Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Wednesday, June 11, 2003.
The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:03 p.m., with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Dwayne Hunt
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
Absent were members Councillor Fred Bower due to work commitments and
Councillor Wayne Smith due to vacation plans.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
It was agreed that the following items be added to the agenda:
- Correspondence:
- Letter of Resignation
- Letter from Cape Sable Historical Society
- Closed Session of Council Re: Personnel Matter
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the minutes of the council meetings held May 28th, June 5th, 9th, & 10th, 2003 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Sewer Extension Request
The Clerk reported that on June 3, 2003 he received a telephone call from Kim Scott indicating that they have decided not to purchase the property on Petticoat Lane and, therefore, will not be pursuing the sewer connection requested.
The Clerk informed members that a letter has been received from John & Judy Leech requesting the Municipality to look into the possibility of extending the sewer system in Barrington Passage to the Department of Fisheries building.
Reference was made to the motion made at the May 28, 2003 Council meeting
that the Municipality will not be doing any extensions to the Barrington
Passage sewer and that the only work to be done is that which is identified
in the upgrade under the present Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Works
Program Funding, which the Municipality is now receiving. Any extension
to the Barrington sewer will be considered if property owners will incur
the cost of such a project as there are other areas in the Municipality
that have been identified as priority for public sewer.
Page 2, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
It was agreed that this decision of Council be communicated to Mr. &
Mrs. Leech and that any further requests for sewer extensions be responded
to in the same way.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Councillor Atkinson requested updates on the following matters:
Excavator for Landfill
Conflict of Interest
Deputy Warden E. Nickerson declared conflict of interest, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
The Municipality currently has a lease agreement with his father, Bud Nickerson, for a loader which is being used at the Landfill.
Councillor Atkinson inquired whether the Municipality had been in contact with Mr. Bud Nickerson to discuss possible extension of the rental agreement for the machine currently used at the C & D Landfill Site, for a further six month period.
The Clerk informed members that contact has been made with Mr. Nickerson and he has verbally agreed to extend the contract by six (6) months at the same rental rate.
A letter has been forwarded to Mr. Nickerson asking him to confirm the lease agreement extension, in writing.
Deputy Warden Nickerson returned to the meeting.
Mediation Process
Councillor Atkinson asked whether it has been determined what is involved in the mediation process for Diversion Credits.
The Clerk informed members that he had been in telephone conversation with Gerard MacLellan and he advised that the mediation process is not binding arbitration. Mr. MacLellan has been requested to advise, in writing, of procedures involved in the mediation process.
Diversion Credits
Question was raised as to whether arrangements have been made for the Warden, Deputy Warden and Municipal Clerk to meet with the Manager and Chairperson of Waste Check for the purpose of obtaining Diversion Credits owed to the Municipality of Barrington.
The Clerk informed members that a letter has been received from the
General Manager of Waste Check advising that our letter requesting a meeting
will be presented to Waste Check on June 16, 2003.
Page 3, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
CORRESPONDENCE
Heritage Grant Program
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with information on the Heritage Grant Programs for 2003/2004. There are three (3) programs which may be of interest to municipal property owners. These programs are as follows:
- Conservation Work Grant
- Conservation Advice Grant
- H.S.T. Rebate
Request from Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Shelburne County
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Shelburne County. In their letter they advised that they understand that the Old School Board building in Barrington Passage will be demolished. Their association would like to have the windows from the building for a project they are working on.
Resolution C030603
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that the request from Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Shelburne County be referred to the Tri County District School Board since the Municipality has no jurisdiction over the building.
Motion carried.
Kyoto Protocol
It was reported that a letter has been received from the Minister of Finance advising that the Federal Climate Change Plan released in November 2002 will guide the federal government’s approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan will encourage innovation and economic growth. Each member was provided with a copy of this letter in advance to the meeting.
Senior Citizens Week
A letter has been received from the Senior Citizens Secretariat requesting Council to designate the week of June 15 - 21, 2003 as Senior Citizens Week.
Resolution C030604
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality of Barrington recognize June 15 - 21, 2003 as Senior Citizens Week in the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion carried.
Letter of Resignation
The Clerk informed members that Sandra Wilson, By-Law Enforcement Officer
for the Dog and Animal By-law, tendered her resignation. Mrs. Wilson
has advised that she will provide her services to the Municipality for
the next two (2) weeks and will be available to provide training to someone
taking over as By-Law Enforcement Officer.
Page 4, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
Cape Sable Historical Society
The Clerk informed members that a letter has been received from Mrs. Marjory Weeks, President of the Cape Sable Historical Society. Mrs. Weeks advised that it will be necessary for the Society to carry out major repairs to the Seal Island Lighthouse Museum. The letter advised that they understood that the Municipality was applying for $40,000 in the V.I.C. grant application for repairs to the museum. In closing, Mrs. Weeks advised that the Society has never been advised as to why they are not receiving this grant and would appreciate a reply to this matter.
The Clerk informed members that he has researched this matter and by
letter dated December 2, 2002 Mrs. Weeks was advised that if the property
next to the Seal Island Lighthouse Museum
was used for the V.I.C. site, the lighthouse would have been an integral
part of the overall concept being developed but since Council has decided
to seek an alternate sight the lighthouse will no longer be part of the
development of a V.I.C. Therefore, any funding received will be applied
to the design and construction of a Visitor Information Centre as originally
planned. Should there be surplus funds remaining after the completion
of the Centre, and providing approval is required from our funding partner,
then funds may be directed toward repairs to the lighthouse. The
December 2, 2002 letter further advised that Council cannot guarantee that
a surplus of funds will be available or that the funding partner would
approve using any surplus for lighthouse repairs.
It was agreed that a response be forwarded to the Cape Sable Historical
Society making reference to the December 2, 2002 letter.
REPORT OF WARDEN
Warden Belliveau provided a brief update on activities since the last meeting of Council.
He informed members that he attended an announcement today at the Barrington
Municipal High School made by the MLA for Shelburne County and the Minister
of Education. The announcement was that a new school will be built
to replace the existing B.M.H.S. The opening date for the new school
has been set at September 2005. The Warden suggested that Council
should consider identifying municipally owned lands to be considered for
a new school.
COMMITTEE AND BOARDS REPORTS
Hiring Committee Meeting
Trail Development Person
Resolution C030605
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by D. Hunt that Jeffery Ross be hired as Trail Development Person.
Motion carried.
Page 5, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
Summer Staff Interviews
Resolution C030606
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by D. Hunt that Katiann Mood, Glynis Malay, Amanda Messenger and Chantel Aylward be hired as Program Supervisors and Jenilee Goreham be designated as alternate for the positions of Program Supervisors.
Motion carried.
Resolution C030607
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by D. Hunt that all three applicants: Beth Thurber, Shasta Nickerson and Stephanie Swim, be hired as lifeguards at the Barrington Municipal Swimming Pool since all applicants qualify and all applicants conducted acceptable interviews and there are three (3) vacant positions.
Motion carried.
Lieutenant Governors Awards
Resolution C030608
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by A. Atkinson that letters of congratulations be forwarded to Bethany Thurber and Michael Thurber on being this year’s recipients of the Lieutenant Governors Awards.
Motion carried.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is proposing that $10,946.00 for a library project and $24,200.00 for a V.I.C. project be transferred to the Special Reserve Fund Capital so that these funds will be available to complete these projects.
It is further the recommendation of the Audit Committee that $100,000.00 be transferred from the General Revenue Fund to the Special Reserve Fund Capital in order to increase Municipal reserves so that provision is made for future capital projects that may be approved by Council.
Resolution C030609
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that $135,146.00 be transferred from the General Revenue Fund Surplus to the Special Reserve Fund Capital for the funding of future capital projects.
Motion carried.
FRA Grassroots Project
Councillor Halliday informed members that she attended the official
launch of the Forest Ridge Academy website “We will remember them”.
The website is a tribute to war veterans in the Barrington area.
Page 6, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
Resolution C030610
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt that a letter be forwarded to students and staff of Forest Ridge Academy congratulating them on their website “We will remember them”.
Motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF POLICY #38
It was reported that notice of consideration of amendments to Policy #38 “Construction and Demolition Landfill Policy” was given at the last meeting of Council.
It is proposed that Section 3 of Policy #38 be amended by adding the following:
h) fishing nets - to be stockpiled for recycling
i) rope - to be stockpiled for recycling
j) lobster traps - to be stockpiled for recycling
It is also proposed that Section 7 of Policy #38 be amended to include fishing nets, rope and lobster traps.
It is also recommended that Section 9, Hours of Operation, be amended by deleting the existing wording and replacing it with the following:
- Hours of Operation of the C & D Landfill Site will be as determined by resolution of Barrington Municipal Council.
Resolution C030611
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that amendments to Policy #38 “C & D Landfill Policy” be approved as presented.
Motion carried.
ILLEGAL DUMPING
Councillor Halliday reported on illegal dumping which is taking place
on Station Road in Shag Harbour. She also informed members that illegal
dumping is taking place on a side road in Bear Point.
REQUEST FOR STREET LIGHT
Members were informed that a request for a street light has been received
from Chris and Kathy Cox. They are requesting that a street light
be installed on the pole in the vicinity of civic #1432 in Upper Clyde.
This request was investigated by the Supervisor of Public Works and it
was found that the request did not fit the Street Lighting Policy.
The Municipal policy, however, does allow requests to be referred to Municipal
Council if they do not conform with the Street Lighting Policy.
Page 7, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
After much discussion it was agreed that the street light request does not meet the requirements of the Municipality.
Resolution C030612
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that the request for a street light received from Chris and Kathy Cox be denied.
Motion carried.
POLL OF ELECTORS - PORT LATOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
On May 30, 2003 a Poll of Electors/Taxpayers was held at the Port LaTour Volunteer Fire Department on a proposal to borrow the sum of $150,000.00 for the purpose of purchasing a new pumper vehicle. The result of the poll was as follows:
48 in favour
3 opposed
2 spoiled ballots
Resolution C030613
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the results of the Poll of Electors/Taxpayers served by the Port LaTour Volunteer Fire Department that an Area Rate in the amount of $0.10 per $100.00 of assessment be put in place effective April 1, 2003, for a ten year period on all taxable property in District 1, be approved.
Motion carried.
BURSARY SELECTION
The Clerk reported that twelve (12) applications were received for the Municipal Bursary. Each member, excluding Councillor Bower who is away, rated applicants in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position.
Resolution C030614
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that the Municipal Bursary be awarded to Maggie Watt, in the amount of $1,000.00.
Motion carried.
SECOND READING BY-LAW NO. 25
At 8:00 p.m. the second reading of By-Law No. 25 was carried out. Public notice of second reading was given by way of an advertisement being placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper.
It is proposed that various properties be deleted from the by-law since
they no longer qualify for the tax exemption. It is also proposed
that properties of the Island and Barrington Passage Fire Department be
added to the by-law.
Page 8, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
During discussion of this matter it was questioned why the Atlantic Hall and the Little Red School House were not included in the by-law.
Resolution C030615
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Hunt that proposed amendments to By-Law No.25 “Tax Exemption By-Law” be approved as presented in second and final reading, and that the Atlantic Hall and the Little Red School House be added to the by-law if they qualify for the tax exemption.
Motion carried.
SECOND READING RE: DEED TRANSFER TAX
The Clerk informed members that second reading of the proposed Deed Transfer Tax By-Law was advertised in the Coast Guard Newspaper.
It is proposed that a Deed Transfer Tax By-Law be put in place to provide for a one-half percent (1/2%) Deed Transfer Tax to be applied to the sale price of every property transferred by deed.
Letters of Opposition to the Deed Transfer Tax By-Law were received from the following:
- Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce
- Wilson’s Shopping Centre
- East Bay Realty
- Mike Hennigar’s General Construction Ltd.
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that Section 2(2) of the proposed Deed Transfer Tax By-Law be amended by increasing the Deed Transfer Tax from 1/2% to 1 1/2%.
Motion defeated.
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that Section 2(2) of the proposed Deed Transfer Tax By-law be amended by changing the Deed Transfer Tax from 1/2% to 1%.
Motion defeated.
The Warden then turned the chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that he could address the matter.
The Warden made reference to the letters of opposition and stated that he takes the concerns expressed by the local businesses very seriously and does not see the need to implement a Deed Transfer Tax By-Law at this time.
The chair was then resumed by the Warden.
Page 9, Regular Meeting of Council, June 11, 2003
Resolution C030616
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that second reading of the proposed Deed Transfer Tax By-Law be deferred until such time as all councillors are present to vote on the motion.
Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
A Closed Session of Council was held at this time to discuss a personnel matter.
The regular council meeting was called back to order.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by D. Hunt that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
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