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 with the exception of Deputy Warden Nickerson. It is expected that Deputy Warden Nickerson will be arriving shortly.
- Warden Louise Halliday
- Deputy Warden Eddie Nickerson (7:04 p.m.)
- Councillor George El-Jakl
- Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
- Councillor Wilford Smith
- Councillor Larry Stewart
- Councillor Sean Strang
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
It was agreed that the following item be added to the agenda:
- Bay Side Home Corporation Land Conveyance.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held June 11, 2007, and the Special Council Meeting held June 18, 2007, be approved as circulated.
Motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Request from Barrington Area Soccer Association
The Barrington Area Soccer Association has forwarded a completed application for a Special Events Permit. The Association is requesting permission to locate a canteen at the Richard Swaine Track & Field in Barrington Passage. The canteen will be on site from June 25th to September 10th, 2007. A cheque has also been received from the Association in the amount of $100.00 covering the permit fee. A letter has also been received from the Association requesting that the permit fee of $100.00 be waived.
Page 2, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
Resolution C070618
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by S. Strang that the Special Events Permit application be approved subject to the requirements of the by-law being met and that the Municipality not waive the license fee of $100.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION NAVIGATOR
At this time Diane Saulnier, Immigration Information Navigator for the South West Shore Development Authority, appeared before the meeting. She informed members that she is currently preparing a welcome kit, organizing social events and training, delivering presentations to councillors, Health Board staff, schools, etc. Her major goal has been identified as the retention of immigrants; her biggest challenge is identifying the immigrants.
Ms. Saulnier was then thanked for appearing before Council and making her presentation.
CONTINUATION OF MATTERS ARISING
B.M.H.S. Parking
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a copy of an email received from Benny Acker, Operations Supervisor. The letter advised that Joe Crowell, District Traffic Supervisor of the Department of Transportation, has approved a “no parking” area fifty metres around the bus entrance to allow busses in and out of B.M.H.S. He has also asked their operation forces to eliminate the wide shoulder where vehicles are parking perpendicular to the road.
Resolution C070619
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by W. Smith that a copy of the information received from Benny Acker, Operations Supervisor of the Department of Transportation, be forwarded to Angus Atkinson since he was the one who initially brought this concern to Council’s attention.
Motion carried unanimously.
Shelburne Historical Society
The Clerk informed members that correspondence has now been received from the Shelburne Historical Society which advised that a member of each council on their board helps them to better serve the whole County. Their complex consists of four (4) museums, one of which is the Shelburne County Museum, which has served the schools and the whole County for many years. This same museum is the only distribution point on the South Shore for the multi-media school loan kits which have for many years been used by all the schools in the County. Currently they have representation from the Municipality of Shelburne, the Town of Lockeport and the Town of Shelburne. They are now requesting that they have representation from the Municipality of Barrington as well.
Page 3, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
Resolution C070620
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Shelburne Historical Society be advised that councillors do not normally sit on boards of historical societies. There are currently four (4) historical societies located within the Municipality of Barrington with no Council representation. Societies are encouraged to bring forward any concerns they may have.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Audited Financial Report
Mr. Doug Drane, of Redding & Drane, appeared before the meeting and presented audited financial statements for the Municipality for the year ending March 31, 2007. Each member was also provided with a copy of a Statement of Operations showing comparative figures for the last five years. For the year ended March 31, 2007 the Municipality realized a deficit of $19,788.00.
Mr. Drane was thanked for appearing before Council and making his presentation.
CORRESPONDENCE
Industrial Park Study
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations regarding our request for financial support for a study to determine a location for a Municipally sponsored industrial park. The letter advised that his department does not have grants available to support the studies we are contemplating, but believes that this initiative is more in line with the mandate of the Department of Economic Development. He is, therefore, forwarding our correspondence to The Honourable Richard Hurlburt for his review.
Civic Addressing System
In advance to the meeting each member was provided with a copy of a letter received from the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office. The letter advised that the Emergency Management Office, in cooperation with Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, is implementing a program which will include trails, rail lines and road intersections with gas pipeline corridors in the civic addressing system to facilitate emergency response. During discussion of this matter it was noted that the letter made reference to 40% of 911 calls being made from cellular phones. This generated some discussion regarding the poor TMR and cellular coverage in this area.
It was suggested that a resolution be drafted dealing with 911 and the cellular/TMR coverage in the area for presentation to the UNSM Conference.
Arena Fundraising Committee
The Clerk informed members that the Arena Fundraising Committee has recently forwarded a cheque in the amount of $15,000.00 to be applied towards their interest free loan, which brings the balance outstanding to $5,000.00 which they hope to repay by the end of this year.
Page 4, 128th Annual Meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
REPORT OF COUNCILLORS
Councillor George El-Jakl
Councillor El-Jakl gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Councillor LeBlanc-Messenger gave a brief report on her activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor Larry Stewart
Councillor Stewart gave a brief report on his activities since the last meeting of Council.
Councillor Sean Strang
Councillor Strang brought forward the following recommendations of the Committee of the Whole.
Occupational Health & Safety Procedures
Resolution C070621
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the proposed safe work practices Re: spills at the Household Hazardous Waste Depot, and contingency plans for emergency events at the Construction and Demolition Debris Disposal Site, be added to the safety procedures for the C & D Landfill Site.
Motion carried unanimously.
Community Health Care Expansion
Resolution C070622
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality confirm, in writing, to Dr. O’Connor that two exam rooms, together with office space for his secretary and office space for Dr. O’Connor, will be provided to him in the Community Health Centre.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 5, 128th Annual Meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
Archelaus Smith Museum
Resolution C070623
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality pay for and provide a portable toilet to the Archelaus Smith Museum each summer while it is in operation.
Motion carried unanimously.
Labour Standards Code
Resolution C070624
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith 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 one half (1/2) hour unpaid break.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Resolution C070625
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that all Municipal employees be required to take vacation as required by the Labour Standards Code of Nova Scotia.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Page 6, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
Resolution C070626
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Stewart that vacation entitlement over and above what is required by the Labour Standards Code of Nova Scotia may be paid upon mutual agreement of the employee and the Municipality.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Eddie Nickerson
Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Estimate of Revenues and Expenditures for 2007/08
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a complete copy of the proposed budget, as well as a brief summary of the 2007/2008 Operating Budget for the Municipality of Barrington.
A power point presentation was then made by the Municipal Clerk providing an overview of the budget.
During the Clerk’s presentation it was noted that the province has announced that Nova Scotia residents who own eligible residential or resource properties, that have market value increases more than the Nova Scotia Consumer Price Index, will be considered for the CAP Program without having to apply. With the CAP rate set at CPI, it is anticipated that over 300,000 properties in the Province will be eligible for the CAP.
The Municipal Clerk was thanked for making his presentation to Council.
COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS CONTINUED
Committee of the Whole
Budget Review
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the Community Grants be increased to a level of $4,000.00 per district, totaling $28,000.00, and that $5,000.00 be included in the current year’s fiscal budget to install a dry hydrant in the Port LaTour fire district and that sufficient funds be included in the budget for the restoration of the Old Telephone Office should Council deem this necessary.
Page 7, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
Resolution C070627
Moved by D. Messenger and seconded by E. Nickerson that the above motion be deferred until later in the meeting.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Larry Stewart
Louise Halliday Sean Strang
Eddie Nickerson
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Wilford Smith
Motion carried.
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by L. Stewart that the sewer charge in the Barrington Sewer System be raised to $275.00 per unit and that the sewer charge in Wood’s Harbour Sewer System be raised to $320.00 per unit so that the revenues from the sewer systems will cover all costs of the related systems.
The Warden turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden in order that she could address this motion.
After addressing the motion, the Warden resumed the chair.
Much discussion took place regarding the above motion.
The Warden once again turned the Chair over to the Deputy Warden.
The Warden once again addressed the motion.
The Warden resumed the Chair.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Messenger that the above motion be amended to take the cost of the sewage pumps out of the budget and raise rates accordingly and add any deficit incurred this year to next years’ budget.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger George El-Jakl
Eddie Nickerson Louise Halliday
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion defeated.
Page 8, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
The original motion was then considered.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Wilford Smith George El-Jakl
Larry Stewart Louise Halliday
Sean Strang Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Motion defeated.
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that the sewer service charges remain the same as they were last year, and that taxes be increased to defray extra costs.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Louise Halliday
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion defeated.
CONTINUATION OF NEW BUSINESS
Area Fire Rates
Resolution C070628
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Strang that the following area rates be set for 2007/2008 fiscal year:
Wood’s Harbour Volunteer Fire Department $0.12/$100.00 of assessment
Shag Harbour/Bear Point Volunteer Fire Department $0.097/$100.00 of assessment
Barrington Volunteer Fire Department $0.044/$100.00 of assessment
District 8 Port LaTour Volunteer Fire Department $0.079/$100.00 of assessment
Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department $0.102/$100.00 of assessment
Port Clyde Volunteer Fire Department $0.087/$100.00 of assessment
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 9, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
Temporary Borrowing Resolution
Resolution C070629
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by W. Smith that:
WHEREAS the combined total of taxes levied by the Municipality and the amounts received or to be received the Municipality from Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Canada or in right of the Province of Nova Scotia or from an agency, is estimated to be $4,572,877.00.
AND the aggregate amount of the taxes estimated to be levied for the current year will exceed $4,477,750.00.
AND it is necessary to borrow the sum of $1,000,000.00 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 2007, 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 $1,000,000.00 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 $1,000,000.00 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 the Resolution.
4TH THAT the said sum of $1,000,000.00 Dollars so to be borrowed shall be payable on or before the 30th day of September A.D., 2007, 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. 2007, may be renewed by the said Warden and Treasurer from time to time, but no renewal shall fall due later than the 30th day of September next.
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.
Motion carried unanimously.
Page 10, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
Farm Acreage Tax
Resolution C070630
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by G. El-Jakl that the Farm Acreage Tax for the year 2007/2008 fiscal year be $2.57 per acre for all land that is assessed as exempt farm land.
Motion carried unanimously.
Tax Sale Report
The Clerk informed members that on June 18, 2007 a Tax Sale was held which resulted in 28 properties being sold. Four properties were bought by the Municipality. It is hoped that the majority of these properties will be redeemed during the six month redemption period.
Bay Side Home - Land
The Clerk questioned the amount of land that the Municipality was prepared to convey to Bay Side Home Corporation for their expansion. Council had previously agreed to donate land but the amount of land has never been decided upon.
Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by L. Stewart that the Municipality wait until the architect determines the amount of land required for the expansion.
Resolution C070631
Moved by S. Strang and seconded by E. Nickerson that the above motion be deferred to the Committee of the Whole.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Louise Halliday George El-Jakl
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Wilford Smith
Larry Stewart
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
It was agreed that the property survey be reviewed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
Moved by E. Nickeson and seconded by D. Messenger that the 128th Annual Meeting of the Barrington Municipal Council be adjourned and reconvened Tuesday, July 3, 2007.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
George El-Jakl Wilford Smith
Louise Halliday Larry Stewart
Donna LeBlanc-Messenger
Eddie Nickerson
Sean Strang
Motion carried.
Page 11, 128th Annual Meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, June 25, 2007
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by E. Nickerson that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
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