Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Wednesday, January 26, 2005.
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:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Councillor Sean Strang
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by S. Strang that the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held January 10, 2005 and the Special Council Meeting held January 19, 2005 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Tsunami Relief
Resolution C050130
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality allocate up to $3,000 in support of the tsunami relief fund. These funds can be used as Municipal contributions in conjunction with efforts from community groups.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipal contribution of $3,000 be paid through the UNSM and FCM and that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper informing the public of the Municipal contribution and thanking local groups for raising funds in support of the tsunami relief fund.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the above motion be tabled until later after the presentations concerning the oil and gas industry.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Fred Bower
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger Louise Halliday
Eddie Nickerson Sean Strang
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
At this time Ray Green was invited to come before Council and the Warden
presented him with a plaque in recognition of 20 years of dedicated service
to the Municipality.
PRESENTATIONS RE: OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
The Warden welcomed representatives from El Paso, South West Shore Energy Office and the South West Nova Environmental Protection Group for attending the meeting for the purpose of making a presentation on the oil & gas industry. The Warden also extended a welcome to members of the public who were in attendance.
The Warden advised that each presenter will be given an opportunity to make their presentation and questions will be asked by Council at the end of the presentation. No questions will be received from the public.
The first presentation was made by El Paso, Blue Atlantic Transmission System. Paulette Scott, Community Liaison, addressed Council. The Project Manager, Robert Otjen, was also present to answer questions from Council. Mrs. Scott gave an overview of the project. Her presentation included the processing of sour gas, transmission lines, job creation, job training, etc.
Jason Hollett of the South West Shore Energy Office made his presentation next. A copy of Mr. Hollett's presentation was circulated to councillors in advance. The presentation included the history of natural gas in Nova Scotia, existing projects, economics, safety and the environment and lessons learned. At the conclusion of his presentation, he suggested that the Municipal Council get in contact with various groups and organizations in Guysborough County to determine the effects of the Goldboro Project.
Anne Smith, Cliff MacKay and Ricky Hallett then appeared before
the meeting representing the South West Nova Environmental Protection Group.
Their presentation included concerns regarding the Blue Atlantic Project,
El Paso's track record, concerns regarding the processing of sour gas on
shore, and concerns for the lobster fishery. At the end of the presentation
Mr. Ricky Hallett provided the Clerk with a copy of a petition to the House
of Commons requesting parliament to reject the proposed El Paso, Blue Atlantic
Transmission System and any future ventures of this nature making landfall
and/or processing natural gas in Shelburne County. This petition
contained 1,567 signatures.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
At the conclusion of the presentations on the oil and gas industry, the Warden thanked all presenters for taking time to come before Council and making their presentations.
The Warden then turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden.
Moved by S. Belliveau and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality of Barrington request the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy to invite a North Sea delegation with representatives of their respective fishing groups such as Scottish Fishing Federation to visit Nova Scotia, and with the assistance of the UNSM and the Municipality, host an information session on the oil and gas industry, in the near future.
Resolution C050131
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by D. Messenger that the above matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Fred Bower Sterling Belliveau
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger Louise Halliday
Larry Stewart Eddie Nickerson
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Tsunami Relief
The motion made earlier in the meeting was then brought forward:
Resolution C050132
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipal contribution of $3,000 be paid through the UNSM and FCM and that an advertisement be placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper informing the public of the Municipal contribution and thanking local groups for raising funds in support of the tsunami relief fund.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Eddie Nickerson
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
"J" Class Roads
At a previous meeting it was agreed that councillors would bring forward those projects for the Department of Transportation cost-shared paving program to this meeting.
No projects were brought forward.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
It was agreed that the Department of Transportation be advised that the Municipality will not be submitting any projects for consideration for the 2005/2006 fiscal year.
Tabled Motion Re: Interest Rate
The Clerk informed members that the motion made at the January 10, 2005 Council meeting regarding a change in the interest rate to be charged on outstanding tax accounts was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
No recommendation is forthcoming from the Committee of the Whole meeting and therefore the motion is being brought forward for consideration by Council.
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipality charge an interest rate on outstanding tax accounts of 3% above the borrowing rate charged to the Municipality.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Larry Stewart Sterling Belliveau
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Sean Strang
Motion defeated.
During discussion of this matter it was agreed that taxpayers be notified
that they may make partial payments on their tax accounts at any time.
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL FLAG OF CANADA DAY
The Warden informed members that he has received information from the
Department of Canadian Heritage advising that National Flag of Canada Day
will be held on February 15, 2005. The Warden read the proposed proclamation,
and there being no opposition received from Council, declared February
15, 2005 as National Flag of Canada Day in the Municipality of Barrington.
CORRESPONDENCE
Climate Change Workshop
The Clerk informed members that a letter has been received from the South West Shore Energy Office advising that a Climate Change Workshop is being organized for the South West Shore. The Energy Office is applying for funding from several different sources and is requesting Council to provide a letter of support for the workshop to aid them in their applications for funding.
Resolution C050133
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality provide a letter to the South West Shore Energy Office in support of their proposed Climate Change Workshop.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
Discharging of Rifles
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Town of Clark's Harbour advising that there has been an expression of concern by Clark's Harbour Town Council about the discharging of rifles on Cape Sable Island during the deer hunting season. The Town is attempting to arrange a meeting to discuss these issues with representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and the RCMP. The Town Council is extending an invitation to Municipal councillors to represent Cape Sable Island at this meeting.
Resolution C050134
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the councillors from Cape Sable Island attend the meeting with the Town of Clark's Harbour to discuss the discharging of rifles during the deer hunting season.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Eddie Nickerson
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Genealogical Society Request
The Clerk informed members that a request has been received from the Shelburne County Genealogical Society. The letter advised that they are preparing a proposal for HRSDC to obtain funding to hire individuals to produce a coil bound book entitled "Churches and Cemeteries of Shelburne County 1759 - 1900". The Society is requesting the Municipality to assist with their proposal by providing a letter of community support to include with their application.
Resolution C050135
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that a letter of support for their project be provided.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
Curling Club Banquet
The Warden informed members that he attended the 5th Annual Curling Club Banquet held on January 15, 2005. He informed members that there are currently 250 members of the Barrington Regional Curling Club.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
Resolution C050136
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Messenger that a letter of congratulations be forwarded to the Barrington Regional Curling Club.
Motion carried unanimously.
Business Excellence Awards Dinner
The Warden informed members that he attended the 2005 AGM Barrington
& Area Chamber of Commerce and Business Excellence Awards Dinner held
on January 22, 2005.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee of the Whole
Bereavement Leave
Resolution C050137
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Personnel Policy be waived and that Shelly Atwood receive four (4) days bereavement leave and that she be paid for her regular scheduled hours during that period.
Motion carried unanimously.
Solid Waste Management Contract
Resolution C050138
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality enter into long term waste disposal agreements with the Region of Queens for the disposal of residual waste, recyclable waste and organic waste.
Motion carried unanimously.
County Wide Economic Development Plan
Resolution C050139
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that a letter be sent to Team Shelburne requesting that they have a meeting as soon as possible.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
B.M.H.S. Property
Resolution C050140
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality contact the Department of Education and the District School Board informing them that the Municipality is now in the process of developing plans for the former B.M.H.S. property and needs to know an approximate time when the property will be returned to the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
New School
Resolution C050141
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that Municipal Staff contact the Department of Education for the purpose of discussing the on-site septic system proposed for the new school being constructed in Oak Park.
Motion carried unanimously.
Public Input
Resolution C050142
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the South West Shore Development Authority be requested to conduct public consultations for input into the development of the Municipality's business plan for the coming four (4) years, and that the proposed Municipal priorities discussed by the Committee of the Whole be forwarded to the Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce for their comments and suggestions.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was agreed that the Municipal priorities would be forwarded to the Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce once it is finalized.
Tender of Legal Services
Resolution C050143
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality's Purchasing Policy be waived and a proposal be requested from the Municipal Solicitor to continue to provide legal services to the Municipality.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Fred Bower
Louise Halliday Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
6W Athletic Association Ball Park
Resolution C050144
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality proceed with the assumption of ownership of the South Side Ball Field from the 6W Athletic Association as agreed by the members of the Association who have been contacted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Order of Nova Scotia
Resolution C050145
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality provide a letter of support for the nomination of Elnathan (Babe) Smith for the Order of Nova Scotia as requested by Carolyn Crowell.
Motion carried unanimously.
Low Income Property Tax Exemption
Resolution C050146
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that notice of consideration of amendments to the Low Income Property Tax Exemption Policy be given to amend the policy so that the residents who are living elsewhere will qualify for the exemption providing that their residence is vacant and the household income of the vacant residence is still within the limit provided in the policy.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was noted that the proposed policy amendments will be considered by Council at their next meeting.
Resolution C050147
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that notice of consideration be given that the Low Income Property Tax Exemption Policy be amended to increase the household income limits for the 2005/2006 fiscal year by $500.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was noted that the above motion is notice of consideration and proposed amendments to the policy will be considered by Council at their next meeting.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
Crowelltown Road Sign
Resolution C050148
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that a letter be sent to the Department of Transportation requesting the Crowelltown Road sign and the Upper Port LaTour signs be replaced and repaired as required.
Motion carried unanimously.
Continuing Care Steering Committee
Public Consultation Process
Resolution C050149
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded L. Halliday that the Municipal Clerk sit on the sub committee to complete the community profile for the Continuing Care Steering Committee.
Motion carried unanimously.
C.S.I. Sewer Committee
C.S.I. Sewer Project
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by S. Strang that the consulting firm of ABL Environmental Ltd. be requested to provide an analysis of the cost of connecting approximately 75 sewer units in the North East Point area to the Barrington sewer system.
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the above motion be tabled until a response has been received from the Department of Education regarding the on-site septic system proposed for the new school being constructed in Oak Park.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C050150
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by F. Bower that Councillor Nickerson be permitted to make a presentation to the Town of Clark's Harbour regarding the connection of the various sewer sheds on Cape Sable Island to the Town of Clark's Harbour sewer system.
Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting of Mayors and Wardens
Deputy Warden Bower reported on a meeting of Mayors and Wardens held on January 25, 2005. The topic of discussion was Team Shelburne.
As a result of the meeting, it was agreed that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Economic Development requesting a meeting with Mayors and Wardens to discuss the Youth Centre.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
Consideration of Article 8-A Personnel Policy
Notice of consideration of proposed amendments to Article 8-A "Hiring Policy to eliminate conflict of interest and unfair advantage" of the Personnel Policy was given at the last meeting of Council. It is proposed that existing wording of Article 8A.03 be deleted and replaced with the following:
8A.03 A family member of an employee shall qualify for consideration for employment within the same department as the employee subject to the employee not being the supervisor of the family member.
Resolution C050151
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the above proposed amendment to Article 8A.03 of the Personnel Policy be approved as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
Consideration of Article 24.01 of the Personnel Policy
Notice of consideration of amendments to Article 24.01 of the Personnel Policy was given at the last meeting of Council. It is proposed that existing wording of Article 24.01 be deleted and replaced with the following:
24.01 An employee shall be granted a maximum of four (4) consecutive work days leave without loss of pay (for regularly scheduled work) and benefits in the case of death of a parent, wife, husband, common-law spouse, brother, sister, child, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, step-parent, grandchild and grandparent. Where the burial occurs outside the province, additional time shall be granted for travel up to a maximum of three (3) days.
Resolution C050152
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the above proposed amendment to Article 24.01 of the Personnel Policy be approved as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
Waste Check Re: Advertisement
Concern was expressed that Waste Check has placed an advertisement on the radio indicating that municipal units in South West Nova Scotia would be converting to a two bag recycling program. This is not the case for residents of the Municipality of Barrington as we will be continuing with the one bag system.
Resolution C050153
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that a letter be sent to Waste Check addressing the advertisement regarding the two bag recycling system.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 11, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 26, 2005
Recycling Contract
Resolution C050154
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that notice be given to H & H Recovery Ltd. that effective August 1, 2005 the Municipality of Barrington will be transporting all recyclable materials to Queens.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Health Care Advisory Committee
Resolution C050155
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that councillors Eddie Nickerson, Louise Halliday and Donna LeBlanc-Messenger be appointed to serve on the Community Health Care Advisory Committee.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
At this time a Closed Session of Council was held to deal with a possible legal matter.
The meeting was called back to order.
Emery Smith Fisheries Property
Resolution C050156
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Messenger that in light of information gathered, Emery Smith Fisheries Limited be provided with a Quit Claim Deed for property located at Shag Harbour, Assessment Account #04835301.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
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