The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add the following items to the agenda:
- Assessment Website.
- Building Inspector’s Resignation.
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
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by S. Strang that the minutes of the last meeting held November 26, 2007 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
There were no matters arising from the minutes.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councillor Smith informed members that he will be declaring conflict of interest when dealing with a recommendation from the Committee of the Whole Re: the George Salisbury request.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
CORRESPONDENCE
Library Board Funding
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter from the Minister of Education. The letter advised that the 2007/2008 budget included an increase of $1,000,000.00 to the base grant to regional library boards, increasing the annual grant from $10,763,000.00 to $11,763,000.00. The Department of Education is forming a Library Funding Task Force mandated to develop a multi year funding plan for public libraries. The Task Force will present its funding recommendations to government in the spring of 2008.
Western Counties Regional Library
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter addressed to the Minister of Education from the Municipality of Argyle. In this letter the Municipality of Argyle supports the Western Counties Regional Library in its request for a significant funding increase for the fiscal year 2008/2009.
Request - Municipality of Shelburne
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from Deputy Warden Pat Nickerson, Municipality of Shelburne. She advised that the Municipality of Shelburne will be placing a community sign in Clyde River similar to the signs located in Sable River. She is requesting the Municipality to install a similar sign on the western side of the Clyde River marking the community. A draft sign design was provided to councillors.
Deputy Warden Nickerson is also requesting Council to consider renaming the “West River Road” in Clyde River to the “Jimmy Crowell Road”.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Strang that both requests received from the Municipality of Shelburne be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the above motion be tabled.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Wilford Smith
Louise Halliday Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
Resolution C071201
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that Municipal Staff commence the procedure to have the road name changed by petitioning residents.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Wilford Smith
Louise Halliday Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
The Warden then turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address the matter.
After making her comments, the Warden resumed the Chair.
The tabled motion was then brought forward.
Resolution C071202
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Strang that both requests received from the Municipality of Shelburne be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
The motion was then put to a vote and carried.
Grey Seal Harvest
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans regarding the grey seal harvest. The letter advised that the Department is aware of the concerns of the fishing and processing industry, and the growing population of grey seals in Atlantic Canada. In 1996 DFO began working to encourage the fishing industry to develop markets for grey seal products. In addition to encouraging the development of markets for products derived from grey seals, DFO annually issues over 400 new seal licences to commercial fish harvesters. Over the next year as part of DFO’s ongoing seal management program a series of workshops will be held involving both scientists and industry representatives to address the impact of the growing seal population.
Canadian Cancer Society
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Canadian Cancer Society regarding the proposed amendment to the Provincial Smoke Free Places Act to provide protection to Nova Scotian children from second hand tobacco smoke. The Cancer Society is urging all Nova Scotian municipal politicians to speak with their local MLA to support the enactment of this amendment.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
Resolution C071203
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by L. Stewart that a letter be forwarded to our MLA requesting information on the proposed amendments.
Motion carried unanimously.
Cost Shared Paving Projects
Correspondence has been received from the Department of Transportation regarding Cost
Shared Paving of Local and Subdivision Streets 2008/2009. The Department is requesting that the Municipality forward a list of proposed projects not later than December 31, 2007. These projects are cost shared on a 50/50 basis.
Resolution C071204
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by D. Messenger that a portion of Circle Drive, from the Sherose Island Road to Park Lane, be submitted as a paving project.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor George El-Jakl
No committees to report.
Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Councillor Messenger gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor Wilford Smith
Councillor Smith gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor Larry Stewart
Councillor Stewart gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
Councillor Sean Strang
Committee of the Whole Council
Small Option Homes
Resolution C071205
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that Mrs. Christine Nickerson be informed that Council supports the Small Option Homes alternative, and at this time recommends that she forms a community based committee to accomplish her purposes.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Meal Allowances
Resolution C071206
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Municipal Policy be amended to provide that councillors and municipal employees be provided a meal allowance of $60.00 per day with receipts required.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday Larry Stewart
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
George Salisbury Request
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Smith declared conflict of interest, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
Councillor Smith is an adjacent property owner.
Resolution C071207
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the adjacent property owners be requested to provide written comments and state their position so that Council may hear information from both sides in this matter in order to determine the appropriate action to be taken.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
Councillor Smith returned to the table.
Flags
Resolution C071208
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that staff draft a policy for the flying of flags on municipal property which would include that only the Canadian, Nova Scotian and Municipal flags be flown on municipal property in future.
Motion carried unanimously.
Clam Point Wharf Road
Resolution C071209
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that a letter be sent to the Department of Transportation requesting that the asphalt at the end of the Clam Point Wharf Road be repaired as the problem is growing continuously worse.
Motion carried unanimously.
Department of Transportation Re: The Hawk Point Road
Resolution C071210
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality contact the Department of Transportation and confirm what is being done to address the previously reported situation regarding repairs along The Hawk Point Road.
Motion carried unanimously.
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
Deputy Warden Nickerson gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer gave a report on municipal activities during the month of November.
NEW BUSINESS
Butler’s Estates
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from Donald G. Harding advising that a Grant of Easement has been prepared by Mr. Michael Hennigar for septic at 61 Butler’s Estates Ltd. Mr. Hennigar has requested Mr. Harding to record the easement at the Registry of Deeds Office. Mr. Harding is requesting Council to review the easement and confirm that we give permission for it to be recorded.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
Resolution C071011
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that Mr. Michael Hennigar be requested to meet with Council to discuss this matter in more detail.
Motion carried unanimously.
CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE
Assessment Website
The Clerk informed members that Property Valuation Services Corporation is taking over responsibility under the Assessment Act for the provision of assessment services for the Province. It is therefore necessary for us to sign a new agreement, agreeing to the terms for the protection of the public’s confidentiality and privacy concerns, prior to being issued a new password to access the new site.
Resolution C071212
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Messenger that the Warden and Clerk be authorized to sign the Municipal Access Website/Confidentiality Agreement.
Motion carried unanimously.
Building Inspector’s Resignation
The Clerk informed members that the Building Inspector, Andrew Goreham, has tendered his resignation. He has advised that he will continue to work until the Christmas break and then take his vacation time. Andrew’s last day of work will therefore be December 24, 2007, at which time he will be paid out any related vacation time.
Resolution C071213
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the resignation received from the Building Inspector Andrew Goreham be accepted.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Larry Stewart
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
The Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address the matter.
After making her comments, the Warden resumed the Chair.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
Resolution C071214
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Municipality advertise internally and externally at the same time and appoint the Building Inspector for the Municipality of Shelburne Carl Smith as Acting Building Inspector and Fire Inspector for the Municipality of Barrington during the time for which we are without an employee to perform these services.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Larry Stewart
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING RE:VARIANCE APPEAL
Andrew Goreham the Building Inspector was present.
The Clerk reported that an application for a variance from the requirements of the Municipality’s Land Use By-Law has been received from Mr. Martin Hopkins on his residential property located at Civic #18, Sidney Heights Road, North East Point, Lot 2. Mr. Hopkins wishes to build an addition on the side and rear of his storage barn located on his property. The Land Use By-Law requires a front yard of 25 feet, and Mr. Hopkins is requesting the front yard be reduced from the required 25 feet to 6 feet.
The Clerk reported that all property owners located within 30 meters of the proposed variance have been notified of the public hearing being held tonight. Few inquiries have been made as a result of the letters being sent out. Sandra Brannen called to say that she has no concerns with the request if it does not change her lawn. Judy Hopkins from the area called and questioned the names contained on the letter that was forwarded to her. She was informed that she should take this matter up with the Assessment Office.
At this time the Building Inspector was asked to address Council regarding this matter. Andrew informed members that the request does not interfere with traffic and therefore he sees no reason for the request to be denied.
Resolution C071215
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the variance requested by Mr. Martin Hopkins, for his residential property located in North East Point to reduce the front yard requirement from 25 feet to 6 feet, be approved.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with legal matters and personnel matters.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 10, 2007
The regular Council meeting was then called back to order.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by D. Messenger that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Back to Council Page || Top of Page