The meeting was called to order by the Warden at 7:00 p.m with the following members present:
- Warden Sterling Belliveau
- Deputy Warden Fred Bower
- Councillor Angus Atkinson
- Councillor Eddie Nickerson
- Councillor Wayne Smith
- Councillor Steven Stoddart
- Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk
- Lesa Rossetti, Deputy Clerk
Councillor Tina Wickens was absent due to her son's graduation and work commitments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the minutes of the meeting held June 14, 2000 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by A. Atkinson that the minutes of the Emergency Meeting held June 20, 2000 be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Building Inspector
At the June 5, 2000 meeting of the Hiring Committee, it was decided that the recommendation from the Hiring Committee be deferred until the Council meeting of June 28, 2000, so that additional information could be obtained in the interim regarding participation in the Joint Services Board, operated by the three (3) municipal units in Eastern Shelburne County.
Participation in the Joint Services Board has now been investigated and the Joint Services Board has advised of the following:
"It was the decision of both the Board and Council in consultation with the Inspection Department that our present staff workload does not permit us to take on any additional responsibility; i.e. building inspection services for another larger municipal unit."
Discussion then took place regarding the two applicants who were interviewed for the Building Inspector position.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by A. Atkinson that a letter be written to both applicants interviewed, advising them that a decision has not yet been made by the Municipal Council.
Motion carried.
Page 2, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the hiring of a building inspector be placed on the Public Works agenda for further discussion.
Motion carried.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mr. Frank Anderson from the South West Shore Development Authority appeared before Council. He informed Council that there is funding available under the FRAM program to carry out a feasibility study on a Visitor Information Centre. He informed Council that in order to proceed with an application for funding, it is necessary to first prepare the Terms of Reference.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the South West Shore Development Authority, in consultation with the Municipal Clerk, prepare the Terms of Reference and present them to Council for approval.
Motion carried.
CAPE SABLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mrs. Marjory Weeks of the Cape Sable Historical Society appeared before the meeting. She informed Council of an accident that took place in the Old Court House on May 25, 2000. There was a problem with the toilet on the second level which resulted in water leaking down through the ceiling of the office occupied by the Historical Society. Materials stored in the office were damaged by the water. The Society is not requesting compensation for damages, but instead are requesting to be notified immediately if a similar situation should occur in the future.
This accident occurred on May 25, 2000 but was not discovered by the Society until May 30, 2000. No attempt was made by the Municipal Office to inform the Society of the problem. The Society feels that if they had been notified immediately, damage would have been minimal. The Clerk informed Council that there was some confusion over who was to notify the Society and, therefore, unfortunately they were not notified.
A general discussion then took place regarding the damages suffered by the Cape Sable Historical Society in the amount of $474.00.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson that the Municipal Insurance Company be contacted to determine whether this type of a situation is covered through the Municipal Insurance. If so, then a claim be made to reimburse the Cape Sable Historical Society.
Motion carried.
Page 3, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
CORRESPONDENCE
Future of Shelburne Harbour
On June 14, 2000, a letter was written to the Honourable David Collenette expressing Council's support of the letter written by the Municipality of Shelburne expressing concern regarding Shelburne Harbour. A response has now been received from the office of the Minister of Transport which advised that Transport Canada is currently in the fifth year of a six year port
divestiture program that aims to transfer regional/local public ports to other federal departments, provincial governments or to community and local groups. The department's objectives are quite similar to those of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in this respect.
The letter further advised that it appears that traffic and revenues are increasing significantly at the wharf and there is no doubt that there will be significant economic development opportunities in the coming years if the facility is managed properly and by local officials.
Rural Mailboxes
The Clerk advised that a response has now been received from Canada Post regarding the delivery of mail to rural route mailboxes located in Smithsville and Newellton areas. The letter advised that as a Crown Corporation they must be mindful of their expenses. It would be additional costs to serve individual rural mailboxes. It is, as well, more efficient to serve customers in group mailboxes which have the added feature of secured mail in that locks to individual boxes are used.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson that Canada Post be requested to include in their next contract house-to-house delivery of mail in rural mailboxes in the Smithsville and Newellton areas.
Motion carried.
Fisheries Resolution
The Clerk reported that two (2) responses have been received regarding our resolution dealing with the regulation of the fishery in South Western Nova Scotia. One response was received from MP Gerald Keddy and the other response was received from the Town of Yarmouth, both in support of the resolution.
Fisheries Centre
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Municipality of Shelburne advising that the Municipal Council unanimously supports the efforts of the Municipality of Barrington to have a Fisheries Training School developed and located in western Shelburne County.
Rural Roads
The Clerk reported that a letter has now been received from the Office of the Minister of Transport, in response to our letter dated April 18, 2000, regarding the condition of rural roads in Nova Scotia. The letter advised that the Federal Government continues to work in partnership with the provinces and territories to improve Canada's highways. Together, they identify those parts of the National Highway System which, because of growing traffic and increasing trade, need immediate attention.
Page 4, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
The new infrastructure program will therefore include both municipal and strategic highway infrastructure. The highway component of the program will foster innovative techniques and multiple partnerships that will increase the efficiency and safety of the National Transportation System as well as enhance its sustainability and reliability.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that a letter be written to the Premier asking whether the province will be a funding partner in the new infrastructure program, and if so, at what level.
Motion carried.
Privatization of Nova Scotia Liquor Commission
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from Joan Jessome, President, N.S.G.E.U. which was read. The letter expressed concerns of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union as it relates to the privatization of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission.
Roseway Hospital
The Clerk reported that a copy of a letter has been received from the Department of Health, which was addressed to MLA Cecil O'Donnell, regarding Roseway Hospital. The letter advised that the Roseway Hospital will not close.
School Library Services
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Steven Stoddart declared conflict of interest, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
The Clerk advised that a copy of a letter had been received from the Municipality of Shelburne which was addressed to the South West Regional School Board regarding school library services. The Municipality of Shelburne is concerned that the school library services in Shelburne County are being jeopardized by the School Board's equity plan for school library staffing. The Municipality of Shelburne does not wish to see library service to any of our schools either reduced or eliminated.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipal Council support the letter received from the Municipality of Shelburne regarding school library services in Shelburne County.
Motion carried.
Councillor Steven Stoddart then returned to his seat.
Highway #103 By-pass
The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from the Department of Natural Resources advising that since the construction of the Highway #103 By-pass, the department's enforcement staff have been taking action enforcement measures in the area. A number of charges have been laid by enforcement staff since public have gained access to the by-pass. Charges include jacking deer, possession of uncased rifles, loading firearms in a vehicle, etc.
Page 5, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Finance Committee
Shelburne County Mutual Aid Association
WHEREAS members of the Finance and Administration Committee wish to support the efforts of the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Association to obtain an adequate training facility;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the Municipal Clerk approach the Federal Department of Public Works Government Services Canada in an effort to purchase the Loran site and the GATR site in Baccaro at a cost of $1.00 each.
Motion carried unanimously.
Family Violence Program
WHEREAS it is the general consensus of members that the Family Violence Program is a worthwhile program that should be continued and it is the consensus of members that this program should be funded by all municipal units involved;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the Family Violence Program be kept in place for one (1) year if all five (5) municipal units in Shelburne County agree to share equally in its funding, and if agreement can be obtained that a steering committee would be set up of the stakeholders involved to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the program.
Motion carried unanimously.
Safe Grad Request
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by A. Atkinson that a grant in the amount of $200.00 be provided to the Safe Grad Committee of the Barrington Municipal High School.
Motion carried.
Commercial Equipment
Conflict of Interest
Councillor Eddie Nickerson declared conflict of interest, vacated his seat and proceeded to the spectator area.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the commercial equipment tax be charged to the assessed property owners for the coming year.
Motion carried unanimously.
Councillor Eddie Nickerson then returned to his seat.
Page 6, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
Employee increments
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Public Works Supervisor, Mr. Rodney Shand, be paid his annual increment in the amount of $775.00.
Motion carried.
The Clerk reported that satisfactory evaluations have been carried out on the following employees: Thelma Ross, Samuel Nickerson, Ken Richardson and Ken Bangay.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that Thelma Ross, Samuel Nickerson, Ken Richardson and Ken Bangay be paid their annual increment.
Motion carried.
.
Since Mr. Willis Nickerson has been experiencing difficulties in his duties as Deputy Keeper of Lock- up, it was agreed that he be retrained and in three (3) months once again be considered for his increment.
REPORT OF WARDEN
The Warden provided a brief report on his activities from May 25, 2000 to June 27, 2000.
He reported that on June 23, 2000 he, the Clerk and officials from the Town of Clark's Harbour met with the Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia regarding the suspension of Dr. Blair.
On June 27, 2000 the same delegation met with the Minister of Health regarding Dr. Blair.
Notes on both of these meetings have been circulated to members.
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, 2000.
In advance to the meeting each member of council was provided with a copy of the audited financial statements.
Mr. Muise provided each member of Council with a copy of the statement of operations which showed comparative figures for the last five (5) years.
The audited financial statements and the statement of operations were reviewed in detail. Mr. Muise advised that the year end result was a surplus of $48,634.00.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the audited financial statements as presented by Alain Muise of Saxton Comeau be accepted.
Motion carried.
Page 7, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
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 2000/2001 Operating Budget for the municipality.
The summary was reviewed page by page with the Clerk providing explanations.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower 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
2000/01, 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, Two
Hundred Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred Twenty Nine Dollars ($3,207,729.00).
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 2000/01 shall become due
and payable on July 1, 2000, and after that date rates and taxes unpaid 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 11, 2000
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the following area rates be set for the 2000/2001 fiscal year:
DISTRICT AREA CODE RATE
District 5B F1 $0.100/$100.00 of assessment
District 5E F2 $0.095/$100.00 of assessment
District 6W and portion of 6E F6 $0.035/$100.00 of assessment
District 7W and portion of 6E F5 $0.043/$100.00 of assessment
District 7E F3 $0.029/$100.00 of assessment
District 8 F4 $0.034/$100.00 of assessment
Motion carried.
Page 8, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
Sewer Service Charge
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the sewer service charge be set at the rate of $125.00 per unit for Barrington/Barrington Passage, and $275.00 per unit for Wood's Harbour, for the fiscal year 2000/2001.
Motion carried.
Temporary Borrowing Resolution
The Clerk reported that it is necessary to provide for a temporary loan from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce for the purposes of defraying the annual current expenditures of the municipality.
Moved by F. Bower and seconded by A. Atkinson 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 $3,624,130.00.
AND the aggregate amount of the taxes estimated to be levied for the current year will exceed
$3,507,030.00.
AND it is necessary to borrow the sum of $400,000.00 from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce to defray the current expenditure of the Municipality which was authorized by the Council on the 28thday of June 2000, 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.
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., 2000 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. 2000, 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.
Page 9, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
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.
Partial Tax Exemption - Non-profit Organizations
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by S. Stoddart that the Clerk be authorized to adjust the tax accounts on property shown on Schedule A of By-law #25 to an amount of taxes equal to the amount receivable if the properties had been assessed as residential and rated at $1.08 rather than $2.04/$100.00 of assessed value for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, and also that all organizations contained in Schedule A of By-law #25 receive a one-third reduction in their general municipal taxes, only after applying the adjustment due to the reduction from the commercial rate to the residential equivalency.
Motion carried.
Farm Acreage Tax
Moved by W. Smith and seconded by F. Bower that the Farm Acreage Tax for the 2000/2001 fiscal year be $2.16 per acre for all land that is assessed as exempt farm land.
Motion carried.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM
At the June 14, 2000 Council Meeting, members were given notice that amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Program would be considered at tonight's meeting.
It is proposed that the program be amended to include safety procedures regarding the use of safety vests by the Public Works Department and a fire evacuation plan for the Administrative Centre.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by F. Bower that the proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Program dealing with safety procedures regarding the use of safety vests by the Public Works Department and a fire evacuation plan for the Administrative Centre be approved as presented.
Motion carried.
BAY VISTA APARTMENTS
It was agreed that this matter be deleted for the time being.
FRAM CRITERIA
Since this was an item that was added by Councillor Wickens it was agreed that the matter be deferred until the next meeting of Council.
Page 10, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
GUARANTEED LINE OF CREDIT - BAY SIDE HOME
It was agreed that this matter be deferred to the next meeting of Council.
PROPERTY ADJACENT TO BARRINGTON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL
Councillor Stoddart informed members that he has received a call from a resident expressing concern that a cow was recently put down and buried on the property of Lynn Nickerson. The property is located adjacent to the Barrington Consolidated School.
The Department of Environment carried out an inspection on the property and the report focused on the mound of manure and not the matter concerning the cow that was put down and buried on the property.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipal Council contact the veterinarian that put the cow down to get clarification as to the reason why.
Motion carried.
BARRINGTON POST OFFICE
Councillor Stoddart advised that he had received a letter from the Cape Sable Historical Society expressing concern regarding the Post Office located in Barrington being closed between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that a letter be written to Dan MacDonald, Retail Representative, Canada Post, requesting that the Barrington Post Office not be closed between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and that the office remain open for the full day.
Motion carried unanimously.
TOURISM BROCHURE
The Clerk reported that it is time to order a new supply of the Tourism Brochure.
Moved by E. Nickerson and seconded by W. Smith that the Clerk redraft the brochure and bring it back to council for approval.
Motion carried.
BARRINGTON REGIONAL CURLING CLUB
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with the copy of a letter from Richard Nickerson, President of the Barrington Regional Curling Club, concerning the use of grant funds for the curling facility.
Page 11, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
It was agreed that the letter from Mr. Nickerson be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.
CONTINUATION OF COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS
Finance
Curling Club
WHEREAS members wish to obtain all possible alternative funding to defray the cost of the construction of the curling club;
THEREFORE it is moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the municipality apply for funding of carpenters helpers' trainees through Human Resources Development Canada for a twelve (12) week program during the construction of the curling club.
Motion carried.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by W. Smith that the name of the curling club facility officially be the Barrington Regional Curling Club.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the $24,000.00 received from the Sport and Recreation Commission for the purpose of construction of the curling club not be forwarded to the Barrington Regional Curling Club.
Motion carried.
It was the general consensus of members that any grant money received to be applied towards the construction of the curling club will not reduce the amount of $687,950.00 committed by the Municipal Council.
The Clerk reported that there is a possibility that funding may be obtained through the Community Access-ability Grant for the construction of wheelchair ramps at both the curling club and the arena.
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by E. Nickerson that the Municipal Clerk apply for funding through the Community Access-ability Program Grant to provide for wheelchair ramps at the Curling Club and the Barrington Municipal Arena.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was also suggested that an application be made through the Community Access-ability Program for an elevator to be installed in the Old Court House.
Page 12, Council Meeting, June 28, 2000
CAPITAL BUDGET - 2000/2001
In advance to the meeting each member of Council was provided with a copy of the Capital Budget for the year 2000/2001. The estimated project cost is $1,372,328.00 and projects include the following:
- Curling Club
- Visitor Information Centre
- C & D Landfill Site
- Library
- Green Carts
- Sewer Study
- North East Point Property
- Heliport
Estimated project costs are $1,372,328.00.
Anticipated items for the capital budget for the year 2001/2002 include:
- Cape Sable Island Sewer System
- New Telephone System for the Municipal Offices
Estimated project cost is $3,007,500.00
Moved by S. Stoddart and seconded by F. Bower that the Capital Budget for the year 2000/2001 be approved in the amount of $1,372,328.00.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by F. Bower that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
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