Minutes of the Continuation of the Annual Council Meeting held
in
the Council Chambers, in the Administrative Centre, in Barrington,
N.S., on Wednesday, June 26, 2002.
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 Fred Bower
- Councillor Louise Halliday
- Councillor Dwayne Hunt
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
It was agreed that the following items be added to the agenda:
1. Closed Session of Council Re: Sale of Municipal Property.
2. Correspondence Re: Business Occupancy Tax.
3. Community Grants.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that the minutes of the
last meeting held June 12, 2002 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
C.S.I. Causeway
It was reported that a letter has been received from Mr. Greg Newell of
the Department of Transportation and Public Works. This letter
was in response to our letter of May 30, 2002 regarding storm damage to
the Cape Sable Island Causeway. The letter advised that repairs
were carried out to the causeway following the storm of January 13,
2002. The Department has committed to undertaking a thorough
inspection of the causeway to determine if further repairs are required.
The Clerk reported that a letter was also written to the Honourable
David Collonette, Minister of Transport, requesting the evaluation of
opening a portion of the causeway to allow the natural flow of seawater
through Barrington Passage. A response has now been received from
his office which advised that all concerns were noted but that the Cape
Sable Island Causeway falls within the jurisdiction of the province.
Page 2, Continuation of 123rd Annual Council Meeting, June
26, 2002
Diversion Credits
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Town of
Clark's Harbour advising that their Town Council is in agreement that
the diversion credits should be paid directly to municipal units which
are not part of the Regional Authority.
The Clerk advised that no written response has yet been received from
the Town of Yarmouth but one is expected in the near future.
Bill No. 128
A letter has been received from the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and
Municipal Relations in response to our letter dated May 24, 2002
concerning Bill No. 128. This bill allows municipal units to
change taxation on waterfront properties. The Minister advised
that further consideration of the bill has been postponed pending
consultation with municipalities most affected by the problem of
escalating waterfront properties assessments.
Shelburne County Genealogical Society
A letter has been received from the Shelburne County Genealogical
Society thanking Council for their support of the proposal to HRDC for
funding for their School Register Project.
Visitor Information Centre
The possibility of locating the Visitor Information Centre near the
Highway 103 extension at Barrington is still being pursued. It is
hoped that additional information can be obtained and will be presented
to Council at their next meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
EMO Coordinator
It was reported that a letter has been received from Sergeant Michael
Leighton which advised that he has had the opportunity to work with
Edward Nickerson, EMO Coordinator, on a number of occasions over the
past few years. The most recent instance on May 25, 2002 involved
a forest fire on Cape Sable Island which threatened the communities of
Stoney Island and Clam Point. Many times the efforts of people go
unnoticed and the proper recognition is not given. He stated in
his letter that he would be amiss if he did not take this opportunity
to recognize Mr. Nickerson and the efforts he puts into ensuring that a
smooth transition occurs during a time of crisis. Sergeant
Leighton asked that his detachment's appreciation be conveyed to Mr.
Nickerson.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that the content of the
letter received from Sergeant Michael Leighton be conveyed to Edward
Nickerson, EMO Coordinator, and that letters of recognition also be
provided to the fire departments, Search & Rescue and the RCMP for
their efforts on May 25, 2002 involving the forest fire on Cape Sable
Island.
Motion carried.
Page 3, Continuation of the 123rd Annual Council Meeting, June 26, 2002
Restrictive Licence Plates
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Nova Scotia
Solid Waste Resource Management Regional Chairs Committee regarding the
elimination of restricted licence plates for municipal vehicles.
By general consensus, it was agreed that this matter be placed on the
next Public Works agenda for further discussion.
Municipal Solid Waste Landfill
The Clerk reported that correspondence has been received from the
Department of Environment and Labour advising that all landfills in the
province must be brought up to standards outlined in the Nova Scotia
Department of Environment Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Guidelines, by
December 31, 2005. It was noted that this does not relate to the
C & D Landfill Site located within the Municipality of Barrington.
International Gathering of the Clans
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Jean L. Watson,
Co-Chair, International Gathering Committee. The letter advised
that every four (4) years the International Gathering of the Clans is
held in Nova Scotia. They are encouraging everyone to get
involved and put on some special event between July 1st and October
4th, 2003.
It was agreed by general consensus that this matter be referred to the
Recreation and Facilities Management Committee for further discussion.
Business Occupancy Tax
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a
memo from the President of the UNSM regarding the possible elimination
of the business occupancy tax. The letter advised that at the
June 10, 2002 UNSM Executive Meeting it was agreed that all councils
should be contacted and asked for their position on the possible
elimination of the business occupancy tax. They are requesting
that responses be received no later than July 12, 2002.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday that the possible
elimination of business occupancy tax be referred to the Public Works
Committee for consideration at their meeting to be held on July 8, 2002
and that a response be sent directly to the UNSM.
Motion carried.
INTERVIEW - JERRY DIGOUT, PHYS ED TEACHER, B.M.H.S.
Mr. Jerry Digout appeared before members and requested a financial
commitment from the Municipality for the Gymnasium Enhancement to take
place at B.M.H.S. It is proposed that the gymnasium be enhanced
to a 10,500 sq. ft. facility. It is estimated to upgrade the
facility to this size would cost $300,000.00. The cost of the
enhancement does not have to be paid to the Department of Education in
one lump sum. It can be financed over a number of years.
Mr. Digout also informed members that they will be approaching Sport
Nova Scotia. Mr. Digout was asked to provide information on
financing and size of gymnasiums in other local schools, etc.
Page 4, Continuation of the 123rd Annual Council Meeting, June 26, 2002
It was agreed that this matter be placed on the next Finance Agenda for
further discussion.
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Mr. Alain Muise of Saxton Comeau appeared before the meeting and
presented audited financial statements for the Municipality of
Barrington for the year ending March 31, 2002. Each member was
also provided with a copy of a statement of operations showing
comparative figures for the last five (5) years. Mr. Muise
reviewed both documents in detail with members. The year end
result was a deficit of $19,696.00.
Mr. Muise was then thanked for appearing before Council and making his
presentation.
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 a brief summary of the
2002/2003 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.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by L. Halliday 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 2002/2003 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, Four Hundred
Seventy-six Thousand, Eight Hundred Twenty-six Dollars ($3,476,826.00);
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipal Council hereby authorizes the
levying and collecting of a rate for the current year of Two Dollars
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 2002/2003
shall become due and payable on July 1, 2002, 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 9,
2002.
Page 5, Continuation of the 123rd Annual Meeting of Council, June 26,
2002
Area Rates
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson that the following area
rates be set for the 2002/2003 fiscal year:
DISTRICT AREA
CODE RATE
District 5B
F1
$0.10/$100.00 of assessment
District 5E
F2
$0.09/$100.00 of assessment
District 7W, 6W & 6E F5 &
F6 $0.05/$100.00 of assessment
District 7E
F3
$0.08/$100.00 of assessment
District 8
F4
$0.03/$100.00 of assessment
Motion carried.
Sewer Service Charges
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by D. Hunt 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 2002/2003.
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.
Moved by L. Halliday 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 $4,050,490.00.
AND the aggregate amount of the taxes estimated to be levied for the
current year will exceed $3,928,337.00.
AND it is necessary to borrow the sum of $400,000.00 from the Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce to defray the current expenditure of the
Municipality which was authorized by the Council on the 26th day of
June 2002, 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 Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce 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.
Page 6, Continuation of the 123rd Annual Meeting of Council, June 26,
2002
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., 2002 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. 2002, 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.
Farm Acreage Tax
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by F. Bower that the farm acreage tax for
the year 2002/2003 fiscal year be $2.30 per acre for all land that is
assessed as exempt farm land.
Motion carried.
Capital Budget
Moved by D. Hunt and seconded by L. Halliday that the Capital Budget be
deferred to another meeting of Council.
Motion carried.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden provided a brief summary of his activities since the last
meeting of Council.
He reported that on June 17, 2002 he was scheduled to attend the
official opening of the Barrington Developmental Residence but failed
to do so. It was agreed that a letter of apology be forwarded to
the Shelburne County Adult Sheltered Workshop Board. This letter
is to be signed by the Warden.
The Warden also informed members that he attended an RDA Meeting on
June 19, 2002 and attended the official opening of the River Hills Golf
and Country Club on June 25, 2002.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Public Works Committee
Page 7, Continuation of the 123rd Annual Meeting of Council, June 26,
2002
Barrington Regional Curling Club Request
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Barrington
Regional Curling Club be permitted to obtain up to five (5) loads of
gravel from Municipal gravel pits located on the Ridge Road providing
they supply the trucks to transport the gravel and notify the Municipal
Clerk prior to obtaining the gravel so that the transportation of
gravel may be monitored.
Motion carried.
Commercial Waste Collection
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipal Waste
Collection Contract be amended to allow the Municipal Contractor to
enter private property to collect commercial waste at no cost to the
Municipality.
During discussion of this motion many questions were raised.
A point of order was raised since on May 22, 2002 a motion was passed
stating: "that the Municipal Collector only collect garbage placed at
roadside and not be permitted to collect commercial waste on private
property of commercial operators".
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Hunt that the above motion be
tabled and that the Municipal Solicitor be contacted for legal advice
on the above motion.
Motion carried.
Request for Portable Toilet
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that an additional grant
of up to $500.00 be provided to the Chapel Hill Museum out of the
District 2 Community Grants Fund for the purpose of renting a portable
toilet.
Motion carried.
Clam Point Tourist Rest Stop
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by D. Hunt that the Municipality
complete the work on the Clam Point Tourist Rest Stop at a cost not to
exceed the funds that have been placed in reserve from the District 5
Community Grant Fund for this purpose; that is, the cost of the work is
not to exceed the funds that are now available from the Municipality.
Motion carried.
Planning Advisory Committee
Mike Hennigar - Proposal for Residential Development on Butler's Road
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by L. Halliday that the Municipality
extend the municipal trunk sewer line up Butler's Road a distance of
approximately 1,000 feet to the developer's property providing the
developer pays 50% of the cost of installation and construction and
providing that the maximum amount paid by the Municipality would be 50%
of the installation and construction costs or $50,000.00, whichever is
least.
Page 8, Continuation of the 123rd Annual Meeting of Council, June 26,
2002
Much discussion took place regarding this motion.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by E. Nickerson that the above motion be
tabled until further information is obtained.
Motion carried.
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that Municipal Staff verify
the estimates of the developer or provide alternative estimates of
revenues to be received by the Municipality from the extension of the
sewer line up Butler's Road.
Motion carried.
Community Health Care Advisory Committee
Deputy Warden Nickerson provided a brief update on the last meeting of
the Community Health Care Advisory Committee.
C,S.I. Sewer Committee
Deputy Warden Nickerson provided a brief update on the Cape Sable
Island Sewer Committee Meeting held June 19, 2002.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipality
proceed to develop a proposal for installation of a sewer system on all
of Cape Sable Island within the Municipality of Barrington.
Motion carried.
COMMUNITY GRANTS
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by D. Hunt that the Seaview Cemetery
Company be provided with a grant of $2,000.00 from the District 4
Community Grant Fund for the purpose of maintenance and repairs to the
Cape Negro Church.
Motion carried.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by W. Smith that the West Baccaro
Cemetery Group be provided with a grant of $1,200.00 from the District
4 Community Grant Fund for the purpose of providing maintenance and
repairs to the cemetery.
Motion carried.
Moved by A. Atkinson and seconded by F. Bower that the Archelaus Smith
Museum be provided with a grant of $2,000.00 from the District 6
Community Grant Fund for the purpose of carrying out repairs on the
museum.
Motion carried.
Page 9, Continuation of the 123rd Annual Meeting of Council, June 26,
2002
CLOSED SESSION OF COUNCIL
A closed session of Council was held to deal with the sale of municipal
property.
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Wayne Smith declared conflict of interest and vacated his
seat.
The Council Meeting was called back to order and Councillor Smith
rejoined the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
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