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, December 8, 2004.
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:
- Radar Information
- Buddy Bears
- Thank You Letter
- Waste Disposal Contract - Closed Session
ROLL CALL
The Clerk reported that all councillors representing all districts of the Municipality were present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- 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 November 22, 2004 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING
Sidewalk - Causeway Area
The Clerk informed members that confirmation has been received from Lafarge that they will hold the price of the quotation, of $22,172, including H.S.T., for the construction of a sidewalk in the Causeway area, until May 30, 2004.
Contact will be made with Lefarge early in the spring and arrangements will be made to start construction.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
Water Study
Resolution C041201
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the Terms of Reference circulated to members for a Water Study to be completed in the Municipality be accepted and that the Water Study be tendered as soon as possible with the tenders closing at 2:00 p.m., on January 5, 2005. Tenders will be referred to the Steering Committee for review and the Committee will make a recommendation to Council.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Louise Halliday
Fred Bower
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
It was noted that the Steering Committee members are as follows:
- Warden
- Clerk
- Eileen Waller-Hebb, Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations
- Bruce Arthur, Department of Environment
Radar Information
Information has been obtained from Barrington Wind Energy Limited regarding the affect of wind turbine generators on radar installations. Correspondence received indicated that wind turbine generators have little affect on radar installations.
Correspondence was copied for councillors.
CORRESPONDENCE
Goose Lake Road
The Clerk informed members that Dexter Construction recently graded the Goose Lake Road free of charge. Many attempts were made for the road to be graded by the Department of Transportation but due to the workload they were unable to carry out the work. It was suggested that a letter of thanks be forwarded to Dexter Construction Limited.
Resolution C041202
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that a letter of thanks be forwarded to Dexter Construction Limited for grading the Goose Lake Road free of charge.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
Compost Facility
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Town of Yarmouth advising that they have taken over complete control and responsibility for the operations of their compost facility. They have approved a new municipal tipping fee at $79.00 per tonne, effective immediately. The fee will remain unchanged for at least six (6) months.
Letter from Shaun Hatfield Re: Oil & Gas Industry
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from Reverend Shaun Hatfield asking Council to consider adopting a resolution similar to that of the Mayor and Town Council of the Municipality of St. Andrews in New Brunswick.
Resolution C041203
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by F. Bower that Reverend Shaun Hatfield be invited to attend the January 24, 2005 Council Meeting at which time presentations will be made by South West Nova Environmental Protection Group, South West Shore Energy Office and El Paso regarding the oil and gas industry.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Warden at this time made it clear that the January 24, 2005 Council meeting would not be a public debate. Organizations have been invited to appear before Council that evening to express their views on the oil and gas industry in our area.
West Baccaro Cemetery
The Clerk informed members that a thank you letter has been received from the West Baccaro Cemetery Group thanking Council for the Community Grant provided to them in the amount of $1,000.00.
Donation of Land
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a copy of a letter received from Mrs. Geneva Frelick, of Stoney Island, in which she indicates that she would like to donate a parcel of land located in Clam Point to the Municipality.
Resolution C041204
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipal Council accept the kind donation of a parcel of land located in Clam Point from Mrs. Geneva Frelick.
Motion carried unanimously.
Sunday Shopping Plebiscite
The Clerk informed members that a cheque in the amount of $4,147 has been received from the Province as compensation for the Municipality’s assistance in conducting the Provincial Sunday Shopping Plebiscite held in conjunction with the recent Municipal Election.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
Buddy Bears
Wilson’s Shopping Centre Limited will once again be participating in the Buddy Bear Campaign. Again this year they are asking that the Municipality make a difference to a sick child in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne hospitals by purchasing a “Buddy Bear” at their store with a tag that says “Get Well Soon with a hug from (Your Name)”. All profits from the sale of buddy bears will be donated to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation in support of their annual Christmas appeal to assist in the purchase of new defibrillators to assist heart attack victims.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality of Barrington purchase two buddy bears.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that the above motion be amended to provide for the purchase of three (3) buddy bears.
Amendment carried unanimously.
Resolution C041205
The amended motion now reads as follows:
“...that the Municipality of Barrington purchase three (3) buddy bears.”
Motion carried unanimously.
Thank You Card
The Clerk informed members that a thank you card has been received from
staff and residents of Bay Side Home thanking Council for their contribution
to the Bay Side Home Van Fund.
REPORT OF WARDEN
Team Shelburne Meeting
The Warden reported on a recent meeting of Team Shelburne held on November 29, 2004, in Shelburne. The Warden expressed concern regarding the operation of Team Shelburne County and put forth the following recommendations to Council:
1. Ask Team Shelburne and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic
Development to review the Chairman Election Process.
2. Request quarterly reports from Team Shelburne.
3. Media be informed and asked to attend meetings.
4. Information packages and studies be forwarded to other levels
of government.
5. Structure priority list for Municipality of Barrington.
If these steps are not taken by Team Shelburne, then the Municipality
of Barrington should develop its own priority list.
Resolution C041206
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by L. Halliday that the third recommendation be amended to provide for public meetings and that Council support the top four (4) recommendations as amended and forward them to Team Shelburne.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
It was noted that the next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to
be held on December 20, 2004 at 3:00 p.m.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance and Administration Committee
Oil and Gas Industry
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality take a “balanced approach” to the oil and gas industry in neither a pro or con position.
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by F. Bower that the above motion be amended by adding after the word position “at this time”.
Amendment carried unanimously.
Resolution C041207
The amended motion now reads as follows:
“...that the Municipality take a “balanced approach” to the oil and gas industry in neither a pro or con position at this time.”
Motion carried unanimously.
District 6W Athletic Association
Resolution C041208
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality contact the Executive of the District 6W Athletic Association regarding continued use of the ball field and potential take over of this facility by the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Fire Department Financial Statements
Resolution C041209
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that Municipal Staff consult with the volunteer fire departments regarding the preparation of Annual Financial Statements by Redding & Drane Chartered Accountants.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
Personnel Policy Re: Sick Leave
Resolution C041210
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality revise Section 4.05 on page 3 of the Personnel Policy to accommodate parents who are caregivers for their children not living in the same household.
Motion carried unanimously.
Proposed wording for the change will be prepared and circulated to members prior to the next meeting of council.
S.S.T.A. Lighthouse Ad
Resolution C041211
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality continue to place a full page ad in the South Shore Tourism Guide.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tax Write-Offs
Buck or Two
Resolution C041212
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that since the outstanding business occupancy taxes on the account of Buck or Two are uncollectible that the balance of the account of approximately $1,280 be written off.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Fred Bower
Louise Halliday Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Novagro Aquanauts Inc.
Resolution C041213
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the balance of the business occupancy tax on Novagro Aquanauts Inc., in the amount of approximately $3,450, be written off as it is deemed to be uncollectible.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday Sterling Belliveau
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger Fred Bower
Eddie Nickerson Sean Strang
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Water Study Funding
Resolution C041214
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that Service Nova Scotia be requested to extend the time period with the completion of the study to be extended to May 30, 2005 and that this request be copied to our local MLA.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Louise Halliday
Fred Bower
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Committee of the Whole
It is recommended by the Finance Committee that the “Committee of the Whole” system be implemented by Council on a six (6) month trial basis under the following Terms of Reference:
1. The Warden would chair all meetings of the Committee.
In his absence the Deputy Warden would chair the meetings.
2. Meetings will be held every Monday of each week except in
the weeks that Council meetings are held. Council meetings will be
held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
3. Meetings of the ad hoc committees would continue to be held
as in the past.
4. Committee of the Whole would discuss various matters, assess
reports, take recommendations from staff and make recommendations to Council.
5. On the occasion that statutory or other holidays fall on a
Monday, the Committee of the Whole meetings would be held on Tuesday, the
day after the holiday.
6. Committee of the Whole would replace currently scheduled meetings
for Finance and Administration Committee, Public Works Committee and Recreation
and Facilities Management Committee.
Resolution C041215
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that Council use the “Committee of the Whole” system for the operation of committees on a six (6) month trail basis.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
B.M.H.S. Reunion Request
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the loan requested by B.M.H.S. Reunion Committee does not meet the requirements of the Community Grants Policy and therefore the request must be denied.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday Sterling Belliveau
Eddie Nickerson Fred Bower
Sean Strang Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Larry Stewart
Motion defeated.
Resolution C041216
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. LeBlanc-Messenger that the request from the B.M.H.S. Reunion Committee be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Eddie Nickerson
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Rodney Shand Request
Resolution C041217
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the request of the Sewage Treatment Plant Operator to take a vehicle home in the evenings during the winter months of December, January, February and March be denied and that it is not necessary for the Sewage Treatment Plant Operator to further discuss this matter with Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Arena Policies
Resolution C041218
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality’s “no tolerance” policy for the consumption of alcohol at the Arena be referred to the Municipal Solicitor for his legal opinion and advice.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was requested that information be obtained from the Municipal Solicitor regarding the evidence that is necessary in order to suspend teams or individuals from the Arena under this policy.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
S.S.T. Committee
Councillor Halliday reported on two e-mails received regarding the school construction. The e-mails advised of the following:
- water volume is still an issue
- TPW is continuing to pursue solutions
- Department of Environment has approved work at the site
- large scale excavation was scheduled to commence on November
30, 2004
- Don Hopkins is the Inspector for the site
- property has not yet been transferred as survey work is still
being carried out
- formal request will be forthcoming for the Municipality to
transfer the land
Both e-mails will be copied and circulated to councillors.
Long Term Nursing Care Facility Committee
Change of Name for Committee
Resolution C041219
Moved by D. LeBlanc-Messenger and seconded by L. Halliday that the name of the Long Term Nursing Care Facility Committee be changed to the Continuing Care Steering Committee.
Motion carried unanimously.
Canteen Attendant
Interviews were carried out by the Clerk and Arena Manager. During the interview process it was realized that Megan Ossinger is the daughter of Jeannie Ossinger who is currently employed at the Canteen, therefore Megan does not qualify for this position.
Resolution C041220
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Stewart that Raegan Nickerson be hired as a Canteen Attendant at the Barrington Municipal Arena and that Megan Ossinger not be hired.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Sean Strang
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
It was agreed that the Hiring Policy be reviewed by the Committee of the Whole as it relates to the employment of family members.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8,
2004
NEW BUSINESS
PAC Member
The Clerk informed members that an advertisement was placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper advertising the Planning Advisory Committee member vacancy. One letter of interest has been received and that was received from Mr. Peter Nickerson of Upper Port LaTour.
Roy Quinlan verbally expressed an interest and was instructed to apply in writing. No written response was received in writing.
Resolution C041221
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that Peter Nickerson of Upper Port LaTour be appointed to serve as a member of the Planning Advisory Committee for the term to expire March 31, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tenders - C & D Landfill Building
The Clerk informed members that an advertisement was placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper inviting tenders for the construction of a building at the C & D Landfill Site. Deadline for tenders was tonight at 7:00 p.m. Three responses have been received.
The Warden opened the tenders and reported the following:
- Causeway Construction Limited - $15,269.50 plus H.S.T.
- W. Mader Carpentry - $21,790.18 plus H.S.T.
- Barrington Bay Carpentry & Construction - $15,922.00 plus
H.S.T.
It was noted that Causeway Construction Limited had made the following suggestions:
- change the swinging barn doors to a sectional garage door to
avoid snow buildup in front of the doors and wind grabbing the doors
- add one row of blocks on the slab to avoid water damage to
wall plates and boards
It was noted that these two suggestions were not included in the quote received from Causeway Construction Limited. The quote received in the amount of $15, 269.50 was as per the specification sheet.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Clerk assess the tenders and bring a recommendation back to Council.
Motion withdrawn.
Resolution C041222
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by S. Strang that the tender for the construction of a building at the C & D Landfill Site be awarded to Causeway Construction Limited in the amount of $15,269.50.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 11, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
Resolution C041223
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. LeBlanc-Messenger that the two suggestions made by Causeway Construction Limited be approved, and that a sectional garage door be installed rather than a swinging barn door, and that a row of blocks be placed on the slab at an additional cost of $1,739.00.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Eddie Nickerson
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Larry Stewart
Sear Strang
Motion carried.
Tenders - Land at Baccaro
The Clerk informed members that a notice was placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper inviting tenders for the purchase of land located at Civic #1219 Port LaTour Road, Baccaro, Assessment Account #04681924.
No tenders were received.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. LeBlanc-Messenger that the property be sold to David Ellis for $1.00 since he previously expressed an interest in the property.
Motion withdrawn.
Resolution C041224
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the property be sold to Mr. David Ellis for the cost of survey and legal fees, including a title search, pending the Solicitor’s opinion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Proposed Amendments to Policy No. 53
Notice of proposed amendments to Policy No. 53 “Warden and Deputy Warden Policy” was given at the last meeting of Council.
It is proposed that the third item under Section 10 be amended by adding “however shall not be permitted to vote”.
If approved, the new section will read: “shall be ex-officio member of all committees of Council, however shall not be permitted to vote”.
Resolution C041225
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that proposed amendments to Policy No. 53 “Warden and Deputy Warden Policy” be approved as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 12, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
Proposed Amendments to Policy No. 45
It was reported that notice was given at the last meeting of Council to amend the Community Health Care Advisory Committee Policy, Policy No. 45, by increasing the number of members serving on the committee from eleven (11) to thirteen (13), and by increasing the number of council members from one (1) to three (3).
Resolution C041226
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that proposed amendments to Policy No. 45, Community Health Care Advisory Committee, be referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
Motion carried unanimously.
Policy No. 39, Hiring Policy
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a proposed new Policy No. 39, “Hiring Policy”. The policy has been revised making Municipal staff voting members of the Hiring Committee.
Notice of consideration is being given tonight and the proposed amended Hiring Policy will be dealt with by Council at their next meeting.
Proposed Amendments - Policy 22
Policy No. 22, “Use of Municipal Vehicles Policy” has been redrafted
to include all vehicles owned by the Municipality of Barrington.
A copy of the proposed policy has been circulated to councillors.
Notice of Consideration is being given tonight and consideration of amendments
will take place at the next meeting of Council.
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:08 p.m. a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with possible sale of property, personnel matters and waste disposal contracts.
At 9:58 p.m. the Regular Council Meeting was called back to order.
Yearly Increment
Resolution C041227
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. LeBlanc-Messenger that Andrew Goreham receive his yearly increment after having received a satisfactory performance evaluation.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 13, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, December 8, 2004
Sale of Surplus Property
Resolution C041228
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that surplus property be sold for $200.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Back to Council Page || Top of Page