The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m., with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Councillor Fred Bower
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Councillor Tina Wickens
- Brian Holland; Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti; Deputy Clerk
Absent were members:
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Steven Stoddart
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
The following items were added to the agenda:
- Scavenging at Municipal Landfill Site
- Interview Craig Nickerson, South Shore Recreational Hockey League and Stella Nickerson,
Barrington Recreational Hockey League Re: Gate split (8:00 p.m.)
It was agreed that item #12 "RCMP Press Release" be deleted from the agenda.
It was further agreed that item #16 "Gate at Ridge Road" be deferred to the January 26, 2000 Council Meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that the agenda be approved as amended.
Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that minutes of meetings held
December 8th, 13th and 15th, 1999, be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
Councillor Wickens requested a copy of the Guidelines for calling an Emergency Council Meeting.
Page 2, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
INTERVIEW GORDON PATTON, NSCC SHELBURNE CAMPUS
Mr. Gordon Patton, Department Head of the Shelburne Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College, appeared before the meeting.
Mr. Patton made a presentation advising Council of the progress made by Shelburne Campus during the past year, to better serve the communities.
One of the highlights of the year was the addition of a new program entitled, "Sound for Music, Video and New Media". This is a very "high-tech" program and is being offered off campus, at the Shelburne Film Production Centre. This program will help students qualify to enter the work force in an audio related occupation and the film, music and new media industries or to develop their own audio company.
Another highlight of the year was the return of the Educational Support Program. This program trains participants to work with the teachers in Nova Scotia Schools, especially with special needs students.
The campus currently offers six (6) core programs, which include aquaculture, business information technology, entrepreneurship and small business, human resources, machine shop and office information technology.
At the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Patton requested Council to continue to offer the support that they have been providing in the past and if they feel it appropriate, letters of support for the Nova Scotia Community College be sent to both the Member of Parliament and the Member of Legislative Assembly.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that letters of support for the Nova Scotia Community College be forwarded to Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament and Cecil O'Donnell, Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Motion carried.
During questioning, it was noted that registration of all courses is approximately 200, which is an increase over last year. During discussion, question was also raised regarding the Canadian Millenium Scholarship Foundation and the process to be followed in order to apply. Mr. Patton advised that he would obtain the information and forward it to the Clerk for distribution to Council Members.
Mr. Patton was then thanked for appearing before Council and making his presentation.
CORRESPONDENCE
Highway #103 Extension
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Department of Transportation which advised that it is the Department's plan to complete the remaining sub-grade between the Oak Park Road and the existing Highway #103, east of Barrington. After this work has been completed, the structures will be built and the paving completed.
Page 3, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
The letter advised that it is undesirable to pave and open the 3.5 kilometers that has been constructed for various reasons. Those traveling from Barrington towards Yarmouth, who wish to use Highway #103, would have to use the on ramp at the Oak Park Road connector. Motorists would become familiar with this traffic movement. Since the Highway #103 east of the Oak Park Road would not be constructed at this time, motorists would become accustomed to not having to yield to any traffic. This could possibly present problems when the project is totally completed.
Concern was also expressed over sending all the traffic to the off ramp, as they must come to a stop, which is always a potential for rear end collisions. Other safety issues were also quoted in the letter.
Registry of Motor Vehicles
The Clerk advised that a response has been received to our letter, requesting license plates to once again be displayed on the front of vehicles. The letter advised that in 1995, a review of the License Plate Policy was completed for all Classes of motor vehicles.
The purpose of the review was to identify cost savings for government and the people of Nova Scotia, without negatively impacting service delivery, safety or enforcement activities. The review process included a review of all other Canadian jurisdictions, as well as consultation with the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association.
As a result of the review, the province implemented a single plate process for passengers and heavy commercial vehicles. At the present time there is no consideration being given to having passenger vehicles revert back to the two (2) license plate system.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by T. Wickens that a letter be written to Sergeant Leighton of the Barrington RCMP Detachment, to ask whether he is experiencing any difficulties due to license plates only being displayed on the rear of vehicles.
Motion carried.
Social Services Agreement
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Department of Community Services in response to our letter concerning the Social Services Agreement. The letter advised that the province is currently completing a review of all government spending and programs, to ensure government provides the programs and services that are the most appropriate and that these are provided in an effective and efficient manner.
Concern was expressed that the letter received from the province referred to Social Service Programs and not the Social Services Agreement negotiated by the Province and Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that a letter be written to the Minister of Community Services requesting clarification on the Social Services Agreement and not Social Services Programs as indicated in his letter of December 20, 1999.
Motion carried.
Page 4, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
Shelburne Harbour
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Warden of the Municipality of Shelburne in which she expressed strong concern regarding the transfer of jurisdiction of the Shelburne Harbour from Transport Canada to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that a letter of support for the concerns raised in the letter received from the Warden of the Municipality of Shelburne regarding Shelburne Harbour, be forwarded to the Honourable David Collonette, Minister of Transport Canada.
Motion carried.
Sempra Gas
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities regarding Sempra Gas. The letter was read by the Clerk.
It was agreed that the Clerk contact the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities to obtain clarification of the intent of the letter.
AMENDMENT - ARENA POLICIES RE: GATE RECEIPTS
Craig Nickerson and Mitchell Jacquard of the South Shore Recreational Hockey League and Stella Nickerson of the Barrington Recreational Hockey League appeared before the meeting.
It was reported that it is being recommended that the Arena Policies be amended to provide for the following:
Paragraph 1 of "Gate Receipts Agreement", page 2 of the Arena Policy, be amended to include the words, "along with the cost of ice time for both regular season and playoffs" and that this wording be inserted in the last sentence following the words, "cost of officials both on and off the ice". It is further proposed that Paragraph 2 be deleted.
Official notice of the proposed amendments was given to Council Members at their meeting held December 8, 1999.
Much discussion then took place regarding the Gate Receipts Policy.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the amendments to the Arena Policy Re: Gate Receipts be tabled and referred back to the Recreation and Facilities Management Committee for further review and that all user groups be invited to attend the next Recreation and Facilities Management Committee Meeting in order to obtain their opinion as it relates to the gate receipts.
Motion carried.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Barrington Recreational League and South Shore Recreational Hockey League remain under the current Gate Receipts Policy for the remainder of the season.
Motion carried.
Page 5, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
During discussion of the Gate Receipts Policy, Councillor Wickens advised that it was her understanding that there is funding available from the province to assist with arena deficits. The Clerk was requested to contact the St. Margaret's Bay Arena to obtain additional information.
CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE
Honours and awards - Governor General
It was reported that information was received from the Office of the Governor General of Canada regarding honours and awards that the Governor General presents on behalf of all Canadians. The letter was photocopied for Council Members in advance to the meeting.
Councillor Wickens requested additional information on this matter.
Fisheries Resolution
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, which was read.
Nova Scotia Power Right-of-Way Provisions
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs regarding the Nova Scotia Power Incorporated Right-of-Way provisions. The letter was read by the Clerk and it was agreed that the matter be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee for further review.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden reported that on December 20, 1999, he had an interview with CJLS regarding solid waste policies and organic collection.
On January 1, 2000, he attended the New Year's Day Levee held at Sherose Island, which was attended by approximately 30-35 people. He suggested that in future, a levee should be held at another time, so as not to conflict with other levees being held in the County. Also it was felt that it would be beneficial to have a guest book available.
On January 3, 2000, the Warden had an interview with the Coast Guard Newspaper, regarding the goals of the municipality for the year 2000.
On January 8, 2000, the Warden, along with Councillor Smith, attended a Strategic Planning Session of the South West Shore Development Authority's Board. The purpose of the meeting was to initiate the development of the 2000/2001 business plan for the new Five (5) Year Strategic Action Plan. Highlights and notes will be forthcoming in the very near future.
On January 22, 2000 and January 29, 2000, the public will have an opportunity to have input into the Strategic Plan.
Page 6, Council Minutes, January 12, 2000
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Public Works Committee
Forest Ridge Academy
WHEREAS members wish to make it clear to the owner of the Mini Home Park, the terms of sewer maintenance;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipal Solicitor be requested to draft a letter to the owner of Anthony Estates, stating that the municipality is not responsible for any malfunctions of the sewer line on that property, regardless of whether it is caused by the operation of the sewer in the Mini Home Park or by the operation of the sewer in Forest Ridge Academy.
Motion carried.
Department of Transportation
WHEREAS members wish to have the upgrading of the cable in the guardrail at the Cape Sable Island Causeway completed as soon as possible;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that a letter be written to the Department of Transportation requesting that the cable in the guardrail on the western side of the Cape Sable Island Causeway be installed and completed as soon as possible.
Motion carried.
Truck Winter Program
Councillor Smith advised that it is the recommendation of the Public Works Committee that Council be given notice that Policy #22 "Regulations Governing Use of the Public Works Vehicle", be amended to give the effect that whoever is on call between November 1st and March 31st of each year, shall be permitted to take the public works vehicle home in the evening and on weekends, so that they may be able to respond to emergency calls in case of inclement weather.
This matter will be placed on the agenda for the January 26, 2000 Council Meeting for further discussion.
C. & D. Landfill Site
WHEREAS members wish to obtain more information regarding the development of the Construction and Demolition Landfill Site within the municipality;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the Clerk have an engineering design prepared for the Municipal Construction and Demolition Landfill Site, that would meet the Department of Environment Guidelines.
Motion carried.
Page 7, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
Storage Trailer
WHEREAS members believe the condition of the storage trailer has deteriorated so that it is uneconomical to repair it;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Clerk dispose of the storage trailer at Sherose Island in the best manner possible.
Motion carried.
Finance and Administration Committee
Job Description
Assistant Building Inspector
WHEREAS members wish to update the job description of the Assistant Building Inspector;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the revised job description, as amended, be approved.
Motion carried.
Accountant Job Description
Conflict of Interest
The Warden declared conflict of interest, turned the chair over to the Deputy Warden and vacated his seat.
WHEREAS members deem it necessary to add an additional position in the Municipal Office, due to the increased workload;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the position of Accountant be added to the Municipal Office and the job description as submitted be approved.
Motion carried.
The Clerk advised that it is his intention to carry out internal promotions by moving Luella Belliveau to the Accountant position and moving Michelle DeSantis to the Tax Clerk's position. It will be necessary to advertise for a secretary.
It was reported that a letter has been received from Brenda Maxwell concerning Article 8-A "Hiring Policy to Eliminate Conflict of Interest and Unfair Advantage". This Article deals with family members of an employee being employed by the Municipality of Barrington. Mrs. Maxwell made reference to the Warden Sterling Belliveau, and the Tax Clerk, Luella Belliveau, being husband and wife. It was stated by the Clerk that Councillors are not considered employees of the municipality. The Deputy Warden suggested that Mrs. Brenda Maxwell be provided with a copy of the Conflict of Interest Act.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by E. Nickerson that Mrs. Brenda Maxwell be provided with a copy of the Conflict of Interest Act.
Motion carried.
Page 8, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
Having completed discussion of the matter, the Deputy Warden asked the Warden to again assume the chair.
Visitor Information Centre Supervisor
WHEREAS members deem it necessary to advertise for the position of Visitor Information Centre Supervisor;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the municipality advertise for the position of Visitor Information Centre Supervisor.
Motion carried.
Visitor Information Centre
WHEREAS members wish to obtain any funding available for the construction of a new Visitor Information Centre;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by T. Wickens that a letter be written to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency informing them that an application will be forthcoming for the construction of a new Visitor Information Centre in the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion carried.
Sale of Municipal Property
WHEREAS members wish to obtain further information regarding the value of certain municipal properties;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by F. Bower that an appraisal be obtained on certain municipal properties in order to establish a fair market value.
Motion carried.
Co-op Trust Company
WHEREAS taxes on the properties assessed in the name of Co-op Trust Company are deemed to be uncollectable;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by T. Wickens that the taxes in the amount of $5,314.17 on the account of Co-op Trust Company, be written off.
Motion carried.
Mor-Cam Marine Limited
WHEREAS members deem that business occupancy taxes in the amount of $428.24 on the account of Mor-Cam Marine Limited are uncollectable;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by T. Wickens that the balance of business occupancy taxes and interest, on the account of Mor-Cam Marine Limited, be written off.
Motion carried.
Page 9, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
Anniversary Date - Jamie Crowell
WHEREAS Jamie Crowell completed his first year of service on January 4, 2000 and has received a satisfactory written evaluation from his Supervisor;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the annual increment of $500.00 be approved for Jamie Crowell, effective January 4, 2000.
Motion carried.
Letter Re: Senior Citizens
WHEREAS it is the practice of the municipality to provide grants to community organizations within the municipality, by way of annual tax reduction;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the municipality respond to the request of the Port Saxon Leisure Hour Club by indicating that the municipality usually supports local organizations and clubs by providing a grant in the form of an annual tax reduction, and therefore will not provide financial support for this project.
Motion carried.
Shelburne County Figure Skating Club Request
WHEREAS members wish to support the Shelburne County Figure Skating Club;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by T. Wickens that a full page ad, at a cost of $85.00, be taken in the Club's program for its annual closing.
Motion carried.
Occupational Health and Safety Program Amendment
WHEREAS members wish to provide safe working conditions for municipal employees;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by T. Wickens that the Safe Work Practices for Checking of Lift Stations be added to the Occupational Health and Safety Program of the municipality.
Motion carried.
FCM Re: Companion's Program
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be sent to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities requesting that a reply be given to Council's request for a rebate of costs for the Companion's Program at last year's conference.
Motion carried.
Assistant Building Inspector
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper for the position of Assistant Building Inspector.
Motion carried.
Page 10, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
Secretary Position
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper for the Secretary position.
Motion carried.
Hiring Committee
Fri-Y Supervisor
WHEREAS it is required that Fri-Y Supervisors be hired and that an alternate also be named;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that Abby Hogg, Sunday Nickerson, Angele Scott and Theo Nickerson be hired as Fri-Y Supervisors and that David Hipson be named as alternate.
Motion carried.
Recreation and Facilities Management Committee
Junior "C" Hockey Team Gate Receipts
WHEREAS members wish to support the Junior "C" Hockey Team in its first year of operation at the Barrington Municipal Arena;
THEREFORE it is moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by T. Wickens that the Junior "C" Hockey Team be given 100% of the gate receipts from its games at the arena for this season only.
Motion carried.
Cape Sable Island Sewer Study Steering Committee
Sewer Study Proponent
WHEREAS members have evaluated the proposals received for the Cape Sable Island Sewer Study, using the consultant proposal evaluation form provided by the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs;
THEREFORE it is moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that ABL Environmental Limited be chosen to conduct the Cape Sable Island Sewer Study.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by T. Wickens that the above motion be amended by adding, "at the price quoted of $37,789.00".
Motion carried.
The original motion as amended was then put to a vote and carried.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that an application be made to the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs for funding to assist with the cost of the Cape Sable Island Sewer Study and that the municipality pay the full amount should the province not provide any funding.
Motion carried.
Waterfront Development Committee
Councillor Wayne Smith provided a brief report on current activities of the Waterfront Development Committee.
Page 11, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Eddie Nickerson declared a conflict of interest and vacated his seat.
Councillor Wayne Smith briefly reported on property owned by CNR located at the end of Station Road.
Councillor Nickerson then returned to his seat.
Councillor Smith advised that a letter of resignation has been received from Jill Smith and that a member of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce has been placed on the Committee.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by E. Nickerson that this matter be researched and deferred to the next meeting of Council.
Motion carried.
SOUTH WEST SHORE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
RE: FIVE (5) YEAR STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the South West Shore Development Authority regarding Strategic Planning Sessions and meetings are scheduled to be held on January 22nd and January 29th, 2000, at which time the public would have an opportunity to provide input into the strategic plan. This letter was copied for Councillor's information in advance to the meeting.
MATRON FOR LOCK-UP
WHEREAS it is felt necessary that additional Matrons be appointed to meet the needs of
Lock-up;
THEREFORE it is moved by T. Wickens and seconded by E. Nickerson that an ad be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper advertising the position of Matron for Lock-up.
Motion carried.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD - DAVID NICKERSON
The Clerk reported that David Nickerson; Arena Attendant has successfully completed his probationary period and should now be taken on as a permanent employee.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by T. Wickens that David Nickerson be designated a permanent employee of the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the Audit Committee for the Municipality of Barrington consist of the Warden, Deputy Warden and the Chairman of the Finance and Administration Committee.
Motion carried.
Page 12, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
MAYOR/WARDEN SURVEY
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Mayor/Warden Survey be deferred to the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration, since two (2) Councillors are missing from tonight's meeting.
The Warden turned the chair over to the Deputy Warden, in order that he may have an opportunity to speak on the motion, prior to a vote taking place.
After comments were made, the chair was once again resumed by the Warden.
Motion defeated.
The results of the Mayor/Warden Survey are as follows:
DISTRICT WARDEN MAYOR OTHER TOTAL
1 319 407 20 746
2 89 146 31 266
3 27 167 9 203
4 148 247 2 397
5 61 157 0 218
6 81 130 8 219
7 28 117 23 168
TOTALS 753 1,371 93 2,217
% 34% 62% 4% 100%
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by T. Wickens that the Municipality of Barrington elect a
Mayor at large at the upcoming municipal elections to be held in October, 2000, consistent with
the results of the survey.
Motion carried.
SCAVENGING AT LANDFILL SITE
Councillor Bower expressed concern with an arrangement which has been made with the
Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans have been
permitted to take illegal traps to the Landfill Site, to be crushed and buried on site. It is the policy
of the municipality to permit salvaging and scavenging at the Municipal Landfill Site and that this
agreement was in violation of the policies of the municipality.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
Page 13, Council Meeting, January 12, 2000
Prior to this motion being voted on, the Warden turned the chair over to the Deputy Warden, in
order that he could address the motion.
The Warden stated that this is a unique situation and cautioned other Councillors in sending the
wrong message to other levels of governments.
After making his concerns known, the Warden resumed the chair.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that a letter be written to the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans making them aware of the Municipal Policy as it relates to the Landfill Site.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that the meeting adjourn at 10:40 p.m.
Motion carried.
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