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, February 11, 2004
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 (7:03 p.m.)
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
Absent was Councillor Dwayne Hunt due to vacation.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
It was agreed that the following items be added to the agenda:
- Street Light Request.
- Illegal Dumping.
- C & D Landfill Policy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that the minutes of the last meeting held January 26, 2004 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
James Swimm Recycling Depot
In May of 2003 concerned citizens of Centreville and surrounding areas lodged a complaint with Council that Jim Swimm’s Recycling Depot located in Centreville was in an unsightly state. Shortly after the complaint was lodged contact was made with Gary Smith, the property owner, and James Swimm, operator of the recycling depot.
By report dated December 8, 2003, the By-Law Enforcement Officer, Roger Burrill, had advised that all materials on the property have been piled neatly in rows and at present the property is not in a dangerous or unsightly state.
Andrew Goreham, Building Inspector, has also advised that he has inspected James Swimm’s Recycling Depot and Mr. Swimm is currently complying with the requirements of the Municipal Land Use By-Law.
This file will now be closed.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
Loader Tender
Conflict of Interest
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson declared conflict of interest, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area. The loader previously leased for the C & D Landfill Site was leased from Mr. Nickerson’s stepfather Bud Nickerson.
The Municipality had previously tendered for the provision of a new compact loader for use at the C & D Landfill Site. The closing date for that tender was January 28, 2004, which was our normally scheduled council meeting. Prior to the tender closing date the Council meeting was changed from January 28th to January 26th, 2004; therefore companies who had expressed an interest in the tender were advised of the change in dates. Unfortunately, two of the companies did not receive the proper notification of the change and as a result submitted their tenders on January 28th.
After discussing this matter with the Municipal Solicitor it was decided that the tender be re-advertised. As a result of re-advertising the following tenders were received:
- LaHave Equipment Ltd. - $64,500.00, plus H.S.T.
- Nova International - $94,070.00, including H.S.T.
- Atlantic Cat - $66,498.75, including H.S.T.
- Wajak - $64,745.00, including H.S.T.
- Atlantic Wheeltrac - $68,402.00 (It was unclear
whether this price included H.S.T.)
Resolution C040201
Movcd by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipal Clerk review the tenders received and bring back a recommendation to Council.
Motion carried.
Deputy Warden Nickerson then returned to the meeting.
INTERVIEW SAMARA EATON
Samara Eaton, Wildlife Biologist of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, appeared before the meeting. Mr. Peter MacDonald and Mr. Reg Newell of the Department of Natural Resources were also in attendance. Ms. Eaton informed councillors that in August 2003 the Wildlife Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources initiated a project to work with municipalities on species at risk, conservation and recovery. She provided a slide presentation providing an overview of the project.
Members of the Department of Natural Resources were thanked for appearing
before Council and making their presentation.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
CORRESPONDENCE
Native Fishery Court Case
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth advising that a meeting will be held on Friday, March 5, 2004 to get an update from Fisheries’ representatives and to discuss the Native Fishery Court Case.
Resolution C040202
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the Warden and Clerk be authorized to attend the March 5, 2004 meeting Re: Native Fishery Court Case.
Motion carried.
Long Term Nursing Care Facility
The Clerk informed members that the Long Term Nursing Care Facility Committee will be holding a public meeting on February 17, 2004. The purpose of the meeting is to gain community support for the establishment of a nursing care facility in the Municipality.
It was reported that a letter has been received from Mr. Gerald Keddy, MP for the South Shore, advising that he will be unable to attend the February 17, 2004 public meeting but wished to be advised of the outcome.
The Clerk also informed members that a letter has been received from the Minister of Health advising that they are not in a position to increase long term care beds in the Municipality at this time.
Adult Workshops Request
It was reported that a letter has been received from Joanne Bangay, Executive Director of the Shelburne County Adult Workshops & Residential Services. The letter requested Council to take a serious look at extending the sidewalks to the intersection by Tim Hortons’ in Barrington Passage, and also ensuring a sufficient budget for plowing of the sidewalks in the winter months.
Resolution C040203
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that the request from the Shelburne County Adult Workshops & Residential Services for sidewalks to be extended in Barrington Passage be referred to the Public Works Committee.
Motion carried.
Annual Count Program
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Department of Transportation and Public Works requesting to know whether the Municipal Council would like to have traffic volume counts, and/or classification counts, carried out in the Municipality during the year 2004. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2004.
No action was taken on this matter.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11, 2004
Tenant Letter
It was reported that a letter has been received from Cora Cline-Mitchell advising that she will be vacating space currently rented from the Municipality of Barrington, effective February 29, 2004. Cora Cline-Mitchell has rented the Old Telephone Office Building and carried out a hairdressing business there for many years.
Street Light Request
It was reported that a request has been received for an additional street light to be installed at the corner of Sable Sands Lane in North East Point. Concern has been expressed that the corner is very dark and creates a dangerous situation at that location. To place a street light at this location would not fit into our systematic plan of lighting and therefore the request is being forwarded to Council for consideration.
Resolution C040204
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that a street light be installed on the corner of Sable Sands Lane located in North East Point.
Motion carried.
Illegal Dump Site
Councillor Bower informed members that he had received a letter from Mr. George MacKay of Shelburne expressing concern that he had been given until the end of March to clean up an illegal dump site located on his property in the vicinity of Swain’s Road.
Resolution C040205
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that the letter received from Mr. George MacKay be referred to the Public Works Committee for further consideration.
Motion carried.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden informed members that Mr. Jean Melanson is now the Chairperson of Waste Check. Mr. Melanson is interested in resolving the Diversion Credit issue and is suggesting a meeting sometime in the near future.
Diversion Credits
It is agreed that the Warden arrange to meet with the Chairman of Waste
Check to discuss Diversion Credits.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Community Health Centre
Councillor Louise Halliday informed members that she attended a meeting of the Federation of Community Health Centres of Nova Scotia on February 6, 2004. She provided a brief report on the meeting and informed members that information on the Primary Health Care Renewal Action for Healthier Nova Scotians will be left at the office if anyone is interested in reviewing this information.
S.S.T.
Councillor Louise Halliday informed members that she and the Clerk met with Paul MacLellan of the Department of Education, on February 10, 2004, to discuss the site for the new high school. Mr. MacLellan informed them that the Department will be using the property at Sherose Island for a new school and up until now everything has been preliminary. Once plans are more definite they will be approaching Council to have ownership of the property conveyed.
Councillor Halliday informed members that the next meeting of the S.S.T. is scheduled to be held on March 2, 2004.
During discussion of this matter question was raised as to who would be responsible for the upgrades required at Sherose Island. In particular, who would be responsible for the cost of upgrades necessary to the roadway, water system and sewer system.
Resolution C040206
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that Mr. Paul MacLellan of the Department of Education be requested to meet with councillors to further discuss the establishment of a high school on Sherose Island.
Motion carried.
Hiring Committee
Landfill Site Manager/By-Law Enforcement Officer
Resolution C040207
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality hire Cameron Whiteway as the Landfill Site Manager/By-Law Enforcement Officer who received the highest score as a result of the interviews.
Motion carried.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that in the case that Mr. Whiteway does not accept the position, Walter Scott be designated as the alternate to be hired.
Motion carried.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
Finance and Administration Committee
Low Income Property Tax Exemption Policy
It was reported that the maximum Canada Pension and Old Age Security, per year, is $15,319.68. It is therefore recommended that the maximum yearly income allowed in the Low Income Property Tax Exemption Policy be increased to $15,500.00.
Resolution C040207
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that Notice of Consideration be given to amend Policy 41 “Low Income Tax Exemption Policy” to increase the maximum yearly income from $15,000.00 to $15,500.00.
Motion carried.
Amendments to the policy will be considered by Council at their next meeting.
Arena Discipline Policy
Resolution C040208
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson that Notice of Consideration be given to adopt the newly drafted Arena Discipline Policy.
Motion carried.
The adoption of the newly drafted policy will be considered by Council at their next meeting.
Personnel Policy Re: Overtime
Resolution C040209
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson that Notice of Consideration be given to amend Article 11 (overtime) of the Personnel Policy to make it consistent with amendments to the Labour Standards Code.
Motion carried.
Amendments to Article 11 of the Personnel Policy will be considered at the next meeting of Council.
Letter from Keeper of Lock-Up
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a
letter from Mr. Shenton Allen, Keeper of Lock-up. Mr. Allen outlined
extra duties and responsibilities performed by him as Keeper of Lock-up.
Matrons and Deputy Keepers of Lock-up do not perform these functions.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
Resolution C040210
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the Keeper of Lock-up, Shenton Allen, receive a wage increase of $0.25/hr. as recommended by the Municipal Clerk.
Motion carried.
Business Occupancy Tax Write-Off
It was reported that Seaside Fisheries Limited has declared bankruptcy and therefore the Business Occupancy Tax owed to the Municipality of Barrington will be uncollectible.
Resolution C040211
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the Business Occupancy Tax in the name of Seaside Fisheries Limited be written off in the amount of $1,620.52, plus interest.
Motion carried.
Community Grant Request - Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department
Resolution C040212
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that $500.00 from the District 6 Community Grants Fund and $1,500.00 from the District 3 Community Grants Fund be provided to the Island and Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department to assist with the cost of a commercial dishwasher.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that the above motion be amended to include $500.00 from the District 5 Community Grants Fund and $500.00 from the District 7 Community Grants Funds for a total grant of $3,000.00.
Motion carried.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried.
Public Works and Property Committee
Broadband Proposal
Resolution C040213
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality fund the South West Shore Broadband Proposal in the amount of $25,000.00 over the next two fiscal years subject to the approval of funding being obtained by other partners of the project.
Motion carried.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
Future of Transportation in Yarmouth
Resolution C040214
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that the Warden attend the meeting being hosted by the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission on February 16, 2004 at the Grand Hotel in Yarmouth.
Motion carried.
Recreation & Facilities Management Committee
Community Grant Request
Resolution C040215
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipality provide a Community Grant from the District 3 Community Grants Fund, up to $1,400.00, to the Barrington 7E Volunteer Fire Department for the purpose of making electrical improvements that would permit them to use a compressor that they have recently purchased.
Motion carried.
LOCK-UP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a draft Policies and Procedures Manual for the Barrington Municipal Lock-up.
It was agreed that the adoption of the manual will be considered at
the next meeting of Council.
C & D LANDFILL POLICY
The Clerk informed members that the C & D Landfill Policy has been
amended as instructed by Council. It was agreed that the proposed
amendments be considered by Council at their next meeting.
MATRON OF LOCK-UP
The Clerk informed members that it was necessary to advertise for applicants for the position of Matron for the Barrington Municipal Lock-up. At present we have one (1) Matron.
The Clerk informed members that three (3) applications had been received and they were from the following individuals:
- Carla Malone
- Dayle Eshelby
- Sheri Mae Kozera
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
Resolution C040216
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by A. Atkinson that all three applications be forwarded to the R.C.M.P. for their comments.
Motion carried.
RETURNING OFFICER
The Clerk informed members that an advertisement had been placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper inviting applications from individuals interested in performing the duties and responsibilities of Returning Officer.
Only one application was received and that applicant was Beverly Brannen. Mrs. Brannen served as Returning Officer in the last municipal election.
Resolution C040217
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that Beverly Brannen of Wood’s Harbour be hired as Returning Officer for the 2004 Municipal Elections.
Motion carried.
SECTION 12 MGA
The Clerk informed members that a number of items need to be dealt with relating to the upcoming municipal elections.
Election of Warden
Moved by F. Bower that the Municipality of Barrington elect a mayor in the October elections in keeping with the wishes of constituents as indicated in the survey carried out in the year 2000.
There being no seconder to this motion, the motion was declared lost.
Term of Warden and Deputy Warden
The term of Warden and Deputy Warden will be further discussed by the Finance Committee at their meeting to be held on Monday, February 16, 2004. The committee is currently considering a new proposed policy entitled “Warden and Deputy Warden Policy”.
Number of Districts
It was agreed that the Municipality of Barrington continue with seven
(7) districts.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 11,
2004
List of Electors
Resolution C040218
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality use the last Provincial List of Electors in the upcoming municipal elections.
Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION RE: LEASE AGREEMENT
It was agreed at this time that a Closed Session of Council be held to deal with a proposed lease agreement.
The regular council meeting was called back to order.
Junior “A” Hockey Team
Resolution C040219
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that a letter be written to the President of the Maritime Junior “A” Hockey League supporting a Maritime Junior “A” hockey team relocating to Barrington.
Motion carried.
It was agreed that the Warden issue a press release regarding this matter.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be dealt with, the meeting was adjourned
at 9:35 p.m.
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