Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council
held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in
Barrington, N.S., on Tuesday, July 24, 2007.
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 Louise Halliday
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor George El-Jakl
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Wilford Smith
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Councillor Sean Strang
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by S. Strang that the minutes of the
last previous meeting held July 9, 2007 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Notice of Motion to Rescind Re: Motion #C070623 - Unpaid Breaks
Members had previously been given notice that a motion to rescind
motion C070623 made at the Council meeting of June 23rd would be
considered this evening. The motion to be considered for
rescinding is:
“...that work hours of Property Services Employees
be amended in order to comply with the Labour Standards Code of Nova
Scotia, and that they be required to work eight (8) hours daily with a
½ hour unpaid break.”
Members then discussed the implications of this motion.
The Chair then asked for the division for the reconsideration of the
motion.
AFFIRMATIVE
NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl
Larry Stewart
Louise Halliday
Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Motion rescinded.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
The Deputy Warden was asked to assume the Chair while the Warden
addressed the matter.
The Warden then resumed the Chair.
Resolution C070723
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that this matter be
referred to Committee of the Whole and that the Public Works Supervisor
be requested to attend the Committee meeting next Monday night in order
to discuss this matter.
Motion carried unanimously.
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION INTERVIEW - ELIAS HUSKINS
Mr. Elias Huskins appeared before Council on behalf of the Royal
Canadian Legion. On behalf of the Legion Mr. Huskins is
requesting that the Municipality have headstones in the cemeteries
within the Municipality cleaned. The headstones that the Legion
is asking to be cleaned are those of veterans buried in the various
cemeteries within the Municipality. At present there are 21
cemeteries within the Municipality.
It will be necessary for Municipal Staff to coordinate identification
of these headstones with the administrators of the cemeteries.
One method suggested for identifying the headstones was to place a
Canadian flag in front of them a few days prior to the cleaning taking
place.
Resolution C070724
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Municipal Staff clean
the headstones of veterans who are buried in cemeteries within the
Municipality and obtain flags to be used for identification of those
headstones, and that a letter be sent to the local Legion indicating
that this will be done.
Motion carried unanimously.
Municipal Staff will contact coordinators of the local cemeteries in
order to have this work performed.
SECOND READING OF AMENDMENTS TO SEWER BY-LAWS
In order to change the annual sewer service charges in both
Barrington/Barrington Passage and Wood’s Harbour, for the fiscal year
2007/2008, it is necessary to amend By-Law No. 21 “Municipal Sewers”,
and By-Law No. 27 “Wastewater Management District”. Amendments to
these by-laws have already been passed in first reading. The
required advertising has been done in the local newspaper indicating
that the second reading of amendments to these by-laws will be heard at
this evening’s Council meeting.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Resolution C070725
Moved by L. Stewart and seconded by W. Smith that amendments to By-Law
No. 21 “Municipal Sewers” increasing the sewer service charge in the
Barrington/Barrington Passage sewer system from $200.00 to $266.00 per
unit, for the fiscal year 2007/2008, be approved, and that amendments
to By-Law No. 27 “Wastewater Management District” increasing the sewer
service charges in the Wood’s Harbour sewer system from $275.00 to
$300.00 per unit, for the fiscal year 2007/2008, be approved.
AFFIRMATIVE
NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday
George El-Jakl
Eddie Nickerson
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Fire Inspector’s Association
Correspondence has been received from the Fire Inspector’s Association
of Nova Scotia indicating that their Annual Fire Inspector’s Training
Conference will be held October 15 - 19, 2007, in Yarmouth. This
conference is being hosted by Zone 3 of the Fire Inspector’s
Association. Zone 3 is represented by inspectors from Digby to
Liverpool. The Zone 3 Association is requesting the Municipality
of Barrington to sponsor one of the coffee breaks held during the
conference at a cost of $200.00.
Resolution C070726
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by S. Strang that the Municipality
sponsor a coffee break at the Fire Inspector’s Association of Nova
Scotia Annual Conference to be held in Yarmouth, at a cost of $200.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
Beulah Burnham Memorial Animal Shelter Society
Prior to the meeting members were provided with a presentation by the
Beulah Burnham Memorial Animal Shelter Society. This presentation
was forwarded to members by email in advance of the meeting for their
review and consideration. In this presentation there are thirteen
(13) “wants” that the Society is requesting of municipal units in
Shelburne County.
Resolution C070727
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the request of the
Beulah Burnham Memorial Animal Shelter Society be referred to the
Committee of the Whole for further consideration.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
It was also suggested at this time that Municipal Staff compile numbers
of animal complaints addressed within the Municipality, by Municipal
Staff, for the information of members of the Committee of the Whole,
and that all associated costs also be compiled for the review of
members of the Committee of the Whole.
Goose Lake Road
Correspondence has been received from the Goose Lake Association
requesting the Municipality to assist them in having individuals using
the Goose Lake Road contribute $25.00 each year toward the cost of road
repairs.
Resolution C070728
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality
inform the Goose Lake Road Association that it is not the
responsibility of the Municipality to collect fees for the Goose Lake
Road Association, and to further explain to the Association that the
Municipality provides camp site leases to residences on municipal
property but does not provide them with any access roads to these lease
sites.
Motion carried unanimously.
Association of Health Organizations
Correspondence has been received from the Association of Health
Organizations informing Council that September will be Continuing Care
Month. This organization is asking the Municipality to
participate in their promotional campaign by declaring the month of
September as Continuing Care Month in the Municipality of the District
of Barrington.
Having heard no opposition to this declaration, the Warden declared, as
requested, the month of September as Continuing Care Month in the
Municipality of the District of Barrington.
Shelburne County Industrial Commission
A response has been received from the Chair of the Shelburne County
Industrial Commission indicating that the concerns of Council will be
brought to the Commission for their consideration at their next
meeting. Council expressed concern that the Industrial Commission
is arbitrarily changing the membership of the Board of Directors by
appointing new members at large without consulting the municipal units
who approved the Terms of Reference for the Industrial Commission.
There then followed much discussion regarding this matter.
It is the general consensus of Council that the Terms of Reference must
be adhered to in order for the Board to have any integrity with
Council. Unless the Board operates according to the Terms of
Reference that had been agreed to by all of the individual municipal
units, it cannot be relied upon to faithfully conduct the business
assigned to it.
The Deputy Warden assumed the Chair while the Warden addressed this
matter.
The Warden then resumed the Chair.
Council’s concerns will be expressed to the Board of the Shelburne
County Industrial Commission at their next meeting by Council’s
representative.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Port Clyde House
Members were informed that an email has been received from Dr. John
O’Connor indicating that there was a mix-up in communication regarding
the renovations to be conducted by Dr. O’Connor at the house in Port
Clyde. Dr. O’Connor indicated, by telephone, on July 23rd that
the transaction for the house will be closing on Thursday, August 2,
2007, and that the carpenter will wait until after the closing to do
any further work on the house.
Diversion Credits
A summary of Diversion Credits to be paid to municipal units in Region
6 was provided by Valda Walsh, the Regional Coordinator.
According to her calculations, the Municipality of Barrington and the
Town of Clark’s Harbour, together, will receive more than $46,000.00 as
their first payment of Diversion Credits for the year ended March 31,
2007. This is a significant increase over amounts received in
other years by the Municipality.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden reported that she had attended the Tall Ships reception held
last week, in Shelburne, together with Councillor Messenger.
The Warden also reported that she has received an invitation to attend
the opening of the Shelburne County Exhibition on August 7th in
Shelburne.
The Deputy Warden has agreed to attend this event on behalf of the
Municipality in place of the Warden.
Resolution C070729
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that expenses of the
Deputy Warden to attend the opening of the Shelburne County Exhibition
on August 7th be paid by the Municipality.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer provided a written report for the month of June
2007 and reviewed it for information of members.
It was noted that advertising for the amusement rides held at the
Barrington Municipal Arena and advertising for the Fashion Show held at
the Barrington Municipal Arena should be improved so that more
individuals in the Municipality would attend.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor El-Jakl
Councillor El-Jakl informed members that he had attended a meeting of
the Wood’s Harbour Multi-Purpose Trail and Sidewalk Committee at the
Fire Hall in Wood’s Harbour. At this meeting two plans of the
proposed sidewalk were left with members. These plans were to be
displayed in the local convenience store and the local Post Office in
Wood’s Harbour so that community members and residents could review
them in order to determine how they would relate to the properties
adjacent to the proposed sidewalk.
Councillor El-Jakl informed members that subsequent to this meeting a
letter had been sent to all of the residents who had properties
adjacent to the sidewalk requesting them to contact members of the
committee with any concerns they had regarding the sidewalk.
Councillor El-Jakl also informed members that he had participated in a
fundraising soccer game that was held the previous Saturday at the
soccer field in Barrington Passage. As a result of this
fundraising effort approximately $600.00 was raised.
Councillor Messenger
Councillor Messenger informed members that she had attended the Western
Shelburne County Health Care Society meeting on July 10th. This
Society will be hosting a booth at the Barrington Municipal
Exhibition.
Councillor Messenger attended the Tall Ships reception on July 18th in
Shelburne.
Councillor Messenger also attended the reception following the Nova
Scotia Marathon held at the Barrington Area Lions Club on July 24th.
Councillor Smith
No committees to report.
Councillor Stewart
No committees to report.
Councillor Strang
Committee of the Whole Council
Fitness Program Request
Resolution C070730
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the request of Ms.
Wakerell be denied in any municipal building as the expertise in this
area of recreation already exists within the community, and that the
policy be quoted in the letter of response to Ms. Wakerell, and suggest
she may rent private facilities for the purpose of conducting her
programs.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Community Grant Requests
Resolution C070731
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the following
Community Grants be approved:
- District 1
- Wood’s Harbour Days, $500.00
- Samuel Wood Museum, $500.00
- Greenwood Cemetery, $500.00
- District 2
- Chapel Hill Museum for side,
$1,100.0
- Fog Devils Softball team for
ballfield maintenance and repair, $1,000.00
- Shag Harbour Incident Society
for signs, $620.00
- District 3
- Riverdale Cemetery for
maintenance, $700.00
- Light the Field Committee for
maintenance, $700.00
- District 4
- West Baccaro Cemetery for
maintenance, $500.00
- Greenhill Senior Citizens Club
for maintenance, $500.00
- Society for the Preservation of
Greenhill Community Church for maintenance, $500.00
- District 5
- No applications
- District 6
- Archelaus Smith Museum for
maintenance, $800.00
- Newellton Community Hall for
maintenance, $1,000.0
- North East Point Community Hall
for maintenance, $300.00
- District 7
- White Lily Cemetery for
maintenance, $700.00
- Evergreen Cemetery for
maintenance, $700.00
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution C070732
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that a $500.00 grant to
the Barrington Regional Curling Club be approved for the purpose of
construction of a storage shed, and that these funds be provided from
the District 3 Community Grants Fund.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Resolution C070733
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by D. Messenger that a $500.00 grant be
approved to the Barrington Municipal Exhibition from the District 3
Community Grants Fund.
Motion carried unanimously.
UNSM Resolution
Resolution C070734
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the following
resolution be submitted to the UNSM for consideration at its Annual
Conference:
WHEREAS 40% of all emergency calls placed in Nova Scotia are placed
from cellular telephones;
AND WHEREAS trunk mobile radio service is the emergency radio service
now being used in Nova Scotia;
AND WHEREAS there is a distinct lack of coverage for cellular services
and TMR services in certain rural areas of Nova Scotia;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of Nova Scotia be urged to
provide improved cellular and TMR coverage in rural areas of Nova
Scotia, in particular to improve the safety of all citizens and the
emergency response capabilities of the Emergency Measures Organization
within the Province.
Motion carried unanimously.
Occupational Health & Safety Policy Amendments
Amendments are proposed for the Occupational Health & Safety Policy
in order to put safe work practices in place at the Barrington
Municipal Pool.
Resolution C070735
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that Council be given
notice this evening that proposed amendments to the Occupational Health
& Safety Policy, which will add the Emergency Contingency Plan at
the Barrington Municipal Pool to the policy, will be considered at the
next subsequent meeting of Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Th”YARC
As a result of correspondence received from Th-YARC, and a presentation
made by its representatives at Council, there has been a request that a
councillor sit on the Board of Directors of Th-YARC.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Resolution C070736
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that Th’YARC be informed
that the Municipality does not have anyone who wishes to sit on their
Board at this time, however, it is suggested that Th”YARC keep
residents of the Municipality informed of activities in Th’YARC in this
area so that circumstances may change in this membership in
future. It is also suggested that Th’YARC be informed that
because of the business schedules of councillors at the present time,
no-one is available to serve on their board.
Motion carried unanimously.
Baccaro Light
Correspondence has been received from the Federal Government indicating
that they are disposing of Baccaro Light, and that they must follow the
appropriate process which is first to offer the property to the
Province of Nova Scotia and then to offer it to a municipal unit.
Resolution C070737
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be sent to
the Province of Nova Scotia indicating that the Municipality is
interested in purchasing the Baccaro Light Station.
Motion carried unanimously.
Walk for a Cause
Correspondence has been received from Shelley d’Eon requesting
permission to host an event entitled “Walk for a Cause”. The
purpose of this event will be to raise funds for the Rosalin Nickerson
Cancer Care Fund. This fund provides monies for cancer patients
who need funds in order to pay the cost of travel for cancer treatment
and therapies in Halifax and other locations.
Resolution C070738
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality
permit the event “Walk for a Cause” to be held on municipal property as
requested.
AFFIRMATIVE
NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday
George El-Jakl
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Excavator Tenders
The Municipality has tendered for the provision of an excavator to be
used at the Municipality’s Construction & Demolition Debris
Landfill Site.
Tenders have been received and the machines tendered are in the process
of being evaluated by Municipal Staff.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Resolution C070739
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that staff review the
tenders received for provision of an excavator at the Construction
& Demolition Landfill Site and report to Council with their
recommendation.
Motion carried unanimously.
Municipal Staff will discuss their recommendation at the next committee
meeting to be held on Monday, July 30th.
Loyalist Landing 2008
Resolution C070740
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that $2,000.00 be
donated to the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society for the purpose of
purchasing promotional materials to be used for retail sales for their
events during 2008, and these funds be taken from the tourism funds
provided in the budget for the purchase of advertising in the Doers and
Dreamers Guide.
AFFIRMATIVE
NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday
Wilford Smith
George El-Jakl
Sean Strang
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
Councillor Nickerson
Councillor Nickerson informed members that he had attended the Nova
Scotia Marathon closing ceremonies on behalf of the Municipality.
Deputy Warden Nickerson wished to extend his appreciation to Eric and
the summer staff for their conduct of this event which was very well
organized.
Councillor Nickerson then returned to discussion of the excavator
tender and indicated that his “advisor” had informed him that the
machines being considered for purchase were too small for use in our
Landfill.
Conflict of Interest
Deputy Warden Nickerson declared conflict of interest after his
comments regarding the excavator. He declared conflict of
interest because the “advisor” requested to come to the meeting is Bud
Nickerson who is his stepfather.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by G. El-Jakl that Deputy Warden
Nickerson’s advisor be requested to come to a Committee of the Whole
Council meeting in order to discuss the purchase of an excavator for
the Landfill.
After some discussion this motion was withdrawn.
Page 11, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Deputy Warden Nickerson then returned to the meeting.
THREE YEAR CAPITAL BUDGET
The Three Year Capital Budget of the Municipality was provided to
members for their review. This budget is consistent with the
Capital Investment Plan that had previously been approved by Council.
This budget will be forwarded to Service Nova Scotia & Municipal
Relations as required.
Resolution C070741
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Three Year
Capital Budget be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Members were informed that all of the requests previously sent to the
Department of Transportation by letter of May 4, 2007 had now been
completed.
Members also brought forward two further issues at this time:
1. The shoulder of road at the
Fall’s Point Road where a dry hydrant is located for the Wood’s Harbour
Volunteer Fire Department needs to be graded so that it is sloped
adequately for fire trucks to access the hydrant.
2. Trees along the road in Port
LaTour near Commercial Street need to be trimmed so that tractor
trailers do not hit them as they are passing by.
These matters will be referred to the Department of Transportation by
email.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
During discussion of this matter the Deputy Warden assumed the Chair
for a brief time so that the Warden could address the matter.
The Warden then resumed the Chair.
The Municipality is paying a 2.14% discount on all payments received by
credit card. Many of the payments received by credit card are
simply being made in this fashion so that taxpayers may receive air
miles on their credit cards. The cost of the discount being
charged to the Municipality is being born by all of the taxpayers of
the Municipality, not just those who use credit cards to make
payments. The Municipality’s agreement with its credit card
supplier, Moneris, does not allow the Municipality to impose a
surcharge to recover this amount from credit card users.
Page 12, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
Resolution C070742
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that effective August 15,
2007 the Municipality cease to accept tax payments by credit card, and
that this policy be advertised in the local newspaper, together with an
explanation for this action.
AFFIRMATIVE
NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl
Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Resolution C070743
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the credit card
agreement be forwarded to the Municipal Solicitor for his comment
regarding Section 1.6 Discrimination.
AFFIRMATIVE
NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl
Sean Strang
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Motion carried.
SENIOR PLANNER
Members were informed that the CAOs who are representing the four
municipal units participating in the Yarmouth-Argyle-Barrington
Planning Commission have agreed to hire Mr. Chris Reddy as Senior
Planner for the Commission. Mr. Reddy will begin employment with
the Planning Commission on August 13, 2007.
CLOSED SESSION
Members then entered into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing
a personnel matter.
Members then returned to Open Session.
Page 13, Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, July 24, 2007
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by S. Strang that the meeting adjourn at 10:35 p.m.
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