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
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Councillor Steven Stoddart
- Councillor Tina Wickens
- Brian Holland; Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti; Deputy Clerk
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
- Joint Health Care.
- Tri-County Housing.
- Letter of support.
- Letter from Lloyd d'Eon.
- Letter from Shaun Hatfield.
- Letter Re: two (2) license plate system.
- Letter from Bay Side Home Corporation.
- Request from Ken Anthony for easement.
It was reported that item #6 on the Council Agenda is being deferred until the next meeting of Council.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the agenda be approved as amended.
Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by A. Atkinson that the minutes of the last meeting held January 12, 2000, be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
Page 2, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Waterfront Development Committee Membership
The Clerk reported that the procedure followed in the past as it relates to resignation of members of the Waterfront Development Committee, has been researched. Each Member of Council was provided with notes on the findings.
The Clerk reported that a letter has now been received from the Chairman of the Waterfront Development Committee, requesting Council to accept the resignation of Jill Smith and to allow the Committee to appoint a member from the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce to serve on the Committee.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipal Council accept the resignation of Jill Smith.
Motion carried.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by W. Smith that a Member of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce be appointed to serve on the Waterfront Development Committee.
Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Fisheries Resolution
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in response to our letter dated December 1, 1999, regarding the Fisheries Resolution. In advance to the meeting, each Member of Council was provided with a copy of the letter.
The letter advised that the Minister understood and shared the concerns of the Municipal Council and outlined steps that are being taken to resolve this matter.
Port LaTour Elementary School
The Clerk reported that a letter has now been received from Ann Jones of the South West Regional School Board, which advised that the Board will be assessing their needs for the Port LaTour School and if it is found that the Board has no use for it, then it will be turned over to the municipality.
Request for Additional Ice Time
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Mr. Lloyd d'Eon requesting additional ice time at the arena.
The Clerk reported that another request has also been received for additional ice time and this matter will be considered by the Recreation and Facilities Management Committee at their meeting to be held on February 7, 2000.
Page 3, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be sent to Mr. Lloyd d'Eon, advising him that his request will be forwarded to the Recreation and Facilities Management Committee to be held on February 7, 2000 and will be discussed along with other requests for usage at that time.
Motion Carried.
Long-Term Nursing Care Facility
It was reported that a letter has been received from Reverend Shaun Hatfield, regarding the need for long-term nursing care in the Municipality of Barrington.
During discussion it was noted that the Municipal Council discussed this matter at their meeting held October 13, 1999. As a result of that meeting, a letter was sent to the Department of Health requesting the department to investigate the establishment of a long-term nursing care facility in the municipality. To date no response has been received.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that a letter be written to the Department of Health questioning whether or not they have looked into the establishment of a long-term nursing care facility.
Motion carried.
It was suggested that copies of this letter be forwarded to MLA Cecil O'Donnell and MP Gerald Keddy.
Two (2) License Plate System
The Clerk reported that a response has been received from Sergeant Leighton regarding the single license plate system.
The letter advised that when discussing the two (2) plate system within law enforcement perimeters, there are a number of advantages to having a two (2) plate system, ranging from traffic stops to officer safety issues.
SHELBURNE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Patricia Nickerson, Terry Thibodeau and Joan Bower of the South West Shore Development Authority appeared before the meeting. Each Member of Council was provided with a copy of the Shelburne County Tourism Development Strategy, which was explained by Authority representatives.
Mr. Thibodeau reported that funding for the pilot project which was put in place in 1998, was no longer available. A new funding system must be put in place to provide for a Tourism Development Officer for Shelburne County.
Page 4, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
It is being proposed that a three (3) year plan be put in place, to be reviewed each year. It was further proposed that each of the five (5) Councils located in Shelburne County would financially participate on a pro-rata basis. The total project costs are estimated to be $55,000.00 annually, which includes a salaried person for $35,000.00, plus MERC - ($40,000.00 total) and RDA contributions will amount to $15,000.00 which includes travel budget. The current proposal requires a commitment from the Municipality of Barrington for $18,525.00 annually for the next three (3) years.
It is the proposal of the South West Shore Development Authority that a new Discover Shelburne County Tourism Development Committee be formed and a member from each Council serve on this Committee, as well as six (6) members from the old Discover Shelburne County Committee. A representative of the South West Shore Development Authority will also serve on this Committee.
The representatives told Council that they are open to suggestions and would appreciate receiving a response by the end of February 2000.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by T. Wickens that the Shelburne County Tourism Development Strategy be deferred to the Finance and Administration Committee for further discussion.
Motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE
Bay Side Home Corporation - Line of Credit
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Administrator of Bay Side Home Corporation, requesting the Municipality of Barrington to guarantee a line of credit in the amount of $50,000.00. The letter advised that Bay Side Home Corporation finds itself in a position of needing a line of credit to meet its financial obligations.
Much discussion took place regarding this matter.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipal Council guarantee a line of credit in the amount of $50,000.00 for Bay Side Home Corporation, pending advice received from the Municipal Solicitor and the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR EASEMENT - KEN ANTHONY
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Ken Anthony requesting an easement over municipal property on Sherose Island. He is in the process of building a new home and it would be more economical for him to obtain power services from the last power pole located just past the Recreation Centre on Sherose Island. He has already obtained permission from the Bell property and the Rennehan property, which are located between Mr. Anthony's property and the property owned by the Municipality of Barrington.
The Clerk reported that he has maps in his office that could be viewed by members. It was agreed that the maps would be obtained during break and the matter further discussed later in the meeting.
Page 5, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden reported that not much has taken place since the last meeting of Council. A Waste Check Meeting and an RDA Meeting were scheduled to be held, but were canceled due to inclement weather.
REQUEST FOR EASEMENT - KEN ANTHONY
Maps were viewed showing the location of the requested easement and question was raised as to whether granting of the easement would affect future development on municipal property.
WHEREAS it was felt by members that further research is required prior to dealing with the request for easement;
THEREFORE it is moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that Ken Anthony's request for an easement across municipal property be referred to the Public Works Committee Meeting for further consideration.
Motion carried.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Finance and Administration Committee
Tax Write-offs
W. H. Atkinson Seafoods Ltd.
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Eddie Nickerson declared conflict of interest and vacated his seat.
WHEREAS after consultation with the Municipal Solicitor and the Provincial Department of Assessment, it is deemed that the taxes outstanding on the account of W. H. Atkinson Seafoods Ltd. are uncollectable;
AND WHEREAS a judgement on this account has already been obtained through Small Claims Court;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that taxes, plus interest, in the amount of $10,526.49 be written off the account of W. H. Atkinson Seafoods Ltd.
Motion carried.
Councillor Eddie Nickerson then rejoined the meeting.
Page 6, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
Employee Increment
Michelle DeSantis
WHEREAS Michelle DeSantis has completed another year's employment as Secretary in the Municipal Office and has received a satisfactory performance evaluation;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that Michelle DeSantis be paid her annual increment in the amount of $600.00, effective January 15, 2000.
Motion carried.
Promotion of Office Staff
Conflict of Interest
Warden Sterling Belliveau declared conflict of interest and vacated his seat.
The chair was turned over to the Deputy Warden.
WHEREAS members wish to fill the positions of Accountant and Tax Clerk;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the Tax Clerk be promoted to the position of Accountant, with the appropriate increase to Step 2 of the wage scale and that the Secretary be promoted to the position of Tax Clerk, with the appropriate increase to Step 3 of the wage scale.
Motion carried.
Accountant Wage Scale
WHEREAS a wage scale must be established for the position of Accountant;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the wage scale of the Accountant position in the Municipal Office begin at $26,000.00 per year and increase in five (5) equal annual increments, to a maximum of $29,500.00 per year.
Motion carried.
Warden Belliveau returned to his seat and Deputy Warden Bower turned the chair over to the Warden.
Visitor Information Centre Supervisor - Job Description
WHEREAS members wish to add a job description to municipal records, for the Visitor Information Centre Supervisor position;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the Visitor Information Centre Supervisor job description, as amended by the Finance and Administration Committee, be approved.
Motion carried.
Page 7, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
Curling Club
WHEREAS the proposals received for the construction of a curling facility exceed the amount of the financial commitment the municipality had previously agreed to make;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that both proposals for the construction of a curling facility be rejected.
Motion carried.
WHEREAS members wish to attempt to bring the cost of the construction of a curling facility within the financial abilities of the municipality;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the Recreation and Facilities Management Committee meet with the Design Engineers of the facility and the representatives of the local Curling Association, to discuss the possible reduction of costs to the proposed facility, by modifying the design of the facility and that this meeting be arranged for February 7, 2000, at the Recreation and Facilities Management Committee Meeting.
Motion carried.
Waste Check
WHEREAS members wish to have organics collected on a weekly basis;
AND WHEREAS it is necessary to provide for additional collection of organic waste, in alternate weeks;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that Mr. Corbett Blades be contacted and an agreement be made with him for the collection of organic waste, in alternate weeks, providing that a thirty (30) day notice of termination is included in the agreement.
Motion carried.
Upon the request of two (2) Councillors, the division on the motion was recorded.
FOR AGAINST
A. Atkinson F. Bower
S. Belliveau W. Smith
E. Nickerson T. Wickens
S. Stoddart
Page 8, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
Mayor/Warden Survey
WHEREAS members wish to have all seven (7) Councillors present when a decision is made to elect a Mayor or a Warden;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that notice to rescind the motion to elect a Mayor at large, be given.
Discussion took place regarding this motion.
Motion was withdrawn.
WHEREAS members with to have all seven (7) Councillors present when a decision is made to elect a Mayor or a Warden;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that notice of intent to reconsider the motion to elect a Mayor at large, be given.
Motion carried.
Upon the request of two (2) Councillors, the division on the motion was recorded.
FOR AGAINST
A. Atkinson F. Bower
S. Belliveau T. Wickens
E. Nickerson
W. Smith
S. Stoddart
Disposal of Lobster Pots at C. & D. Landfill Site
WHEREAS there is no Municipal Policy presently in place regarding this matter;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that a policy be drafted for scavenging at the Construction and Demolition Landfill Site and for disposal of materials at the site.
Motion carried.
WHEREAS it is deemed that the sign at the Construction and Demolition Landfill Site is not clearly understood;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipal Solicitor's opinion be obtained regarding the meaning of the sign at the Construction and Demolition Landfill Site, more specifically requesting, "Does the sign give people the right to salvage or can the municipality stop them?".
Motion carried.
Page 9, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
Returning Officer
WHEREAS only one (1) application was received for the position of Returning Officer;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that the application of Beverly Brannen, for the position of Returning Officer, for the October 2000 Municipal Elections, be accepted providing the applicant is available during the periods specified in the Returning Officer Policy.
Motion carried.
The Clerk advised that he has been in conversation with Mrs. Brannen. She has advised that she will be available during the periods specified in the Policy. She works at the school cafeteria from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and people will be permitted to call her at work. If this is unacceptable to Councillors, she is willing to take a leave of absence from her job to carry out the duties of Returning Officer.
Affidavit - Low Income Exemption
WHEREAS members believe the requirement for a copy of the prior year's income tax return may create undue difficulty for applicants;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that notice be given that amendments to the Low Income Tax Exemption Policy, will be considered by Council at their next meeting, to omit the requirement for income tax returns.
Motion carried.
Shag Harbour Ballfield
WHEREAS members wish to assist in the resolution of the right-of-way dispute at the Shag Harbour Ballfield;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by A. Atkinson that the Municipal Solicitor set up a meeting among the lawyers involved and the principal parties involved, to attempt to come to some resolution of this dispute, with no obligation on the part of the municipality.
Motion carried.
North East Point Property
WHEREAS the Barrington Municipal Waterfront Development Committee has requested the municipality to obtain certain properties in North East Point;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the municipality enter into an agreement with Mr. Edward Goodwin, for the purchase of certain properties at North East Point, pending a successful application by the Barrington Municipal Waterfront Development Committee for a development project on that property.
Motion carried.
Page 10, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
Merle Goreham Property
WHEREAS members wish to sell this property, which has been obtained at Tax Sale in prior years;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by A. Atkinson that the municipality's Real Estate Agent discuss the highest offer previously made by a potential purchaser, to determine if some agreement of sale can be reached.
Motion carried.
Planning Advisory Committee
Nova Scotia Power Incorporated Right-of-Way Requirements
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be sent to the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs requesting that the "clear intent" of Nova Scotia Power Incorporated regarding the 40' easements, be stated by the company before the regulations are imposed.
Motion carried.
Waterfront Development Committee
Councillor Smith, member of the Waterfront Development Committee, advised that a Public Meeting was held on January 20, 2000, to obtain public reaction to the proposed trail project. Overall the public gave a positive response.
Five (5) Year Strategic Action Plan
Councillor Smith gave a brief report on the meeting he and the Warden attended on January 8th, regarding the Five (5) Year Strategic Action Plan.
GATE AT RIDGE ROAD
The Clerk reported that the Municipal Council at their meeting held August 25, 1999, agreed not to install a gate at the Ridge Road for a period of four (4) months. This time has now passed and it was reported by the Clerk that illegal dumping does not appear to be a problem at this time.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by T. Wickens that a gate not be installed on the Ridge Road at the present time and that if illegal dumping should once again commence in that area, then the matter will once again be considered.
Motion carried.
Page 11, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
TRUCK WINTER PROGRAM
Notice was given at the last meeting of Council to consider amendments to Policy No. 22 to provide for a truck winter program.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by T. Wickens that the proposed changes to Policy No. 22 regarding a winter truck program, be approved.
Motion carried.
The requirement for employees to be on call was briefly discussed.
Moved by T. Wickens and seconded by F. Bower that the requirement for employees to be on call be referred to the Public Works Committee for further discussion.
Motion carried.
BARRINGTON MUNICIPAL WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE BUDGET
The proposed budget for the Barrington Municipal Waterfront Development Committee was reviewed. The proposed budget for the year 200 - 2001 was $110,075.00. During discussion it was noted that reference was made to fifteen (15) members at $250.00 each and this figure should be changed to fourteen (14).
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the proposed budget for the Barrington Municipal Waterfront Development Committee be referred to the Finance and Administration Committee, to be included in the budget process.
Motion carried.
JOINT HEALTH CARE
Councillor Smith reported that a meeting is going to be held in Shelburne, on February 9, 2000, dealing with the recruitment of doctors to the area. He informed Councillors that he is unable to attend this meeting, since it is the same night as the next Council Meeting.
LETTER OF SUPPORT - THE TWO (2) LICENSE PLATE SYSTEM
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by T. Wickens that a letter be written to all municipal units in Nova Scotia and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, requesting support of our letter sent to the Registry of Motor Vehicles regarding the reinstatement of the two (2) license plate system.
Motion carried.
Page 12, Council Meeting, January 26, 2000
TRI-COUNTY HOUSING
Councillor Smith reported that Tri-County Housing will be holding a meeting in the Administrative Centre, tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Councillor Smith requested Councillors to advise him of any concerns they have regarding the former Co-op Housing units.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the meeting adjourn at 9:33 p.m.
Motion carried.
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