The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
The Clerk reported that all councillors representing all districts of the Municipality were present with the exception of Councillor Sean Strang who was absent due to a death in the family.
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
The Warden informed members that it is necessary to add the following item to the agenda:
- Closed Session of Council Re: Possible Legal Issue.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest declared.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by D. Messenger that the minutes of the last meeting held February 13, 2006 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
School Board Insurance
The Clerk informed members that at the January 30, 2006 Council Meeting a motion was made by Council that all municipal units in the Tri-County District School Board region be requested to write a letter of support to the School Board asking them to provide insurance coverage for community groups wishing to use their facilities. As a result of those letters, two responses have been received; one from the Town of Yarmouth, and one from the Municipality of Digby, both supporting the request.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
High Speed Internet Service
The Clerk informed members that a response has now been received from Aliant regarding the availability of high speed internet service to several areas in the Municipality. The letter advised that the communities of Baccaro, East Baccaro, West Baccaro, Smithsville, Port LaTour, Upper Port LaTour, Reynoldscroft, Cape Negro, Blanche and Thomasville were not included in the BRAND initiative, and are not currently on any planned broadband expansion program within Aliant. Aliant continues to work within their budgets and with their suppliers to look for solutions to extend services in those areas.
It was agreed that a copy of this letter be forwarded to local residents who have expressed an interest in having high speed internet services available in these areas. Copies of this letter will be forwarded to Barbara Crowell, Baccaro; Shermon d'Eon, Manager of Cape Breeze Seafoods Ltd.; and Richard Nickerson, Port LaTour.
Highway No. 103
The Clerk informed members that a response has been received from Mr. Brian MacDougall, Chairman of the Highway 103 Committee, regarding the condition of the 103. The correspondence advised that the committee was able to get the 103 designated as part of the National Highway System in 2005. The committee's lobbying efforts with the South Shore MLAs have only recently shown results, but they as a group need to work together in order to get this job finished.
CORRESPONDENCE
Spring 2006 Debenture Funding
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has been received from the Nova Scotia Municipal Finance Corporation requesting municipalities to make a written commitment to their office by March 27, 2006 if they wish to participate in the Spring 2006 Debenture Funding.
The CED/Library Project will be completed this spring. The cost of this project less the contributions from the Municipality and from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will result in the need for debenture funding of $600,000.00. It was suggested that the debenture be repaid over a period of 15 years.
Resolution C060212
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by F. Bower:
WHEREAS Section 91 of the Municipal Government Act provides that a municipality is authorized to borrow money, subject to the approval of the Minister of Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations;
AND WHEREAS the resolution of council to borrow for the CED Centre/Library Project was approved by the Minister of Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations on May 31, 2005;
AND WHEREAS clause 91(1)(b) of the Municipal Government Act authorizes the council to determine the amount and term of, and the rate of interest, on each debenture, when the interest on a debenture is to be paid, and where the principal and interest on a debenture are to be paid;
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
AND WHEREAS clause 91(2) of the Municipal Government Act states, that in accordance with the Municipal Finance Corporation Act, the mayor or warden and clerk or the person designated by the council, by policy, shall sell and deliver the debentures on behalf of the municipality at the price, in the sums and in the manner deemed proper;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED
THAT under the authority of Section 91 of the Municipal Government Act, the Municipality of the District of Barrington borrow by the issue and sale of debentures a sum or sums not exceeding $600,000, for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) years, subject to the approval of the Minister of Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations;
THAT the sum be borrowed by the issue and sale of debentures of the Municipality of the District of Barrington in the amount that the mayor or warden and clerk or the person designated by the council deems proper, provided the average interest rate of the debenture does not exceed the rate of 6.00%;
THAT the debenture be arranged with the Nova Scotia Municipal Finance Corporation with interest to be paid semi-annually and principal payments made annually;
THAT the resolution remains in force for a period not exceeding twelve months from the passing of this resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
Everybody Gets to Play
Correspondence has been received from the Recreation Director which advised that the Everybody Gets to Play initiative is built around belief that it takes community wide action to successfully reduce the barriers faced by low income families and their children.
A one day workshop will be held on March 7, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Shelburne Community Centre. Participants get hands-on experience by using the resources provided and carefully planned exercises under the guidance of a trained facilitator. All councillors are invited to attend. It was noted that the workshop will be attended by Ray Green the Recreation Director.
Atom "A" Flames Request
It was reported that a letter has been received from the Shelburne County Minor Hockey Association Atom "A" Flames requesting a donation from Council to assist with the expenses associated with their trip to play in the provincial play downs in Cape Breton.
Resolution C060213
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Atom "A" Flames be advised that it is not the policy of the Municipality to provide financial donations to sports group, but that we would be willing to provide them with a supply of municipal lapel pins, and that they be congratulated on their accomplishment to represent our area in the provincial play downs in New Waterford, Cape Breton, on the weekend of March 24 - 26, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
South West Nova Biosphere Reserve Association
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the South West Nova Biosphere Reserve Association. The Association is requesting the Municipality to make a contribution of $300.00 towards the cost of hiring a part-time project coordinator for the association. The particular focus this year for the association will be to make sure that educational materials on the Biosphere Reserve are getting into the schools in the region.
Resolution C060214
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that the request from the South West Nova Biosphere Reserve Association be forwarded to the budgetary process.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
Discover Shelburne County Association
The Warden informed members that he attended a meeting of the Discover Shelburne County Association on February 22, 2006. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss tourism development in Shelburne County. Due to the lack of representation a future meeting will be held to discuss this matter.
South West Shore Development Authority Executive
The Warden informed members that there will be a business luncheon of the South West Shore Development Authority Executive held on March 2, 2006, in Yarmouth, to meet with the Business Editor of the Halifax Herald.
Girls Hockey Tournament
The Warden informed members that on March 4, 2006, at 1:00 p.m., a girls hockey tournament will be held at the Barrington Municipal Arena. He invited councillors to attend this function.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer provided a report on activities of Municipal Staff during the month of January. During his report it was noted that the tentative date for completion of the new Municipal Library is June 15, 2006.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Joint EMO Executive Committee
EMO Coordinator
Resolution C060215
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by F. Bower that Mr. David Kendrick be hired as Emergency Measures Coordinator for both municipal units, and that this recommendation also be made to the Town of Clark's Harbour.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060216
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by D. Messenger that Paula Sutherland be designated the alternate for the position of Emergency Measure Coordinator should Mr. Kendrick decline to take the position, and that this recommendation also be forwarded to the Town of Clark's Harbour.
Motion carried unanimously.
Committee of the Whole Council
Three Year Salary and Wage Review
Deputy Warden Bower reported on the following recommendations as a result of the wage review:
1. All wages should be increased by the Consumer Price Index in April to keep them in the range with other municipalities and private business in the area including the stipends paid to municipal councillors.
2. The wage scale of the Municipal Office Secretary will be increased to the same level as the Tax Clerk.
3. A new wage scale will be set for a Recreation Director to be hired during the year to replace our current Recreation Director who will retiring.
4. The minimum wage scale for the Municipality will be raised to $7.15 per hour, consistent with the raise in the minimum wage, effective April 1, 2006, and the Arena Canteen Attendants wage scale will be raised to the range of $7.15 per hour to $10.15 per hour in five (5) equal increments.
5. To be consistent, all increments will be over a five (5) year period. The increments of the Property Services Labourer and the Assistant Sewage Treatment Plant Operators will be changed from a seven (7) year period to a five (5) year period to be consistent with other wage scales.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
Conflict of Interest
The Warden declared conflict of interest and turned the chair over to Councillor Nickerson, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
Resolution C060217
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that the above recommendations as a result of the three year wage review be approved by Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Warden resumed his chair.
Personnel Policy Amendment
It was reported that it is the recommendation of the Committee of the Whole Council that Council give notice to consideration of amendments to the Personnel Policy dealing with Article 4.05. It is proposed that this article be amended to include parents not living in the same household.
Proposed amendments will be considered by Council at their next meeting.
Amendments to By-Law No. 13 "Trade and Licensing"
Resolution C060218
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that proposed amendments to By-Law No. 13, "Trade and Licensing" be approved in first reading that the fee for automobile sales be $100.00 per day.
Motion carried unanimously.
Planning Advisory Committee
Maria Nicole Fisheries Request
Resolution C060219
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality respond to the letter received from Transport Canada that it is the opinion of the Municipality that there will be no negative navigation affects as a result of the infilling of the property along the coastline.
Motion carried unanimously.
Swaine's Road - Municipal Heritage Property
Resolution C969220
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the request for registration of Swaine's Road as a Municipal Heritage Property be denied as it does not meet the eligibility requirements of the by-law, and in any case permission of the property owner has not been obtained.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
Library
Deputy Warden Bower informed members that the Western Counties Regional Library Board has been informed that the completion of the new Municipal Library has been tentatively set at June 15, 2006.
Continuing Care Steering Committee
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger provided a brief report on the meeting of the Continuing Care Steering Committee which was held on February 23, 2006.
Community Health Care Advisory Committee
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger provided a brief report on the February 22, 2006 meeting of the Community Health Care Advisory Committee meeting.
Results of Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department Public Meeting
A poll of residents and taxpayers was held by the Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department on February 23, 2006 to deal with a proposal to impose an area rate amounting to $575,000 for the purpose of purchasing three (3) fire protection vehicles. 82% of the $575,000 will be guaranteed by the Municipality of Barrington and 18% of this amount will be guaranteed by the Town of Clark's Harbour.
This would result in an additional area rate of 3.8 cents per $100.00 of assessment.
The results of the poll were:
- 54 in favour
- 8 opposed
- 1 spoiled ballot
Resolution C060221
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart that the results of the poll of residents and taxpayers in the fire district for the Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department be accepted by Council, and that commencing April 1, 2006 and for a ten (10) year period there be a further 3.8 cents area rate for fire levied on all assessed properties in the fire district which shall be in addition to the existing area rate, bringing the total area fire rates to approximately 8.8 cents per $100.00 of assessment.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
Resolution C060222
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Stewart:
WHEREAS the Island/Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department is registered with the Municipality of the District of Barrington;
AND WHEREAS the Island/Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department has determined to borrow the aggregate principal amount of Four Hundred Seventy-One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($471,500) for the purpose of the purchasing a pumper, tanker and a chassis for a rescue vehicle;
AND WHEREAS the Island/Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department has requested a municipality to guarantee the said borrowing;
AND WHEREAS Section 294(6) of the Municipal Government Act provides that a municipality may grant or lend money to, or guarantee a loan for, a registered fire department for operating or capital purposes;
AND WHEREAS Section 88(3) of the Municipal Government Act provides that no guarantee of a borrowing by a municipality shall have effect unless the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations has approved of the proposed borrowing or debenture and of the proposed guarantee;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED
THAT the Municipality of the District of Barrington does hereby approve the borrowing by the Island/Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department of Four Hundred Seventy-One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($471,500) for the purpose set out above;
THAT subject to the approval of the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations of the guarantee, the Municipality unconditionally guarantee repayment of the principal and interest of the borrowing so made;
THAT upon the issue of the debentures, the Warden and Clerk of the Municipality do sign the guarantee attached to each of the debentures and affix thereto the corporate seal of the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
NSCC - EXPANDED FISHERIES PROGRAM
The Warden reported that there will be a meeting held at the Nova Scotia Community College on Friday, March 3, 2006 regarding an expanded fisheries program. The Warden informed members that he will be unable to attend the meeting since he has another commitment in Halifax.
Arrangements have been made for Councillor Stewart to attend this meeting in the Warden's place.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
PAC MEMBERSHIP
It was reported that the terms of the two (2) non council members serving on the Planning Advisory Committee will expire March 31, 2006. An advertisement has been placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper inviting expressions of interest from the public in serving on this committee. Three (3) applications have been received and were from the following: Michael Hennigar who is currently serving on the committee; Christine Nickerson and Cecil Swim.
Resolution C060223
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the application received from Michael Hennigar to serve on the Planning Advisory Committee for another two (2) year period be accepted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060224
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by L. Halliday that the application received from Cecil Swim to serve on the Planning Advisory Committee for a two year term commencing April 1, 2006 be accepted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060225
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that a thank you letter be forwarded to Peter Nickerson for serving on the Planning Advisory Committee for the past two years.
Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF EXPENSES
Resolution C060226
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Messenger that the expenses of the Warden to attend the S.W.S.D.A. Executive Business Luncheon, and the expenses of Councillor Stewart to attend the meeting regarding the expanded fisheries program at the Nova Scotia Community College, be approved.
Motion carried unanimously.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY ON MUNICIPAL PROPERTY BY-LAW
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a proposed by-law dealing with commercial activity on municipal property.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
Resolution C060227
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by F. Bower that the proposed Commercial Activity on Municipal Property By-Law be approved in first reading.
Motion carried unanimously.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION - TRI-COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Clerk informed members that a letter of resignation has been received from Clyde Nickerson resigning from his position on the Tri-County Housing Authority. Mr. Nickerson's resignation is effective March 14, 2006.
Resolution C060228
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipal Council accept the resignation received from Clyde Nickerson, effective March 14, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060229
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipality advertise inviting expressions of interest from individuals wishing to serve on the Tri-County Housing Authority.
Motion carried unanimously.
During discussion of this matter it was noted that councillors are not permitted to serve on this board.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a possible legal matter.
The Regular Council Meeting was called back to order.
MINK RANCH DEVELOPMENT
Resolution C060230
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that a letter be provided in support of the proposed mink ranch development in Shelburne County.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 11, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 27, 2006
Resolution C060231
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by F. Bower that a representative of Council along with other municipal representatives in the County attend a meeting with Provincial Officials to discuss the financing of the proposed mink ranch development.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
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