Municipality of the District of Clare
COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 7:00 pm
Meeting held at 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook
PRESENT: Council: Deputy Warden Eric Pothier, Councillors Nil Doucet, Danny Hill, Philippe Gaudet, Brian Comeau, and Nadine Comeau
Staff: CAO, Stéphane Cyr, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks, Communications Officer, Amy Paradis, Director of Finance, Ginette Cheff, and Tourism Manager, Larry Peach
Presenters: Allister Surette, Université Sainte-Anne
ABSENT: Warden Yvon LeBlanc and Councillor Carl Deveau
1) Call to Order
In the absence of Warden LeBlanc, Deputy Warden Pothier chaired the meeting.
The Deputy Warden called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2) Approval of the Agenda
The CAO asked that the following items be added to the agenda:
- 7.12 New Road Name – Remi Lane
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the proposed agenda be approved with the above noted addition.
MOTION CARRIED
3) Declaration of Conflict of Interest.
The Deputy Warden declared a conflict of interest with item 7.5 Wastewater Infrastructure, Sunset Road.
4) Presentations
4.1 Concept Plan for Rendez-vous de la Baie and Centre acadien – Allister Surette, Université Sainte-Anne
Allister Surette, President of Université Sainte-Anne, presented the concept plan for site improvements at the Rendez-Vous de la Baie and the Centre Acadien. (
See attached) The goal of this project is to modernize the space. Mr. Surette confirmed it is a priority for the University. A committee comprised of representatives from Université Sainte-Anne, the Municipality, Inclusion Clare, and le Conseil des Arts de la Baie worked closely with Jost + Architects to create this plan. The estimated project cost is between $2.3M to $3.0M. In terms of next steps, the University will be proceeding to the detailed design phase, with the hope of beginning the physical site improvements in 2023 and completing the project ahead of the CMA 2024.
The Deputy Warden thanked Mr. Surette for his presentation.
5) Staff Reports
5.1 Financial Update – Director of Finance, Ginette Cheff
The Director of Finance provided an overview of the Municipality’s financial position. (See attached)
6) Business arising from Previous Meetings
None.
7) New Business
7.1 Request for Proposals – Detailed Design, Wentworth Lake Park
An RFP was issued for the detailed design phase of the Wentworth Lake Park Project. The RFP closed on February 25, 2022. Two bids were received. Following a review of the bids, the CAO and staff are recommending Council accept the proposal from Upland Planning + Design Studio in the amount of $34,696 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend accepting the proposal from Upland Planning + Design Studio for the detailed design of Wentworth Lake Park in the amount of $34,696 plus HST.
MOTION CARRIED
7.2 Request for Proposals – Detailed Design, Cape Saint Mary Viewing Platforms
An RFP was issued for the detailed design phase of the Cape Saint Mary Viewing Platforms. The RFP closed on February 25, 2022. Two bids were received. Following a review of the bids, the CAO and staff are recommending Council accept the proposal from Varcon Inc. in the amount of $35,320 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Brian Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend accepting the proposal from Varcon Inc. for the detailed design of the Cape Saint Mary viewing platforms in the amount of $35,320 plus HST.
MOTION CARRIED
7.3 Request for Proposals – Boundary Review
The Municipality issued an RFP for completion of a municipal boundary review, as mandated by the NSUARB. The closing date for this RFP was February 25, 2022. A total of two bids were received. Following a review of the bids, the CAO is recommending Council accept the proposal from C + D Community Design Inc. in the amount of $16,000 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Brian Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend accepting the proposal from
C + D Community Design Inc. for the municipal boundary review in the amount of $16,000 plus HST.
MOTION CARRIED
7.4 Construction of a 30' x 50' Storage Building, Transfer Station
In response to the call for applications under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Municipality will be applying for funding to aid with the construction of a 30’ x 50’ storage building at the transfer station, as well as the purchase and installation of a fire alarm within the existing transfer station. The total estimated cost for this project is $240,000 plus HST. As per the stated program criteria, the combined allowable federal / provincial contribution is 73% of eligible project costs, with the Municipality responsible for the remaining 27%. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2022. In an effort to strengthen the Municipality’s application, the CAO is seeking confirmation of the required 27% contribution, up to a maximum of $64,800 plus HST, beforehand. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend contributing 27% of the cost of construction for a 30' x 50' storage building and fire detection system at the Transfer Station, up to a maximum of $64,800 plus HST, and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
7.5 Wastewater Infrastructure, Sunset Road
Councillor Nil Doucet chaired the meeting for this item.
In response to the same call for applications under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Municipality will also be applying for funding to aid with the extension of its wastewater infrastructure along the Sunset Road, as an incentive for housing development. The total estimated cost for this project is $1,000,000 plus HST. As per the stated program criteria, the combined allowable federal / provincial contribution is 73% of eligible project costs, with the Municipality responsible for the remaining 27%. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2022. In an effort to strengthen the Municipality’s application, the CAO is seeking confirmation of the required 27% contribution, up to a maximum of $270,000 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend contributing 27% of the proposed wastewater infrastructure extension project for Sunset Road, up to a maximum of $270,000 plus HST, and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
7.6 New Road Name – Oceanview Drive
The Deputy Warden returned to chair the meeting.
The Municipality was approached to name a private road. All three of the affected landowners agree with the proposed name. Furthermore, the proposed name is compliant with the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy. As such, the CAO and staff are recommending Council proceed with the road naming as requested. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend approving the request to name the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Oceanview Drive
In French: promenade Oceanview
|
30316194 |
30316186 |
30316178 |
30316160 |
30289300 |
30316202 |
MOTION CARRIED
7.7 New Road Name – Eco-Park Drive
The Municipality received a request from the new owners of the Ecoparc to name the road which crosses the length of their property road. The proposed name is compliant with the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy. As such, the CAO and staff are recommending Council proceed with the road naming as requested. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend approving the request to name the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Eco-Park Drive
In French: promenade Eco-Park
|
30319917 |
30276778 |
30087985 |
30377964 |
30377972 |
30377980 |
30377998 |
MOTION CARRIED
7.8 FCM Annual Conference 2022
The FCM Annual Conference for 2022 is being held in Regina from June 2nd to 5th, 2022. Councillors wishing to attend are asked to contact the CAO. As per the Municipality’s customary practice, both the Warden and CAO may attend this conference annually while individual Councillors may attend a maximum of two times in their 4-year term.
7.9 Meeting – Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Council and the CAO have been invited to meet virtually on March 4, 2022, with the Honourable John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to discuss municipal priorities as well as current and future projects. As part of this discussion, the CAO is recommending Council highlight the Municipality’s Housing Action Plan and the Clare Health Centre Expansion. Council agreed.
7.10 Hectanooga Fire Department
The Hectanooga Fire Department has recently purchased bunker suits and related gear for four new volunteer members. This purchase was slated for 2022-23, as per their 5-year capital plan. However, given the immediate need for this equipment, the Department chose to purchase the suits using their own funds. To avoid the possibility of undue cash flow pressure on the Department, the CAO is recommending the Municipality reimburse the Department for this purchase and treat these funds as an advance against their 2022-2023 capital funding allocation. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend providing the Hectanooga Fire Department with an advance on their 2022-2023 capital funding, in the amount of $18,126, for the purchase of four new bunker suits and gear.
MOTION CARRIED
7.11 Letter to the Honourable Michelle Thompson – Minister of Health and Wellness
With the detailed design of the Clare Health Centre Expansion progressing as per schedule, the CAO is recommending Council issue a letter to the Honourable Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness, inviting her to tour the Centre and to discuss the proposed expansion. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend writing a letter to the Honourable Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness, inviting her to tour the Clare Health Centre and to discuss the proposed expansion.
MOTION CARRIED
7.12 New Road Name – Remi Lane
The Municipality was approached to name a private road. The approval rate for the approved name was 66.6% amongst affected landowners, the minimum required under municipal policy. The proposed name is compliant with the remaining conditions set forth in the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy. As such, the CAO and staff are recommending Council proceed with the road naming as requested. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend approving the request to name the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Remi Lane
In French: ruelle à Remi
|
30052260 |
30282974 |
30052187 |
30052427 |
30052435 |
30052476 |
|
30052559 |
30052567 |
30052591 |
30052344 |
30370042 |
30044713 |
MOTION CARRIED
8) Questions and Comments from the Public
None.
9) Closed Session
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny that Council proceed to closed session.
MOTION CARRIED
Topics Discussed:
9.1 Acquisition of Municipal Property
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
PROPOSED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend purchasing the 5.21-acre parcel of land located at 105 Little Brook Road (PID# 30031587) for $42,000, and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
9) Date and time of the next Council-in-Committee Meeting
The next Council-in-Committee Meeting will be held on April 6, 2022, at 7:00 pm.
10) Adjournment
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 pm.
Submitted by
Ashley Hanks,
Executive Assistant