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
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Councillor Sean Strang
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of Conflict of Interest declared.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the minutes of the last previous meeting held January 9, 2006 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
A brief Closed Session of Council was held for the purpose of discussing a personnel issue and for the purpose of discussing a pending legal issue.
Upon completion of this Closed Session, Council returned to Open Session.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Shelburne County Learning Network
A letter of thanks has been received from the Shelburne County Learning Network. As a result of the agreement of Barrington Municipal Council to lease the former Municipal Library building to the Shelburne County Learning Network, they will be able to maintain the Barrington Community Learning Centre in Barrington Passage.
B.M.H.S. Enhancement Monies
Correspondence has been received from the Principal of Barrington Municipal High School indicating that funds may be submitted directly to Mr. Jerome Tanner, Director of Finance and Operations, for the Tri-County Regional School Board. He is recommending that Council identify in the correspondence with these funds, that the monies be used at the discretion of the School Principal.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Members were informed that the funds have already been paid to the School Board, and that the cheque has already been cashed as of October 2005.
Resolution C060110
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by L. Stewart that a letter be sent to the Principal indicating that the funds have already been submitted to the School Board, and indicating what the monies are to be used for, and a clearer explanation of the recommendation that the monies be used at the discretion of the School Principal be provided to Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Save Money, Save Energy and Cut Emissions
Information has been received from the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, which includes a booklet entitled "Save Money, Save Energy and Cut Emissions". This booklet is intended to be a quick and easy way for Nova Scotia Municipalities to save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Brochures accompanying this booklet were provided to members of Council for their information. Many of the suggested methods of saving energy have already been implemented in the Municipality and will continue to be used in the future. The booklet will be available to all councillors as reference material, in the Municipal Office.
Renewing Municipal Heritage Programs
A conference for people working in heritage at the local level is being held at the Howard Johnson Hotel, in Truro, on March 23rd and 24th , 2006. This conference is entitled "Renewing Municipal Heritage Programs".
At this time no interest was expressed in the conference by councillors.
Highway No. 103
A copy of correspondence from the Municipality of the District of Shelburne, to the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, has been sent to Barrington Municipal Council. In this letter it is indicated that Shelburne Municipal Council would like to meet with the Minister to discuss highway safety improvements in the form of upgrades to controlled access standards at dangerous sections of Highway #3, rather than making twinning of other highways a priority.
Resolution C060111
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that the Municipality contact Mr. Brian MacDougall, the Chairperson of the Highway 103 Committee, regarding the meeting with the Minister, and that a copy of this correspondence be sent to the Municipality of the District of Shelburne.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
National Flag of Canada Day
February 15, 2006 will be National Flag of Canada Day.
Resolution C060112
WHEREAS the distinctive red and white maple leaf flag of Canada was first raised over Canadian soil as their national flag on February 15, 1965;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Warden Sterling Belliveau of the Municipality of the District of Barrington does hereby proclaim February 15, 2006 to be National Flag of Canada Day in the Municipality of the District of Barrington.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Hearing Re: Coastal Wetlands Zone
A Public Hearing to obtain views of the public regarding the proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Laws allowing the development of camping cabins in the Coastal Wetlands Zone by Development Agreement was advertised to be held this evening at 7:30 p.m. in order to allow public input and comment.
The Warden asked for verbal or written presentations to be made from the public three (3) times. There were no responses to his request.
Seven (7) email presentations have been received at the Municipal Office regarding this notice. The seven email presentations were from:
- Fawn Atkinson, Stoney Island
- Rachael Hoogenbos, South Side
- The Coastal Guardian Program, Anna McCarron
- Ecology Action Centre, Shaun McKeane
- TIANS (Tourist Industry Association of Nova Scotia), Jennifer McKeane
- Bruce Raymond, Broad Cove
- Joan Czapalay, Nature Canada.
All seven of the email representations were in opposition to any changes to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law. All seven emails indicated they would prefer that the present by-law remain in place, unchanged.
After a brief discussion of this matter it was agreed by consensus of members that it be deferred until later in the meeting for further consideration.
CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE
C.S.I. Causeway
Correspondence has been received from the Federal Minister of the Environment, Mr. Stephan d'Eon, indicating that the Federal Department of Environment has no jurisdiction over the concern of Council regarding the buildup of sand at the Cape Sable Island Causeway. This matter has been referred to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for his consideration.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
It was indicated to members that letters have been sent to the Federal Department of Environment, the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to Small Craft Harbours, to the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment, to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, and to the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works. None of these departments wishes to take any responsibility for the affects the causeway is having on the migration of sand in the area. It was suggested that a letter be sent to our MP, Mr. Gerald Keddy, requesting that he identify who would be responsible for this matter.
Members were informed that a letter was sent to Mr. Keddy on December 13, 2005, and as yet we have received no response.
Resolution C060113
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that a letter of reminder be sent to our MP, Mr. Gerald Keddy, together with copies of the letters sent to other federal and provincial government departments, and request an immediate response regarding environmental issues associated with the Cape Sable Island Causeway, and identifying who is responsible to deal with these issues.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tri-County Regional School Board Insurance Requirements
Council had previously requested a letter be sent to the Tri-County Regional School Board asking them to provide insurance coverage for community groups wishing to use the local schools. In response, a letter has been received from Mr. Philip Landry, Superintendent of Schools. In his letter Mr. Landry indicates that the School Board has been advised by the School Insurance Plan that associations or individuals must have insurance to use school facilities. This concern has been brought to the Department of Education and they are looking into the matter. The School Board is not planning to increase their premium until they have an answer on the issue from the Department of Education.
During discussion of this matter it was generally agreed by councillors that this is a province-wide issue and should be dealt with on a broader scale.
Resolution C060114
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality contact all other municipal units in the Tri-County District School Board region requesting a letter of support be sent to the School Board asking them to provide insurance for community groups wishing to use School Board facilities in the region, and that a copy of this letter be sent to our MLA and to the Minister of Education, Mr. Jamie Muir.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
After a brief refreshment break, members returned to discuss the proposed by-law amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law in regards to uses allowed in Coastal Wetlands.
NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
Continuation of the Coastal Wetlands By-Law Amendment
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by F. Bower that the Municipality accept the proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law as forwarded to Council tonight by the Planning Advisory Committee. These amendments would provide for development of camping cabins as a use in the Coastal Wetlands Zone. Camping cabins would be permitted to be developed by Development Agreement.
There followed much discussion regarding these proposed amendments. This has been a difficult issue for councillors to decide and Council has taken much time to consider the proposed amendments.
The Deputy Warden assumed the Chair in order that the Warden may address this issue.
The Warden then resumed the Chair and the division was then requested.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Eddie Nickerson Sterling Belliveau
Fred Bower Louise Halliday
Donna Leblanc-Messenger
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion defeated.
Traffic Concerns in Barrington Passage
The Planning Advisory Committee had previously been asked by Council to hold a public meeting to determine what pubic traffic concerns existed in Barrington Passage. At the public meeting held by the Planning Advisory Committee, only one (1) member of the public appeared. The following concerns were suggested:
1. The former CNR Railway bed could be developed as a route for truck traffic so that it could bypass Barrington Passage.
2. There could be a road constructed behind the machine shop near Fresh Brook, down to the Wireless Road at the eastern end of Barrington Passage.
3. It was suggested that a right turn lane is needed at Tim Hortons going into the Tim Hortons parking lot.
4. If traffic lights are to be installed at the intersection of Route 330 and Route 3, the timing of these traffic lights will be a crucial factor in regulating traffic.
5. Parking in the Tim Hortons parking lot is too close to the road.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
6. The "no parking" signs that are located at the Causeway from the strip mall to the intersection of Trunk No. 3 have disappeared and are no longer here.
It was noted that these signs have since been replaced.
In addition, there were a number of comments and suggestions from members of the committee, including:
1. A central turning lane could be put in the centre of the road in the area in front of the Sobey's store.
2. It was suggested that a crosswalk could be placed across the end of the Causeway at the intersection of Route 3.
3. It was suggested there be a right turn lane installed coming off Sherose Island.
4. The hill in front of Sobeys could be lowered to provide better site lines.
5. The drainage system along Trunk 3 could be improved from the area in front of the Irving Gas Station down as far as, and including the area in front of Wilsons.
6. Sidewalks could be extended in the Barrington Passage area from the Community Health Centre up to the Irving Gas Station.
7. Drainage at the Butler's Road intersection could be improved.
Council did not take any further action in regards to these concerns at the present time.
Proposed Amendments to Policy No. 18
Council had previously been given notice that proposed amendments to Policy No. 18 "Fire Department Funding" would be considered at tonight's meeting.
It is proposed that the requirement to advertise public meetings in the newspaper and on local cable television before implementing area rates be eliminated. This advertising was deemed to be unnecessary since all electors in a given fire district area and all property owners in a given fire district area are being notified by individual letter.
It was also indicated that certain sections of the policy were being deleted in order to allow the amalgamated fire department, the Island and Barrington Passage Fire Department, to be treated in a similar fashion as all other volunteer fire departments in the Municipality.
Resolution C060115
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by F. Bower that the proposed amendments to Policy No. 18 "Fire Department Funding" be approved as circulated to members.
Motion carried unanimously.
Yarmouth SPCA Contract
The Municipality currently has a contract with the Yarmouth Branch of the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Yarmouth SPCA handles all animals that are seized by the Municipality. This contract expires May 31, 2006. It is the recommendation of Municipal Staff that the contract be renewed for another year.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Resolution C060116
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality renew its contract with the Yarmouth SPCA for another year.
Motion carried unanimously.
Request Re: Mario Nicole Fisheries Ltd.
Correspondence has been received from Transport Canada requesting comment with regard to navigation about a proposal by Maria Nicole Fisheries to infill a portion of its property. This property is adjacent to Municipal property owned in the Wood's Harbour area. The Municipal property that is owned adjacent to Maria Nicole Fisheries property is the UFO Site which is a municipal tourist rest stop. The Department of Transport is asking the Municipality to provide any comment with regard to navigation as it relates to this infilling, on or before February 22, 2006.
Resolution C060117
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that this matter be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee for their consideration and advice.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Eddie Nickerson
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna Messenger
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Resolution C060118
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that a letter be sent to Transport Canada Navigable Waters Protection Program indicating the process that is being followed and that a response will be forthcoming from Council once advice is received from the Planning Advisory Committee.
Motion carried unanimously.
Request for High Speed Internet
Two emails have been received regarding the availability of high speed internet in portions of the Municipality. The first email is from Richard Nickerson, a resident of Port LaTour, in which he requests support from Council to obtain high speed internet services in the Port LaTour area. The second email received is from Cape Breeze Seafoods also requesting Council's support in obtaining high speed internet services in the Port LaTour area.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Resolution C060119
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that a letter of support be sent from the Municipality to both Aliant and Eastlink requesting the provision of high speed internet services in the Port LaTour area.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF WARDEN
South West Shore Development Authority
The Warden indicated that he had recently attended the regular monthly meeting of the South West Shore Development Authority Board of Directors. High speed internet was discussed at this meeting. It is apparent to the Authority that there is much demand for high speed internet in areas that are as yet unserviced. Options are being investigated by the Authority for the provision of high speed internet services to additional areas of the Municipality and the entire region not currently serviced.
Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence Dinner
The Warden also indicated that he attended the Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence Dinner held the previous Saturday, at which awards were given to Emery Smith Fisheries, Blair Mitchell Computer Services and T.L. Swaine Ltd.
CLERK'S REPORT
The Clerk provided a brief report of activities of the Municipal Staff during the month of December. This includes the report of activities of the Municipal Office, Property Services, Water and Wastewater Services, Recreation Department and Building Inspection.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councillor Nickerson
Waterfront Development Committee
Councillor Nickerson informed members that the Waterfront Development Committee had met with Michelle Arsenault-Williams who is a Development Officer with the South West Shore Development Authority. At the present time the Waterfront Development Committee is considering new projects and hopes to meet with the Department of Natural Resources representative regarding some of these projects, in early February.
Councillor Strang
C.S.I. Sewer Committee
Councillor Strang informed members that the C.S.I. Sewer Committee had met during the previous week and as a result is considering a project for constructing a sewer on Cape Sable Island.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Resolution C060120
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that an application be forwarded to the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program for construction of a sewer on the eastern side of Cape Sable Island from North East Point in the north, to The Hawk in the south, at a total cost of $12,355,313.00, plus net H.S.T.
There then followed some discussion regarding the appropriateness of making an application of this size to the MRIF Program.
The Deputy Warden assumed the Chair so that the Warden could address this issue.
Having completed his address, the Warden then resumed the Chair.
A division was then requested on the motion.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Sean Strang
Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that $800,000.00 of the Gas Tax Funds to be received by the Municipality be designated to be used for the construction of the Cape Sable Island sewer.
Resolution C060121
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Messenger that the previous motion be referred to the Committee of the Whole Council for consideration.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Eddie Nickerson
Fred Bower Larry Stewart
Louise Halliday Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Motion carried.
Resolution C060122
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality's priority for infrastructure programs under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is the construction of the Cape Sable Island Sewer Project and this is a priority of the Municipality under any infrastructure works program.
Motion carried unanimously.
Deputy Warden Bower then assumed the Chair at the request of the Warden.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
The Warden then addressed infrastructure issues.
Resolution C060123
Moved by S. Belliveau and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality make application to the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program for funding for the request of the Wood's Harbour Volunteer Fire Department, for repairs to the pavement at the fire hall, and the construction of a dry hydrant, and an application will also be made to the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program for funding of a walking trail in Wood's Harbour to be constructed on the former CNR right of way between Station Road and Cemetery Road.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060124
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Committee of the Whole Council meet as soon as possible to consider and discuss infrastructure projects within the Municipality. This meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 31, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C060125
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program be informed that the walking trail is the second priority of Barrington, and that the fire department infrastructure project is the third priority for the Municipality of Barrington under their program.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Councillor Stewart
Joint Emergency Measures Organization Executive Committee
Councillor Stewart reported that the Joint EMO Committee had held two meetings since the last Council meeting. The committee has advertised for a new Emergency Measures Coordinator for the Municipality and the Town. Five (5) applications have been received and these individuals will be interviewed on February 15, 2006.
Page 11, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Councillor Halliday
S.S.T. Committee
Councillor Halliday reported that she had attended the final meeting of the School Steering Team for the new Barrington Municipal High School, on January 11, 2006. Off-gasing of the building will begin at the end of January and be completed by mid March when it is anticipated that students will move into the building. Substantial completion of the building will be realized on February 15th or 16th. This is a state of the art facility that the Municipality and the residents should be very proud of.
Councillor Nickerson
Continuing Care Steering Committee
Councillor Nickerson reported on the meeting recently held by the Continuing Care Steering Committee. The committee is inviting the three declared candidates for MLA to come to a meeting of the committee so that the case for additional beds at Bay Side Home may be presented to them.
Resolution C060126
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the Continuing Care Steering Committee be authorized to negotiate with the Department of Health officials for the addition of 50 long term care beds to the Bay Side Home facility.
Motion carried unanimously.
It is the intention of the Committee to negotiate with the officials of the Department of Health to provide for an additional 50 long term care beds at Bay Side Home, as this is the number of beds that it is believed to be necessary to accommodate all types of long term care at that facility.
Resolution C060127
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality send a letter of support to the Nova Scotia Minister of Health for the addition of 50 long term care beds to the Bay Side Home facility.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Health Care Advisory Committee
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the Physician Incentive Package be amended to delete the reference to medical students and make the incentive available to all fully licenced physicians interested in coming to Barrington.
There then followed some discussion regarding the provision of this incentive to all physicians coming to the Municipality, not only fully licensed physicians.
Page 12, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Resolution C060128
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the previous motion be amended to delete the reference to medical students, and that the motion then become: "that it be recommended to Council that the Physician Incentive Package be made available to all graduating medical students, fully licenced physicians and physicians under sponsorship interested in coming to the Municipality of Barrington".
Amendment carried unanimously.
The division was then taken on the revised motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Councillor Nickerson also informed members that the Community Health Care Advisory Committee will be establishing a Greeting Committee. The purpose of this Greeting Committee will be to greet physicians who come to visit the Municipality who may be interested in living in the area. It is anticipated this Greeting Committee will consist of residents of the Municipality who are familiar with the health program, and who are in some cases retired health professionals.
Councillor Messenger
Councillor Messenger reported that she had attended an EMO Course in Halifax during the period January 17th to 19th, 2006. She informed members that this is a course that is well worth attending, and should be considered by other councillors when it is offered again in future.
Councillor Bower
Committee of the Whole Council
Councillor Bower reported on the recommendations being brought forth from the Committee of the Whole Council meeting held January 16, 2006.
CED Centre/Library Interim Financing
Resolution C060129
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the interim financing for the CED Centre/Library Project be increased from $500,000 to $750,000 to ensure that funds are available for the completion of the project.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 13, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Arthur Smith Request
Resolution C060130
WHEREAS the remaining municipally owned property located on Highway 103, known as the "slough", is deemed by Council to be no longer required for the purposes of the Municipality;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality sell the remaining property to Mr. Arthur Smith for the appraised price of $2,000.00, plus related expenses, for transferring title of the property, with the following conditions:
1. Mr. Smith will infill the lagoon and record the septage disposal facility location as required by the Department of Environment and Labour.
2. If the property is unused as a motorcross track for a continuous period of three (3) years, then the property shall be reconveyed to the Municipality for a consideration of $1.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
B.M.H.S. Property
Resolution C060131
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality send a letter to the Tri- County Regional School Board requesting the date when all or any of the B.M.H.S. property will be returned to the Municipality. It is being requested that the School Board provide whatever tentative dates possible in order that the Municipality can make plans for the disposition of this property.
Motion carried unanimously.
Request for Proposal
Resolution C060132
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that a Request for Proposal for disposition of the former B.M.H.S. property be prepared by Municipal Staff in anticipation of the return of this property to the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 14, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Shelburne County Women's Fishnet Request
Resolution C060133
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Halliday that at this time the Municipality does not wish to make a grant to the event being sponsored by the Shelburne County Women's Fishnet, in Lockeport, but wishes them well in their efforts.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Sterling Belliveau Fred Bower
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Sherose Island Property
Resolution C060134
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality engage an engineer to determine what remediation may be required to deal with environmental issues at the Sherose Island property owned by the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Litter Cleanup Program
Resolution C060135
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality pay the same fee as the previous year for the Community Litter Cleanup Program, and allocate the same total expenses of $15,000.00 towards the program for the coming year.
Motion carried unanimously.
Low Income Property Tax Exemption
Resolution C060136
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by S. Strang that the maximum total household income under the Low Income Property Tax Exemption Policy be raised to $17,700.00, and that all other elements of the program remain unchanged.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 15, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, January 30, 2006
Proposed Commercial Activity on Municipal Property By-Law
Resolution C060137
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by L. Stewart that notice be given tonight that at the next subsequent Council meeting that the proposed Commercial Activity on Municipal Property By- law will be considered by Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that having completed its business, the meeting be adjourned at 11:00 p.m.