Minutes of the continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting held in the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington, N.S., on Wednesday, June 25, 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
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
Absent was Councillor Fred Bower due to work commitments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by A. Atkinson that the minutes of the Council Meeting held June 11, 2003, and the Special Council Meeting held June 16, 2003 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Dangerous and Unsightly Premise/ Greenwood’s Boat Shop
The Clerk informed members that the By-Law Enforcement Officer once
again visited Greenwood’s Boat Shop, located at Centreville, on June 16,
2003. At that time he found that Mr. Greenwood had five (5) of his
workers with wheelbarrows moving garbage from the rear of the building
to a dumpster which had been placed at the rear of the lot. Piles
of garbage in the front portion of the property had been cleaned up and
a lot of the materials had been piled together in different locations on
the property, such as barrels, metal, etc. Although some of the piles
of garbage have been removed there still remains paper, cardboard, etc.
scattered throughout the front of the building. During the By-Law
Enforcement Officer’s visit there was a boat being stripped near the dumpster
with all the pieces of wood being dumped on the ground to be later put
in the dumpster. At the western side and rear of the building the
cleanup appears to have been minimal. There appears to be one or
two vehicles moved.
Page 2, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
It is the recommendation of the By-Law Enforcement Officer that Council issue an order for the following:
Remove the following items listed below from the property at the
cost of the owner:
- cardboard
- tanks
- tires
- tarps
- paper
- pieces of wood
- pieces of metal
- pieces of fibreglass
- pipe
- ashes
- styrofoam
- pallets
- old unusable fiberglass moulds
- paint cans
- remove or repair fence at rear
- junk
- items of equipment or machinery
- bodies or parts of equipment - machinery - cars - trucks -
tractors - engines
- wood shavings - sawdust
- fibreglass cloth - resin
- burning incinerators
- campers
- plastic and metal containers
- broken tote pans
- broken wharf boxes
- old carts
- clothes i.e. gloves
Resolution C030620
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by L. Halliday that Royden F. and Stanley A. Greenwood be ordered to remedy the conditions described in the By-Law Enforcement Officer’s Report, dated June 16, 2003, within thirty (30) days, after which time the Municipality may enter upon the property without warrant or other legal process and carry out the work specified in the order issued.
Motion carried.
SAFE AND QUALITY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Mr. Shaun Hatfield, Chair of the Safe and Quality School Association, appeared before the meeting. In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a report prepared by the Safe and Quality School Association dealing with the matter of site selection for the new school. The report makes a case using Department of Education criteria, that Sherose Island would offer the best location from which the Municipality could offer land for the erection of a new school. The Association is requesting that the Municipal Council recommend to both the School Steering Team and the Department of Education, that Sherose Island be considered as a preferred site for the new school.
Page 3, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
The Association is further recommending that the Municipal Council not support the new school being erected on the former B.M.H.S. site in Barrington Passage.
During discussion of this matter it was noted that a letter will be forthcoming from the Southwest Regional School Board requesting Council to submit three (3) possible sites to be considered during the site selection for a new school. The Board will also be providing criteria to be used when considering various properties.
It was also noted that currently there is a motion on the books designating Sherose Island for recreational purposes only. This motion would have to be rescinded if it was the wish of Council to offer Sherose Island as the site for the new school.
During Mr. Hatfield’s presentation he requested Council to prioritize the sites submitted for consideration recommending the Sherose Island site as the first priority.
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality identify three (3) sites; the first site being the present site of the high school, the second site being property located at Sherose Island near the Arena and Curling Club, and the third site being property located on Highway #3 in Oak Park near the ball field, and that this information be forwarded to the Tri County District School Board for consideration.
Resolution C030621
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by W. Smith that the above motion be tabled until such time as we have received a letter from the Southwest Regional School Board requesting the Municipality to identify three (3) possible sites for the new school and a meeting has been held to discuss possible sites.
Motion carried.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that a letter be written to the Department of Environment requesting them not to consider erecting the new school on the present B.M.H.S. site.
During discussion of this motion it was noted that the motion affects a previously recommended motion from the Finance Committee and therefore the Warden ruled the motion out of order.
Mr. Shaun Hatfield was then thanked for appearing before Council and
making his presentation.
AUDITORS YEAR END REPORT
Mr. Doug Drane, of Redding and Drane, appeared before the meeting and presented audited financial statements for the Municipality of Barrington for the year ending March 31, 2003. Each member was also provided with a copy of a Statement of Operations showing comparative figures for the last five (5) years. Mr. Drane provided a brief overview of the Financial Statements to councillors. The year end result was a surplus of $10,404.00.
Mr. Drane was thanked for appearing before Council and making his presentation.
Page 4, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
ESTIMATES OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a complete copy of the proposed budget as well as brief summary of the 2003/2004 operating budget for the Municipality of Barrington.
A slide presentation was then made by the Municipal Clerk providing an overview of the budget.
Tax Rates, Due Dates, etc.
Resolution C030622
Moved by L. Halliday and seconded by D. Hunt and carried:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of the District of Barrington estimates that the sum required for lawful purposes of the Municipality of the District of Barrington for the year 2003/2004 after crediting the probable revenue from all sources other than the rates for the year, including properties whose tax or grant varies with the tax rate, making due allowance for the current year which may not be collected or collectable, as the sum of Three Million, Six Hundred Seventy-nine Thousand, Six Hundred Sixty-five Dollars ($3,679,665);
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipal Council hereby authorizes the levying and collecting of a rate for the current year of Two Dollar and Four Cents ($2.04) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) on the assessed value of the commercial property including business occupancy and commercial equipment, and One Dollar and Eight Cents ($1.08) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) on the assessed value of the residential and resource property in the assessment rolls for the current year, and being the rate the Council deems sufficient to raise the sum required to defray current expenditures of the Municipality for the current year, and deficit from preceding years, but not including area rates, service charges or special assessments and;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the rates and taxes for the year 2003/3004 shall become due and payable on July 1, 2003, and after that date rates and taxes may be collected by warrant and;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that an additional charge of interest at the rate of Eighteen Percent (18%) per annum be charged on all current rates, area rates and special assessments not paid before September 8, 2003.
Area Rates
Resolution C030623
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the following area rates be set for the 2003/2004 fiscal year:
FIRE DEPARTMENT RATE
Wood’s Harbour Volunteer Fire Department $0.12/$100.00 of assessment
Shag Harbour/Bear Point Volunteer Fire Department $0.085/$100.00 of
assessment
Barrington Volunteer Fire Department $0.067/$100.00 of
assessment
Port LaTour Volunteer Fire Department $0.10/$100.00 of
assessment
Island and Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department $0.05/$100.00
of assessment
Motion carried.
Page 5, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
Sewer Service Charges
Resolution C030624
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the sewer service charges be set at the rate of $200.00 per unit for Barrington/Barrington Passage, and $275.00 per unit for Wood’s Harbour for the Fiscal Year 2003/2004.
Motion carried.
Temporary Borrowing Resolution
It was reported that it is necessary to provide for a temporary loan for the purposes of defraying the annual current expenditures of the Municipality.
Resolution C030625
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt and carried:
WHEREAS the combined total of taxes levied by the Municipality and the amounts received or to be received by the Municipality from Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada or in right of the Province of Nova Scotia or from an agency, is estimated to be $4,297,644.00. .
AND the aggregate amount of the taxes estimated to be levied for the current year will exceed $4,170,211.00. .
AND it is necessary to borrow the sum of $400,000.00 from the Royal Bank of Canada to defray the current expenditure of the Municipality which was authorized by the Council on the 25th day of June 2003, until such time as the taxes levied can be collected.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Municipal Council of the Municipality of the District of Barrington (hereinafter called the “Corporation”).
1ST THAT the Warden, with the Treasurer of the said Corporation, be and they are hereby authorized under the seal of the Corporation, to borrow from the Royal Bank of Canada the sum of $400,000.00 Dollars as the same may be required from time to time for the purpose of defraying the annual current expenditure of the Corporation.
2nd THAT the said Warden, with the Treasurer aforesaid be, and they are hereby authorized to pay or allow to the said Bank, interest on the said sum of $400,000.00 Dollars at the Bank interest rate prevailing by way of discount or otherwise howsoever as they may deem best.
3RD THAT the promissory note or notes of the said Corporation, sealed with the Corporate Seal and signed by the Warden and Treasurer of the said Corporation, be given from time to time as required in security for the amounts borrowed from time to time under the provision of this Resolution.
4TH THAT the said sum of $400,000.00 Dollars so to be borrowed shall be payable on or before the 30th day of September A.D., 2003 next, and the promissory note or notes of the said Corporation given therefore, which shall be under the seal of the Corporation, and if made payable before the said 30th day of September A.D. 2003, may be renewed by the said Warden and Treasurer from time to time, but not renewal shall fall due later than the 30th day of September next.
Page 6, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
5TH THAT the giving of such notes or renewal notes, as aforesaid, shall not be deemed satisfaction to the said Bank of the said advance or interest, but as evidence only of indebtedness.
Farm Acreage Tax
Resolution C020626
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the farm acreage tax for the year 2003/2004 fiscal year be $2.35 per acre for all land that is assessed as exempt farm land.
Motion carried.
Capital Budget
Resolution C030627
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the Capital Budget be deferred to the next regular meeting of Council.
Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Funding for Regional Library
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Elizabeth Armstrong, Chair of the Regional Public Library Funding Review Board. She is requesting that the Municipal Council convey, in writing, any issues relating to library funding which they would like the committee to take into consideration, in dealing with the Funding Review Process.
No concerns were expressed regarding funding for regional libraries.
Friends of the Library
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Treasurer of the Friends of the Library, in which she requested to know if any progress has been made regarding the new library. The letter further advised that the group is prepared to help fundraise in any way it can, but before it can start they feel they must have some commitment from the Municipality.
The Clerk informed members that a meeting of the Barrington Passage Community Club is scheduled to take place on July 2, 2003, at which time a possible site for the library will be discussed. It was suggested that we wait until the outcome of this meeting is known before we proceed.
Resolution C030628
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that a letter be written back to the President of the Friends of the Library informing them that the Municipal Council is currently investigating a possible site for the new library.
Motion carried.
Page 7, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden reported on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Finance and Administration Committee
Meeting Dates for the Month of July
Resolution C030629
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Council Meeting of July 9th, Finance and Administration Committee Meeting of July 28th and the Planning Advisory Committee Meeting of July 17th, be canceled, pending the workload.
Motion carried.
Property Listing
Resolution C030630
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality again list the property in Upper Port LaTour for sale as an MLS listing.
Motion carried.
Lighthouse Publishing Ltd. Request
Resolution C030631
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipality support the Nova Scotia Festivals, Fairs and Events CD for the year 2004 and contact the Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce to invite their participation in it.
Motion carried.
Clerk’s Pension
Resolution C030632
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that Municipal staff contact the actuarial company to ensure that the Municipal Clerk’s pension plan, in the name of J.R. Fry, is funded over the last six (6) years that are required and that any overpayments already contributed be applied to reduce the amount of payment during that time.
Motion carried.
Page 8, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
Request from the Town of Clark’s Harbour
Resolution C030633
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality provide a grant of $700.00 towards the Seniors Garden Party to be held in the Town of Clark’s Harbour during the month of August 2003.
Motion carried.
Committee Fees
Resolution C030634
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that Municipal staff redraft the by-law containing the payment of Committee Fees to take into account the activity of committees when making payments to community members.
Motion carried.
Department of Natural Resources Request Re: Owners Unknown Properties
Correspondence has been received from the Department of Natural Resources requesting the Municipality to defer any action on the collection of taxes on six (6) properties which are listed as “owners unknown”. The Department wishes time to investigate the properties to determine whether or not they wish to obtain ownership.
Resolution C030635
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality inform the Department of Natural Resources that the Municipality will follow Municipal Policy regarding the collection of taxes on “owners unknown” properties which is consistent with the Municipal Government Act.
Motion carried.
Causeway Sign
Resolution C030636
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by E. Nickerson that Municipal staff obtain an estimate for lighting the Cape Sable Island Causeway sign and for placement of landscape cloth and clear stone or grass around perimeter of the sign.
Motion carried.
UNSM
Councillor Halliday reported on the UNSM Regional Meeting held in Antigonish as well as the UNSM Conference Planning Committee Meeting.
It was agreed that boiled lobster be served at the Regional Dinner to
be held in Barrington.
Page 9, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25, 2003
Councillor Halliday also informed members that the Planning Committee is trying to arrange bus or boat tours and has asked for suggestions.
It was agreed that the Clerk would inform the CAO of the Town of Yarmouth, Ray Gallant, that the Municipality of Barrington will host a Regional Dinner consisting of lobster for 120 people. The Clerk was also instructed to inform Mr. Gallant of possible bus and/or boat tour ideas.
SST Committee
Councillor Halliday informed members that an SST Committee Meeting was held earlier today regarding the new school to be built in Barrington. She reported that the SST Committee will be the Site Selection Committee for the new school. The Municipal Council will be requested to submit three (3) possible sites for the new school. The site selection must be completed by October 2003.
Councillor Halliday requested an alternate to serve on the SST Committee in her absence. It was agreed that Deputy Warden Nickerson serve as Councillor Halliday’s alternate on the SST Committee.
Planning Advisory Committee
Municipal Sewer By-Law
Resolution C030637
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt that Mr. Anthony be advised that the Planning Advisory Committee does not recommend any change to the Municipal Sewer By-Law, No. 21.
Motion carried.
Water Supply
Resolution C030638
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality request the South West Shore Development Authority to seek funding to complete a study to find an adequate water supply both in quantity and quality for the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion carried..
Shelburne County Rifle Range Advisory Council
Councillor Smith informed members that he attended a recent meeting of the Shelburne County Rifle Range Advisory Council. Tenders for the construction of a rifle range have been called and the successful tenderer was Harlow Construction Ltd.
Emergency Measures Organization
Councillor Smith informed members that a meeting of the Emergency Measures
Organization was held on June 18, 2003. He provided a brief report
on the meeting.
Page 10, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25,
2003
Waterfront Development Committee
Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson reported on the Waterfront Development Committee Meeting held June 24, 2003. At that meeting a letter of resignation was received from Terry Zinck.
Resolution C030639
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipal Council accept the resignation of Terry Zinck with regrets.
Motion carried.
Deputy Warden Nickerson informed members that Dean T. Nickerson has expressed an interest in serving on the Waterfront Development Committee.
Resolution C030640
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Hunt that Dean T. Nickerson be appointed to serve on the Waterfront Development Committee.
Motion carried.
Deputy Warden Nickerson informed members that at the meeting discussion
also took place regarding a policy regarding commercial development and
a walkway across the causeway.
TENDERS - SALE OF MUNICIPAL PROPERTY
The Clerk informed members that an advertisement was placed in the Coast Guard Newspaper informing the public that two (2) properties will be sold by public tender. The properties are as follows:
? Assessment Account #03498239 and formerly assessed in the name of Kevin Chetwynd, located at West Baccaro
? Assessment Account #08406014 and formerly assessed in the name of Thomas Walter Ross located in Upper Port LaTour
The following two (2) tenders were received in response to the ad:
? Tender from Robie Hatfield for property at Upper Port LaTour - $100.00
? Tender from John Helenius located at West Baccaro - $3,407.00
Resolution C030641
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by W. Smith that the tender received from John Randolph Helenius in the amount of $3,407.00 for property located in West Baccaro, formerly assessed to Kevin Chetwynd, be accepted.
Motion carried.
Page 11, Continuation of the 124th Annual Council Meeting, June 25,
2003
Resolution C030642
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the tender received from Robie Hatfield, in the amount of $100.00 for the purchase of property located in Upper Port LaTour, formerly assessed to Thomas Walter Ross, be accepted.
Motion carried.
REPORT OF CLERK-TREASURER
The Clerk-Treasurer provided a detailed report on municipal staff activities
during the month of May.
DRINKING BROOK PARK
Councillor Wayne Smith informed members that the official opening of
Drinking Brook Park will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2003, at 1:00
p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by D. Hunt that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.