The Municipality of the District of
Town of Barrington




Minutes of the regular meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Wednesday, August 8, 2001. 

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 Dwayne Hunt

- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk

Councillor Wayne Smith was absent due to work commitments.


AGENDA CHANGES

The Warden informed members that it is necessary to delete the 4th item listed under Correspondence, "Purchase of Dr. Blair's Property".  In its place "Waterfront Member" will be added.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by A. Atkinson that the minutes of the last meeting held July 25, 2001 be approved as circulated.

Motion carried.


MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Committee Structure

The Clerk requested clarification as it relates to amendments to By-law #5, "Committees of Council".

The Clerk informed members that Council, at their meeting held June 13, 2001, passed a motion that in the future three (3) members of Council be required to sit on each Standing Committee, and that other Council members may attend meetings of Committee, if they so wish, and exercise the privileges of committee members when attending such meetings. 

It was further the decision of Council that the ordinary hours of committee meetings be 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the adjournment being at the discretion of the Chair. 

Notice of Consideration of the proposed by-law amendments was given at that meeting, and it was agreed that the by-law amendments be drafted and presented at a future meeting of Council for 1st reading.  The by-law was drafted and presented to the Finance Committee, for review, and at that time it was the decision of the Finance Committee that the proposed amendments not be recommended to Council, and that the present by-law continue, unchanged, subject to the future discretion of Council.

Page 2, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the following motion, at the June 13, 2001 Council Meeting, dealing with the number of Council members required to sit on each Standing Committee, be rescinded.

"that in the future three (3) members of Council be required to sit on each Standing Committee and that other committee members may attend meetings of committees, if they so wish, and exercise the privileges of committee members when attending such meetings."

Motion defeated.

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that proposed amendments to By-law #5 be referred to the Finance Committee.

Motion carried.

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that Notice to Rescind the motion of June 13, 2001, regarding the number of Council members required to sit on each Standing Committee, be given.

Motion carried.


CAT ROCK DRIVE DRAINAGE

Mr. & Mrs. Reuben Ross appeared before the meeting and expressed concern regarding the requirement for them to sign the Easement, prior to the Municipality installing the ditch on their property located on Cat Rock Drive, to alleviate the water problem.

It was explained to them that the Easement gives the Municipality the right to construct a drainage ditch on their property, and the right to keep and maintain the drainage ditch at all times in good condition and repair.  Mr. & Mrs. Ross were informed that this document in no way conveys ownership of the property. 

After a brief discussion of this matter, Mrs. Ross informed members that they have taken it upon themselves to have the ditch put in place and are now requesting compensation for the cost.

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality pay the cost for having the ditch put in place, in the amount of $2,000.00, and that the Municipality have no future responsibility for maintenance of this drainage ditch.

Motion defeated.

Prior to Mr. & Mrs. Ross' departure, Mrs. Ross commented that this matter will have to be settled in court.


Page 3, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


CORRESPONDENCE

Archelaus Smith Historical Society

The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Archelaus Smith Historical Society expressing their thanks to Council for the grant of $500.00.

Cape Sable Historical Society

The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Cape Sable Historical Society expressing their appreciation for the grant provided.

Wildlife Sanctuary

The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from K.B. Anthony requesting Council to entertain the idea of making the whole of Sherose Island a wildlife sanctuary, where there would be no hunting.  Mr. Anthony stated in his letter that hunting for deer and other wildlife does take place on the island and with the area population growing, due to the facilities that are now located there, and private residences, this could be the making of a very serious situation.

During discussion of this matter the following questions were raised:

1.    Are residents in favour?
2.    Is the Fish & Game Association in favour?
3.    What is the process?

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the establishment of a Wildlife Sanctuary on Sherose Island be referred to the Public Works Committee for the consideration of members.

Motion withdrawn.

During further discussion of the matter it was noted that the Department of Natural Resources have, in place, regulations dictating the safe distance for the discharge of firearms.  During discussion it was also noted that the Municipality recently granted approval to the Shelburne County Fish & Game Association to construct a boat launch on Sherose Island.

It was agreed by members that Mr. Anthony be made aware of the Department of Natural Resources Regulations regarding the discharge of firearms, and that Municipal Council, at the present time, feels that the appropriate regulations are in place.

Waterfront Development Committee Member

The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Ginger Goreham of Bear Point expressing interest in serving on the Waterfront Development Committee.

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that Ginger Goreham of Bear Point be appointed to serve on the Waterfront Development Committee, subject to the Committee's approval.

Motion carried.


Page 4, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


PAYROLL DEDUCTION POLICY

The Clerk reported that Notice of Consideration of the adoption of the Payroll Deduction Policy was given at the July 25, 2001 Council Meeting.  This policy will allow municipal employees and councillors to pay taxes by way of payroll deduction.

Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the Payroll Deduction Policy be approved as presented.

Motion carried.


COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE POLICY

The Clerk reported that Notice of Consideration of the adoption of the Community Health Care Advisory Committee Policy was given at the July 25, 2001 Council Meeting.  The policy outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Committee as well as the Committee structure.

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Community Health Care Advisory Committee Policy be approved as presented.

Motion carried.

The Clerk reported that one (1) Letter of Interest has already been received.  That letter was from Mr. Richard Nickerson of Port LaTour.

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper inviting Expressions of Interest from individuals wishing to serve on the Community Health Care Advisory Committee.  The deadline for submissions will be September 15, 2001.

Motion carried.

It was agreed that notification be provided to the Roseway Hospital Charitable Foundation, the Town of Clark's Harbour and Dr. Blair.

It was further agreed that the Clerk draft criteria to assist with committee member selection.  This information is to be presented at the next Finance Meeting, for review.


REPORT OF WARDEN

The Warden informed members that he attended the following functions since the last meeting of Council:

- July 25, 2001 - B.M.H.S. School Reunion
- August 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2001 - S.E.M.A.C.A. Conference, Massachusetts
- August 7, 2001 - Clark's Harbour Seniors Garden Party
            - Shelburne County Exhibition
- August 8, 2001 - ACOA Meeting - Strategic Community Investment Fund


Page 5, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS

Finance & Administration Committee

Community Grants Policy

Barrington Municipal Exhibition

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that a letter be written to the Barrington Exhibition Committee informing them that the Municipality does not have a "slush fund".

Motion carried.

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality provide a grant to the Barrington Municipal Exhibition, from the District 3 Community Grant Fund, in the amount of $1,500.00.

Motion carried.

Proposed Purchasing Policy Revisions

It was reported that amendments are being proposed to the Purchasing Policy to raise the purchase level for tendering, from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00, and to invite tenders at the discretion of Council.  It was agreed that Notice of Consideration be given that proposed amendments to the Purchasing Policy will be considered by Council at their next meeting.

South Shore Travel Guide

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that the Municipality place a full page, color ad, in the regular edition of the South Shore Travel Guide; and include, if possible, as many as five (5) different photos.

Motion carried.

Councillors were reminded to give their suggestions to the Clerk not later than August 15, 2001.

Interview Tape Re: Anna Allen

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that a letter be sent to the President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities stating that Council is displeased with this interview, because President Allen may have misrepresented our Municipality by comments she made in her interview on May 31, 2001, on ATV News, and that Council would like to meet with her to discuss her comments in relation to Bill 54.

Upon the request of two (2) members the vote was recorded:

FOR                AGAINST
Sterling Belliveau        Angus Atkinson
Louise Halliday        Fred Bower
Dwayne Hunt
Eddie Nickerson

Page 6, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


Barrington Bay Trail Re: Trails Act

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that a letter be sent to Sgt. Leighton requesting that the R.C.M.P. have an officer patrol the Trail during the evening hours, in an attempt to apprehend motorized vehicle operators on the Trail.

Motion carried.

Natural Resources Property at The Hawk

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality lease property from the Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of establishing a picnic park at the end of the road at The Hawk, and that expenditures for the establishment of this park be paid out of the District 7 Community Grants Fund.

Motion carried.

South Side/Stoney Island Beach

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality take steps to lease property from the Department of Environment, located in the vicinity of the South Side/Stoney Island Beach, for the purpose of constructing a parking lot.

Motion carried.

The Hawk Beach

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Department of Natural Resources be advised that the seawall in the vicinity of The Hawk Beach is breaking down, and that they be requested to repair the seawall to prevent further erosion.

Motion carried.

Port LaTour School

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that the Municipality, having not received any acceptable offer for the Port LaTour School, list the school for sale with Vaughne Realty, a local real estate agency, with a MLS listing.

Motion carried.

Medical Centre

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by F. Bower that the Medical Centre purchased from Dr. Blair be named the "Municipal Medical Clinic".

Motion defeated.

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Community Health Care Advisory Committee be requested to submit names for the Medical Clinic, to Council, for consideration.

Motion carried.

Page 7, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


Disposition of Surplus Vehicles

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that surplus vehicles, including the loader at the C & D Landfill Site and the 1992 Dodge Colt, formerly used by the Building Inspector, be advertised for sale by tender.

Motion carried.

Mental Health Clinic

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the request of the Shelburne County Mental Health Centre be forwarded to the Community Health Care Advisory Committee for their consideration, once this committee has been established.

Motion carried.

Tourist Rest Stop

Council wishes to establish four (4) tourist rest stops at different locations throughout the Municipality.  These include a site in Shag Harbour overlooking the UFO location, a site at Crow's Neck Beach in Baccaro, a site at South Side Beach, and a site at Clam Point overlooking Barrington Bay.

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the South West Shore Development Authority be requested to develop tourist rest stops at four (4) locations in the Municipality, subject to the approval of Council.

Motion carried.

Vehicle Tenders

Public Works Vehicle

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the tender submitted by Smith & Watt Ltd. for the purchase of a Public Works vehicle, in the amount of $28,648.23, including H.S.T., be accepted.

Motion carried.

Building Inspector's Vehicle

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality accept the tender for a Building Inspector's vehicle from Smith & Watt Ltd. of Barrington Passage, in the amount of $19,321.15, including H.S.T.

Motion carried.


Page 8, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


Property for Visitor Information Centre

Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipality contact Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works regarding the use of property next to the Seal Island Lighthouse Museum, for the purpose of constructing a Visitor Information Centre.

Motion carried.

Bay Side Home Corporation

Councillor Fred Bower reported that he was recently appointed President of the Bay Side Home Board of Directors.

Recreation and Facilities Management Committee

Old Stage

Moved by E.  Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality donate the old stage from the Arena to the Shelburne County Arena Association, when new staging is purchased by the Fundraising Committee.

Motion carried.

Playground

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality apply to the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission for a Recreation Facility Development Grant for the playground at Sherose Island.

Motion carried.

Playground Equipment - Port LaTour Elementary School

Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Hunt that the playground equipment at the Port LaTour Elementary School be donated to the Lockeport and Area Home & School.

Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the above motion be tabled until after September 15, 2001.

Motion carried.

Strategic Community Investment Fund

Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson further reported on the ACOA Meeting held earlier in the day dealing with the Strategic Community Investment Fund.


Page 9, Council Meeting, August 8, 2001


ADJOURNMENT

Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.