The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m., with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Fred Bower
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson (8:00 p.m.)
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Councillor Steven Stoddart
- Councillor Tina Wickens
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
The following items were added to the agenda:
- South West Shore Development Authority
- Interview Re: Ken Anthony - request for variance (7:30 p.m.)
- Correspondence Re: Insurance Search and Rescue
- Correspondence Re: Request for change in road name
- Correspondence from Discover Shelburne County Tourism Association Re: Request for
funding
- Correspondence - Richard Nickerson
- Correspondence - Good Neighbour Energy Fund
- Recruitment Committee
- Offer to purchase municipal property
- Waste Check
It was suggested and agreed that item #10 on the agenda, be tabled until the next meeting of Council.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that the agenda be approved as amended.
Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the minutes of the last meeting held February 9, 2000, be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
Page 2, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
CORRESPONDENCE
License Plate System
The Clerk reported that as a result of the January 26, 2000 Council Meeting, letters were sent to all municipal units in Nova Scotia and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, requesting support that license plates once again be required to be displayed on the front of vehicles.
As a result of that letter, two (2) letters of support have been received.
FRAM Funding
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from ACOA, which advised that the Curling Club Project does not meet the criteria for funding under the Fisheries Restructuring and Adjustment Measures Program.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that a letter be written to Mr. Mel Coombs, of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and request the criteria used for funding projects under the FRAM Program.
Motion carried.
Long-Term Nursing Care Facility
The Clerk reported that a copy of a letter has been received from the Shelburne County Interagency, addressed to Mr. Bill Hondas of the Department of Health. The letter advised that the Interagency endorses the request of the Shelburne County Ministerial Association, for the Department of Health to address the need for a long-term nursing care facility in western Shelburne County.
Insurance - Search and Rescue Group
Council had previously requested the other four (4) municipal units in Shelburne County to share in the cost of insurance for the Barrington Ground Search and Rescue Group. Each municipal unit has been requested to pay $291.00. To date, payments have been received from the Town of Shelburne and the Town of Clark's Harbour and correspondence has been received from the Municipality of Shelburne indicating that a cheque will be forwarded in the near future.
It was agreed that this matter be placed on the agenda for the upcoming Joint EMO Committee Meeting.
Good Neighbour Energy Fund
The Clerk reported that correspondence has been received from the Good Neighbour Energy Fund. The Good Neighbour Energy Fund has helped hundreds of families pay for all forms of home heating energy and funding is available until May, for Nova Scotians facing an emergency financial crisis. If anyone is interested in applying, they are asked to contact the closest Salvation Army Office.
Page 3, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper advertising the Good Neighbour Energy Fund.
Motion carried.
Request for Change of Road Name
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Tri County Housing Authority advising that the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs have recently purchased the former lighthouse units, on Smurf Village Drive, located in North East Point. The Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs have turned the units over to the Tri-County Housing Authority and they are requesting that the road name be changed to Seaview Court.
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that the request from the Tri-County Housing Authority to change Smurf Village Drive, to Seaview Court, be approved.
Motion carried.
LONG-TERM NURSING CARE FACILITY
Reverend Shaun Hatfield appeared before the meeting and made a presentation regarding the need for a long-term nursing care facility to be established in western Shelburne County. Reverend Hatfield concluded his presentation by requesting Council to immediately initiate a Need Study, which could further formalize the need for a long-term nursing care facility.
It was reported that letters have been sent to the Department of Health, requesting an investigation of the establishment of a long-term nursing care facility being located within the Municipality of Barrington and it was agreed that Reverend Shaun Hatfield be provided with past correspondence.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that a letter be written to the Department of Health requesting a copy of the criteria used for the establishment of a long-term nursing care facility.
Motion carried.
It was felt by members that it was necessary to receive a copy of the criteria used for nursing care facilities, prior to a decision being made on the request of Reverend Hatfield to have a Need Study carried out.
It was suggested that the presentation made by Reverend Hatfield be forwarded to the Minister of Health.
It was agreed that a copy of the Community Care for Seniors Report be provided to Reverend Hatfield.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by A. Atkinson that a letter be written to the Western Regional Health Board asking for their support for a Needs Study and the establishment of a long-term nursing care facility within western Shelburne County.
Motion carried.
Page 4, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
REQUEST FOR VARIANCE
Ken Anthony appeared before the meeting to inform Council that construction is planned for property owned by Loblaw Properties Limited, located in Barrington Passage. In order to develop the property, a variance to reduce the side yard requirement from the adjoining property owner is necessary.
The Land Use By-law requires a side yard of 20' in the Commercial General (CG) Zone and Mr. Anthony is requesting that the side yard requirement be reduced to 5'. The property in question is located on the corner of the #3 Highway and the #330 Highway.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter and procedures.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the matter be tabled until after the break.
Motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE
Discover Shelburne County Tourism Association
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Debbie Goodick, President of the Discover Shelburne County Tourism Association. The letter advised that the Association has booked a booth at the Sports and RV Show, to be held in Halifax, March 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2000. The Association has decided to do this show instead of Flavour. The letter advised that Irene Nickerson will be the Barrington area volunteer and requested financial assistance to assist with the cost of attending the Sports and RV Show.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by T. Wickens that Discover Shelburne County Tourism Association be provided with $300.00 to assist with the cost to attend the Sports and RV Show.
Motion carried.
Letter from Richard Nickerson
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Richard Nickerson, which was read.
The letter expressed his dissatisfaction with Council reconsidering their earlier motion to elect a Mayor at large. As a result of the reconsideration of the motion, the motion was defeated, therefore a Warden will once again be elected by Council.
Councillor Wickens requested a copy of the letter received from Richard Nickerson.
Recruitment Committee
The Clerk reported that Anthony Muise of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital has requested to know if the Municipality of Barrington will be serving on a Recruitment Committee for physician specialists.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by S. Stoddart that the Warden and Clerk attend the Recruitment Committee Meeting.
Motion carried.
Page 5, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
BREAK
A short break was then held.
REQUEST FOR VARIANCE
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that a variance be granted to property located on the corner of Highway #330 and Highway #3, reducing the side yard requirement from 20' to 5', pending approval of property owners located within 30 meters of the property in question.
Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
Upon the request of the Building Inspector who was seated in the spectator area, a closed session was granted, due to potential litigation.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENED
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that consistent with the Municipal Government Act, a Hearing be held on Thursday, March 2, 2000, to deal with the appeal of denial of variance requested by Ken Anthony to reduce the side yard requirement from 20' to 5'.
Motion carried.
REPORT OF WARDEN
DFO Critic
The Warden reported that MP Gerald Keddy has been appointed DFO Critic. Warden Sterling Belliveau and Councillor Smith met with Mr. Keddy on February 14, 2000, to discuss fisheries related issues.
S.W.S.D.A.
On February 17, 2000, the Warden attended an RDA Meeting and reported that Ian White has been hired as Communications Officer for a one (1) year term.
On February 23, 2000, the Warden attended an RDA Meeting held at the Sound Stage and although this site is currently under construction, it is hoped that the Sound Stage will be completed in April of 2000.
At this time discussion took place regarding the South West Shore Development Authority paying travel fees for some Councillors.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that a letter be written to the South Shore Development Authority requesting a copy of the criteria used for payment of travel claims.
Motion carried.
Page 6, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the South West Shore Development Authority be requested to provide copies of all travel claims paid out to elected officials, in the last couple of years.
Motion carried.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Public Works and Property Committee
Landfill Loader
WHEREAS members wish to continue to use the loader at the Landfill;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by T. Wickens that the repair work for the loader at the Municipal Landfill be authorized, in accordance with the quotation provided in the letter from Shelburne Diesel Limited.
Motion carried.
Request for Easement
WHEREAS members wish to provide an easement to Nova Scotia Power Incorporated;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the municipality enter into an agreement with Nova Scotia Power Incorporated for the purpose of providing an easement for electrical power lines over property at Sherose Island.
Motion carried.
Barrington Passage Crosswalk
WHEREAS the municipality wishes to have the crosswalk in Barrington Passage maintained;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Stoddart that the Department of Transportation be requested to paint the crosswalk in Barrington Passage at the expense of the municipality.
Motion carried.
South West Shore Development Authority
Councillor Smith also provided comments on the meeting with Mr. Gerald Keddy dealing with fisheries issues.
Hiring Committee
Secretary
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Atkinson declared conflict of interest, left his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
Page 7, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
The Chairman of the Hiring Committee, Deputy Warden Bower reported that seven (7) applicants were interviewed. Much discussion then took place regarding the qualifications of applicants and the criteria used for rating applicants.
It was suggested that the Hiring Policy needs to be reviewed to ensure that all applicants are being rated the same.
The Warden turned the chair over to the Deputy Warden, in order that he may express his views.
The Warden then resumed the chair.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that Sharon Brannen be hired as Secretary in the Municipal Office and that Lisa Stewart be named alternate.
Motion carried.
Upon the request of two (2) Councillors, the division was recorded.
FOR AGAINST
S. Belliveau
F. Bower
E. Nickerson
W. Smith
S. Stoddart
T. Wickens
Councillor Angus Atkinson then returned to the meeting and resumed his chair.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by S. Stoddart that reference checks be added to the Hiring Policy and that criteria for interviewing be drafted.
Motion carried.
Library Board
Upon questioning, the Clerk advised that he had met with Jim Knowles and Rodney Knowles and viewed the annex building. Carl Smith, Building Inspector, has also taken a look at the annex building.
A report has been received from the Building Inspector and this report will be taken to the Finance and Administration Committee for further consideration. Deputy Warden Fred Bower requested a report on what has been done thus far on this project.
Finance and Administration Committee
Cranberry Bog Right-of-Way
WHEREAS members wish to provide access to the cranberry bog property by Seaside Cranberries;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the municipality enter into a Right-of-Way Agreement with Seaside Cranberries, for access over the municipal portion of the Goose Lake Road and over the road known as Burrills Road, along the eastern boundary of the Seaside Cranberries' property.
Motion carried.
Page 8, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
S.W.S.D.A. Five (5) Year Strategic Action Plan
WHEREAS members wish to provide the South West Shore Development Authority with some direction regarding the priorities of the municipality,
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be written to the SWSDA, stating that the municipality wishes the SWSDA to put priority on the following projects for the coming fiscal year:
1. A fisheries research and training facility.
2. A peat development at Swaine's Bog.
Motion carried.
Shelburne County Tourism Coordinator Proposal
WHEREAS members wish to further discuss the position of a Shelburne County Tourism Coordinator,
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that a meeting of the Joint Tourism Committee, the Town of Clark's Harbour and the Municipality of Barrington, be convened and the subject of a Shelburne County Tourism Coordinator be placed on the agenda for their meeting.
Motion carried.
Policy Re: Disposal of Personal Property
WHEREAS members wish to establish a policy for the disposal of personal property of the municipality;
THEREFORE it was moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that notice be given that the Municipal Council will consider adopting a policy regarding the disposal of personal property at their next meeting to be held on March 8, 2000.
Motion carried.
Tax Write-Offs
Bethany Nickerson
WHEREAS Bethany Nickerson has filed a Declaration of Bankruptcy;
AND WHEREAS Bethany Nickerson owes the amount of $639.47 in business occupancy taxes;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that taxes, plus interest, in the amount of $639.47, be written off the account of Bethany Nickerson.
Motion carried.
Page 9, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
Melissa Garron
WHEREAS Melissa Garron has filed a Declaration of Bankruptcy;
AND WHEREAS Melissa Garron owes the municipality the amount of $126.32 in uncollectable
business occupancy taxes;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that taxes, plus interest, in the amount of $126.32 be written off the account of Melissa Garron.
Motion carried.
Employee Increment
Debra Atwood
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that Debra Atwood receive her annual increment in the amount of $ .50 per hour, effective March 28, 2000.
Motion carried.
Camp Lease Sites
WHEREAS members wish to provide all twenty (20) of the camp site leases to residents of the municipality;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the remaining seven (7) camp site leases be advertised.
Motion carried.
Purchase of Computers
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that an additional computer be purchased for the Municipal Office, at a cost not to exceed $2,500.00.
Motion carried.
Landfill Attendant
WHEREAS members wish to continue to operate the Municipal Construction and Demolition Landfill Site seven (7) days per week;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the operation of the Municipal Landfill, for seven (7) days per week, requiring the continued employment of two (2) Landfill Attendants, be included in the budget for the fiscal year 2000/2001.
Motion carried.
Page 10, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
Wilson's Shopping Centre Request
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Wickens declared conflict of interest, vacated her seat and proceeded to the spectator area. Wilson's Shopping Centre is Councillor Wickens' Landlord.
WHEREAS members wish to rent the Barrington Municipal Arena to Wilson's Shopping Centre Limited, for the purpose of a promotional sale;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Barrington Municipal Arena be rented to Wilson's Shopping Centre, for the period May 19th to May 28th, at a fee of $300.00 per day.
Motion carried.
Purchase of Goodwin Property
WHEREAS members wish to purchase property at McGray Avenue, North East Point, for the purpose of a Waterfront Development Project;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the municipality enter into an agreement for the purchase of property from Edward and Ellen Goodwin, in the amount of $15,000.00 subject to the approval of a Waterfront Development Project being approved for that site.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the above motion be amended by inserting the words, "by Council", after the word, "approval".
Motion carried.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION
The Clerk reported that a letter of resignation has been received from the Assistant Building Inspector, Forrest (Bud) Hicks.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by A. Atkinson that the letter of resignation received from Forrest (Bud) Hicks be accepted with regret.
Motion carried.
WASTE CHECK
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that Waste Check be notified that it is the intention of the Municipality of Barrington to withdraw from the Authority.
Motion carried.
Page 11, Council Meeting, February 23, 2000
Upon the request of two (2) Councillors, the division was recorded.
FOR AGAINST
A. Atkinson F. Bower
S. Belliveau S. Stoddart
E. Nickerson T. Wickens
W. Smith
Much discussion took place regarding this matter. The Warden turned the chair over to the Deputy Warden, in order that he could express his concerns.
The chair was once again assumed by the Warden.
OFFER TO PURCHASE MUNICIPAL PROPERTY
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
It was agreed that the regular Council Meeting adjourn, in order that members can hold a closed Session of Council to discuss an offer to purchase municipal property.
MEETING RECONVENED
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the offer to purchase municipal property be tabled until the next meeting of Council, pending the advice of the Solicitor.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn at 10:00 p.m.
Motion carried.