Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Wednesday, July 23, 2003.
The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Dwayne Hunt
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
Absent was Councillor Fred Bower due to work commitments
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the minutes of the last two (2) previous meetings held June 25th and July 3rd, 2003 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
There were no matters arising from the minutes.
CORRESPONDENCE
Shelburne County Museum
An invitation has been received from the Shelburne Historical Society inviting councillors to attend the official opening of the Goodwin, Dedrick, Cunningham Genealogical Extension of the Shelburne County Museum. This ceremony will take place on Sunday, July 27, 2003, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Museum on Dock Street, in Shelburne.
Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce
Correspondence has been received inviting members to participate in the Annual Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament to be held on Friday, August 15, 2003, at River Hills Golf & County Club in Clyde River. The cost for each participant in this golf tournament is $45.00.
It was agreed by the Warden, Councillor Smith and Councillor Halliday
and the Clerk-Treasurer that they will attend as the Municipal Team in
this golf tournament at their own expense.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
South West Shore Development Authority
Correspondence has been received from the South West Shore Development Authority requesting approval, in writing, for the appointment of Sterling Belliveau as the Municipality’s representative on its Board of Directors, and Louise Halliday as his alternate, and also for the appointment of Mr. Bob Redding to represent the business community of Shelburne County on the Board of Directors.
Resolution C030711
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that approval, in writing, be provided to the South West Shore Development Authority for the appointment of Sterling Belliveau and Bob Redding to its Board of Directors, and Councillor Halliday to be indicated as the alternate for the Warden.
Motion carried.
SHEROSE ISLAND RESIDENT’S PRESENTATION
A written presentation by Adrienne and Melissa Desbarats was previously circulated to council members for their information and review.
Melissa Rommens (Desbarats) appeared before the meeting in order to explain and review the presentation in person. This presentation was a response to the Safe and Quality School Association’s presentation previously made in favor of locating a new high school on Sherose Island. Ms. Rommens indicated that a petition was also being submitted along with this presentation, that had been signed by many residents of the Municipality who were not just from Sherose Island but also from all areas of the Municipality. The presentation indicated that the following issues should be addressed in evaluating the site at Sherose Island:
1. Safety. In particular, as safety pertains to the inadequacy of the road to Sherose Island and the possibility of catastrophic circumstances because there is only one exit from the Sherose Island Road.
2. Sustainability. In particular as it relates to the limited water supply on Sherose Island.
3. Environmental Impact on the fauna and flora of the area.
4. Financial. The financial costs associated with upgrading or providing infrastructure.
The presentation, in its conclusion, recommends that an independent review of all potential sites for a new high school be completed before any decision is made.
Ms. Rommens suggested that there should be no rash decision made in chosing a site for a high school, but that all sites must be evaluated and all concerns must be addressed. She also requested council not to indicate to the School Selection Committee that there is any preferred site.
Having completed her presentation, the Warden thanked Ms. Rommens and
suggested to her that she would be well advised to address her presentation
to the School Selection Committee at her first opportunity.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden reported that he has attended the South West Shore Development
Authority’s Annual Meeting, on July 15, 2003, and gave a brief review of
the meeting.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk provided a detailed summary of business and events conducted
by municipal employees during the month of June.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Deputy Warden Nickerson
Deputy Warden Nickerson indicated that he had no committee reports to submit. He indicated that he had attended the opening of the Visitor Information Centre tenders the previous day. The prices contained in the tenders were recorded and the tenders were forwarded to the engineers for evaluation and recommendations.
Councillor Smith
Councillor Smith had no committee reports to submit.
Councillor Halliday
On July 4, 2003, Councillor Halliday attended a UNSM Conference Planning Committee Meeting in Yarmouth. The cost of the Regional Dinner to be hosted at the Barrington Area Lions Hall will be $35.00 per plate, including tax. This also includes both the meal and the cost of bus transportation from Barrington to Yarmouth and return. Sessions at the conference will end each day at 5:15 p.m. Because sessions do not end until that time, it is not possible for a tour to be completed in the area prior to the dinner being conducted, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
On July 10th and 11th, 2003 Councillor Halliday visited three (3) schools in different areas of Nova Scotia with the School Selection Committee.
On July 17th the School Selection Committee met again. At this meeting Mr. Jeff Penney from the Department of Education attended and offered his services. Mr. Penney does evaluations of school properties.
At this meeting it was also stated that the School Board will address the servicing issue with the Department of Education.
It was also indicated at this meeting that the School Board would be advertising for other sites for a new school which may be provided from private sources.
Information was also provided at this meeting that indicated that the
approximate cost of sewer and water being provided on site for a new school
would be in the area of $400,000.00.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
A petition from residents of Sherose Island was also presented to the School Steering Committee at this meeting. Leroy Legere indicated to the School Steering Team that there must be at least three (3) sites to be considered for locating a new school. This is the reason why an advertisement will be placed to obtain additional potential sites.
Councillor Atkinson
Hiring Committee
Interview
Resolution C030712
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by D. Hunt that Mr. Roger Burrill be hired as By-Law Enforcement Officer for a probationary period of six (6) months providing that his references and his R.C.M.P. check are satisfactory. Mr. Burrill will be hired at a wage rate of $12.00/hr., plus $0.34/km travel allowance. Both the hourly rate and the milage rate are to be paid from the time Mr. Burrill leaves his residence on municipal business.
Motion carried.
Public Works Committee
Volunteer Coordinator Program
Resolution C030713
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality support the Volunteer Coordinator Program as requested by the South West Shore Development Authority in the amount of $4,700.00 for the current year and the support of this program be reviewed by Council annually.
Motion carried.
Community Grants
Resolution C030714
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by D. Hunt that a grant in the amount of $2,000.00, from the District 1 Community Grants Fund, be provided to the Greenwood Cemetery Committee.
Motion carried.
Search and Rescue Group
Resolution C030715
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality register and insure a second bus for the Barrington Ground Search and Rescue Group as requested, and that the Municipality request a contribution towards the payment of this insurance from the other municipal units in the county.
Motion carried.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
Construction and Demolition Landfill
Resolution C030716
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by D. Hunt that Municipal staff contact an engineer or an individual involved in the construction business to determine what equipment is needed to operate a Construction and Demolition Landfill.
Motion carried.
Public Works Vehicle
Resolution C030717
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality dispose of the 1993 Dodge truck now being used in the Public Works Department as per Municipal Policy for disposition of assets.
Motion carried.
Finance and Administration Committee Meeting
Snow and Ice Removal By-Law
The Snow and Ice Removal By-Law was referred to the Finance & Administration Committee by Council during second reading. The Finance Committee was requested to review this by-law as it is proposed to apply to various locations in the Municipality.
Resolution C030718
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the proposed Snow and Ice Removal By-Law be amended to insert the words “and all other sidewalks that may be built in the Municipality” in paragraph 3, after the word “sidewalk”, so that paragraph 3 would begin with the phrase “every owner or occupant of any property adjoining the sidewalk and all other sidewalks that may be built in the Municipality shall...” and then the by-law would continue as proposed.
Motion carried.
The intent of this amendment is to make the Snow and Ice Removal By-Law consistently applicable to all sidewalks that may be constructed within the Municipality. The consideration of the Snow and Ice Removal By-Law for second reading then continued by Council.
Resolution C030719
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Hunt that the proposed Snow and Ice Removal By-Law again be referred to Finance for further consideration and be returned to Council no later than the last council meeting in August.
Motion carried.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
Facilities Supervisor and Facilities Operator Positions
Resolution C030720
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality again advertise the positions of Recreation Facilities Supervisor and Recreation Facilities Operator, removing the requirement for Refrigeration Class II Certification and replacing it with the following: “Candidates should have an understanding of plumbing, electrical, carpentry and janitorial work and a Province of Nova Scotia Refrigeration Class II Certificate, or better, would be desirable. Candidates not possessing this certification must be willing to obtain it within a defined period.
Motion carried.
Local Improvement By-Law
A proposed Local Improvement By-Law is being presented to Council tonight in first reading. It is recommended by Finance that prior to first reading the by-law be amended.
Resolution C030721
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the proposed Local Improvement By-Law receive approval in first reading including in Section 4(2) the addition of the following:
- or -
(c) The local improvement charge may be assessed in a manner agreed to by the majority of property owners abutting the public right of way in the location where the local improvement is being constructed and must also be approved by Council.
Motion carried.
Three Year Capital Budget
Resolution C030722
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the Three Year Capital Budget as presented to Council this evening be accepted.
Motion carried.
A copy of the Three Year Capital Budget is attached to and forms part of the minutes.
Community Grants Request
Riverdale Cemetery Request
Correspondence has been received from the Riverdale Cemetery requesting
financial support in the installation of signs in their cemetery.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
Resolution C030723
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that a grant of $1,000.00 be approved from the District 3 Community Grants Fund for the Riverdale Cemetery for the purpose of replacing two cemetery signs.
Motion carried.
Tourist Rest Stop - South Side
Resolution C030724
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that Municipal Staff contact Sable Fish Packers Ltd. to obtain a lease on property located on Daniel’s Head Road, in South Side, for the purpose of establishing a Municipal Tourist Rest Stop.
Motion carried.
C & D Landfill Scale
Upon investigation it has been determined that there are only two (2) suppliers of vehicle scales within the province. As a result, it is advisable to invite tenders for vehicle scales from these two (2) suppliers rather than to advertise it publically in the newspaper.
Resolution C030725
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that Municipal Staff invite tenders for the supply of a vehicle scale at the Construction and Demolition Landfill Site from Weigh-Tronixs Ltd. and All Weigh Scales Systems.
Motion carried.
School Steering Team
Resolution C030726
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality discontinue having a representative on the School Steering Team Selection Committee.
There then followed a discussion of this matter during which time the pros and cons of having a member on this Site Selection Committee were discussed.
A recorded vote was requested by a member.
Having completed their discussion, the division was requested.
FOR AGAINST
E. Nickerson S. Belliveau
A. Atkinson L. Halliday
D. Hunt
W. Smith
Motion defeated.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that Councillor Halliday be authorized to choose a new school site as Council’s representative on the School Selection Committee based on the facts presented to the Committee.
Upon request of a member the vote was recorded.
FOR AGAINST
A. Atkinson D. Hunt
S. Belliveau
L. Halliday
E. Nickerson
W. Smith
Motion carried.
GED - Karl Lamrock
Resolution C030727
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that a letter of congratulations be sent to Karl Lamrock, a Municipal employee in the Public Works Department, on the successful completion of his GED exams.
Motion carried.
Recreation Department Job Vacancies
Resolution C030728
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that due to expediency it is necessary to advertise the job vacancies in the Recreation Department both internally and externally, simultaneously.
Motion carried.
The Recreation Facilities Supervisor position and the Recreation Facilities
Operator position will now be advertised, simultaneously, internally and
externally, in order to fill these positions as soon as possible as the
ice season is fast approaching. The Hiring Committee Policy permits
Council to waive any terms of this policy in order to expedite the hiring
of employees when necessary.
COX/PENNEY ROAD PETITION
Members were also informed by the Municipal Clerk that a petition had been received by the Finance and Administration Committee, and that committee had passed a motion that this petition be forwarded to Council. The petition of concern is a petition from the residents of Cox/Penney Road requesting that the Municipality approve paving of their road under the “Aid to Municipalities Program for the paving of “J” Class Roads.”
There then followed some discussion regarding the method of payment
to be used for paving this road.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality notify the Department of Transportation to pave Cox Road based on the funding formula of 50% Department of Transportation, 25% Municipality of Barrington and 25% residents of Cox/Penney Road, subject to an agreement being approved by a majority of the residents of Cox/Penney Road.
Resolution C030729
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by E. Nickerson that the previous motion be amended to indicate that the Municipal funding for this project will be taken from the provision for road and street maintenance contained in the Municipal Operating Budget.
Amendment carried.
Deputy Warden Nickerson then assumed the chair so that Warden Belliveau could address the motion.
Having completed his address, Warden Belliveau then resumed the chair.
The division was then requested on the amended motion.
The amended motion now reads:
Resolution C030730
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality notify the Department of Transportation to pave Cox Road based on the funding formula of 50% Department of Transportation, 25% Municipality of Barrington and 25% residents of Cox/Penney Road, subject to an agreement being approved by a majority of the residents of Cox/Penney Road, and the Municipal funding will be taken from the roads and streets maintenance budget contained in the current operating budget.
Motion carried.
Resolution C030731
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Warden and Clerk-Treasurer of the Municipality be authorized to sign construction agreement No. 2003-21 for the paving of the following “J” Class Street - Cox Road.
Motion carried.
It was indicated by consensus of members that there are fourteen (14) residents on Cox/Penney Road, all of whom will share in the cost of this paving. The residents will be asked to pay their share of the cost of paving in two (2) equal installments over the next two (2) years. These installments are estimated in the amount of $187.50, plus interest. The payments may be made in one lump sum, without interest, once the road is paved if residents so wish.
It was agreed by the consensus of members that an agreement would be
formulated by Municipal Staff to be presented to the residents of Cox/Penney
Road prior to paving the road.
Page 10, Regular Meeting of Council, July 23, 2003
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO POLICY NO. 8
Policy No. 8 is: “Annual Remuneration and Expenses for Councillors, Staff and Others”.
It is proposed that Policy No. 8 be amended so that remuneration will
only be paid on a quarterly basis to members of committees when committees
meet in any given quarter. Notice is being given of this amendment
tonight so that it may be considered at the next subsequent council meeting.
TENDERS RE: REPAIRS TO THE OLD COURT HOUSE AND RECREATION CENTRE
A request for tenders had been previously advertised in the local newspaper for repairs to the Old Court House roof, and to the roof and walls at the Community Recreation Centre at Sherose Island.
To date, no responses have been received to this tender publication.
Resolution C030732
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by W. Smith that Municipal Staff be authorized to engage contractors to complete the necessary repairs at the Old Court House and Community Recreation Centre as soon as possible.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by A. Atkinson that the meeting adjourn at 10:08 p.m.
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