was $85,000.00. Mr. Hennigar is now looking for some kind of compensation from Council to assist with this cost, since once the line is turned over to the Municipality it will require all property owners on Butler’s Road to connect to the system.
Mr. Hennigar expressed particular concern as it relates to vacant land in the area.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
It was suggested that a Committee of the Whole meeting be held specifically to discuss questions and concerns raised by Mr. Hennigar.
At this time the Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address this matter.
After addressing this matter, the Chair was resumed by the Warden.
Resolution C060823
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that Municipal Staff gather information from Gary Saunders, the Municipal Solicitor, etc. needed to address Mr. Hennigar’s concerns. Once the information is obtained, a meeting will be arranged with Council members and Mr. Hennigar to discuss both issues raised; the I.O.O.F. Hall and Butlers Estates Subdivision. Information gathered will be circulated to both council members and Mr. Hennigar subject to approval of solicitor, prior to the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Former B.M.H.S. Running Track and Soccer Field
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter from G. David Eldridge and Adlai Cunningham requesting the Municipality to keep ownership of the former B.M.H.S. running track and soccer field, and that it be made available for the benefit of the community it serves.
Resolution C060824
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded S. Strang that a letter be forwarded to Mr. Eldridge and Mr. Cunningham advising that every effort will be made to keep the track and field, if at all possible; however, Council cannot guarantee that circumstances would not arise that may make it favourable to the community and the Municipality to dispose of the field at some time. Nevertheless, it is the intention of the Council to continue to own and maintain the track and field.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
Archelaus Smith Historical Society
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with copies of letters received from the Archelaus Smith Historical Society thanking Council for the grant of $1,300.00 to help with the “passage project”, and replacement of windows, and the annual grant of $500.00.
Seaside Cemetery Club
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a thank you note received from the Seaside Cemetery Club thanking Council for their grant of $250.00.
911 Cost Recovery Fund
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. The letter advised that an increase in funding for the 911 Cost Recovery Fund has been approved for the 2006/2007 fiscal year. This will result in the Municipality being provided with a cheque in the amount of $2,343.90.
Roseway Hospital Charitable Foundation
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Roseway Hospital Charitable Foundation. The letter advised that the Foundation has agreed to forgive another $20,000.00 of the loan provided for the Community Health Centre. The Clerk informed members that $60,000.00 of $100,000.00 loan is still outstanding.
Destination South West Nova Scotia
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Municipality of the District of West Hants which was addressed to the President of Destination South West Nova Scotia. The letter stated that the Municipality of West Hants has concerns that the newly appointed General Manager of Destination South West Nova Scotia appears to be in a conflict of interest while she continues to remain a councillor of King’s County, a funding partner of the organization.
Resolution C060825
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that a letter be forwarded to the Warden of West Hants requesting a copy of the response received from Destination South West Nova Scotia as a result of the concerns they have raised regarding the newly appointed general manager.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
Employment Insurance Rate
It was reported that a letter has been received from Sandra Atwood on behalf of all seasonal employees stating that the citizens of South Western Nova Scotia are requesting Council’s support regarding the employment insurance situation. A petition has been circulated expressing their desire to have the Western Nova Scotia EI Economic Region re-zoned in a way that would more accurately reflect the situation in South Western Nova Scotia. South Western Nova Scotia depends largely on seasonal employment in the fishing industry. Those who are employed are working a much shorter period of time than in previous years. Many seasonal workers will not qualify for EI in 2006 at the current EI rate of 560 hours. It is their belief that circumstances in South Western Nova Scotia are not unlike those of Eastern Nova Scotia which has held a rate of 420 hours for the past two years. They are requesting that serious consideration be given to re-zoning the South Western Shore of Nova Scotia to reflect the current employment situation in that area.
Resolution C060826
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality of Barrington support the efforts of seasonal employees which Sandra Atwood represents to decrease the number of hours necessary to draw employment insurance.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060827
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the above resolution be forwarded to MP Gerald Keddy in support of this request and that a copy of Ms. Atwood’s letter be forwarded as well.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060828
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that Council’s resolution and petition be forwarded to all municipal units included in our EI district and request their support, and that a letter also be forwarded to the minister responsible for Employment Insurance benefits.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
At this time the Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
At this time the Clerk-Treasurer gave a brief report on activities during the month of July.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
RETURNING OFFICER
The Clerk informed members that it is necessary to appoint a Returning Officer to carry out the by-election to be held in District 4. An advisement has been placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper for this position and one (1) response has been received. The resume has been received from Michelle Comeau of Barrington.
Resolution C060829
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that Michelle Comeau of Barrington be hired as the Returning Officer for the by-election to be held in District 4 on October 21, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee of the Whole Council
Sea Star Ice Dogs Request
Resolution C060830
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality enter into a trial agreement with the Sea Star Ice Dogs hockey team to allow seven (7) spots to be placed in the ice at the Barrington Municipal Arena for logos, for a one (1) year period, with an option for two more years.
At this time the Warden turned her chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address this matter.
The Warden then resumed the chair.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
The division was then taken.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger Louise Halliday
Eddie Nickerson Sean Strang
Larry Stewart
Motion carried
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
Resolution C060831
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that a Letter of Understanding be drafted by the Property Services Manager to be provided to the Sea Star Ice Dogs outlining the details of the agreement to place logos in the ice at the Barrington Municipal Arena.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
South West Visitor’s Guide
Resolution C060832
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality not renew its advertising space in the South West Nova Scotia Official Visitor’s Guide for the 2006/2007 fiscal year.
Motion carried unanimously.
Indoor Soccer Program
Resolution C060833
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the net proceeds of the Indoor Soccer Program be donated to the Rosalin Nickerson Care Fund, and that the program be administered by the Municipal Recreation Departtment.
Motion carried unanimously.
Committee Memberships
Resolution C060834
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the following committee appointments be made, effective immediately:
- Hiring Committee - Warden Halliday
- Western Shelburne Counties Regional Library Board - Warden Halliday
- Planning Advisory Committee - Councillor Stewart
- Continuing Care Steering Committee - Councillor Strang
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
Request from Cape Sable Historical Society
Resolution C060835
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that a letter of support be sent to the Minister of Canadian Heritage requesting that a new Heritage Policy be put in place and that the draft motion provided to Council be approved as circulated:
WHEREAS museums play a fundamental role in the preservation of our heritage for future generations;
WHEREAS museums are important local centres for learning, teaching 7.5 million school children each year about Canadian history and values;
WHEREAS museums are important generators of economic development in all communities, providing more than $650 million in direct salaries and wages invested in people and local communities to provide permanent jobs;
WHEREAS museums are dynamic community centres that employ 24,000 people, and are supported by 55,000 volunteers and 300,000 friends across the country;
WHEREAS museums are central to driving tourism across the country, with 59 million visitors annually; 60% of international tourists visit a Canadian museum during their stay;
WHEREAS museums across Canada require strong public support and adequate resources to achieve their goals in communities;
WHEREAS the federal government is developing a new Canadian Museums Policy;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of Barrington call on the federal government to introduce a new Canadian Museums Policy and to invest in Canada’s museums to help build our communities and a better Canada.
Motion carried unanimously.
Owaissa Park Fence
Conflict of Interest
Warden Louise Halliday
At this time the Warden declared conflict of interest, vacated her seat and proceeded to the spectator area as the successful tenderer of the fence is Warden Halliday’s brother-in-law.
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Councillor Donna Messenger declared conflict of interest, vacated her seat and proceeded to the spectator area as Councillor Messenger’s employer had tendered on this project.
Resolution C060835
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Municipal Staff direct the successful bidder to use the wrought iron black fence for this project as requested in the tenders.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, August 28, 2006
Tax Reduction Request
Resolution C060836
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the taxes on property owned by Sleiman and Nada Habid at #6559 Wood’s Harbour be reduced in proportion to the reduction in the assessment on the property because of the fire that destroyed the store located on the property on
August 2, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a personnel matter.
The Regular Council meeting was then called back to order.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by S. Strang that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
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