Municipality of the District of Clare

COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, September 7th, 2016 at 7:00 pm

PRESENT:  Council: Warden Ronnie LeBlanc, Deputy Warden Brian Comeau, Councillors, Lester Doucet, Hector Thibault, Danny Hill, Russell Comeau, Nil Doucet and Robert Thibault.

Staff: CAO, Stéphane Cyr; Administrative Assistant to the CAO, Alain Poirier and Director of Finance, Connie Saulnier

Public: None

ABSENT: None


1) Call to order

Warden Ronnie LeBlanc called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

 

2) (a) Approval of the agenda

Councillor Russell Comeau asked that the following items be added to the Agenda.

6.5 - Clare Veterans Centre under “New Business”

6.6 - Meteghan Sewer Extension under “New Business”

6.7 - Clare Recycling Plant under “New Business”

8.4 - Animal Control in “Closed Session”

8.5 - Landfill - Meteghan Centre in “Closed Session”

MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the proposed agenda be approved with the above noted additions.

MOTION CARRIED        

 

(b) Declaration of conflict of interest

Warden Ronnie LeBlanc asked for any declarations of conflict of interest.

None declared

3) Presentation

     None

 

4) Staff Reports

4.1 Financial Update – Director of Finance, Connie Saulnier

The Director of Finance, Connie Saulnier provided an update on the Municipality’s financial position. (See attached)

5) Business arising from previous meetings

5.1 Infrastructure Project Funding

The CAO wanted to clarify that the provincial contribution towards the recently approved waster water infrastructure project has been approved and the project is now fully funded (Federal 50%, Provincial 25%, Municipal 25%). Furthermore, in speaking with the NS Department of Municipal Affairs, it appears the next round of infrastructure funding won’t occur until Spring 2017. That said, the CAO is recommending that more traditional sources of funding (i.e. ACOA, PCH, etc.) be explored in the interim for those projects currently under development.

 

5.2 Cultural Hub Project – CIFA Building

The CAO advised Council that project stakeholders (i.e. building tenants) have been consulted and are fully supportive of the Municipality’s efforts relating to this project. A tentative list of project items has been drafted and is currently being vetted by the Municipality’s Building Services Department. The total cost for this projected has been projected at approximately $200,000. The preferred funding mix is 50% Federal, 25% Provincial and 25% Municipal. In order to submit an application to ACOA, the Agency is requiring confirmation of balance of funding. Since discussions with the Province regarding this file have not yet commenced, the CAO is recommending Council approve up to 50% of the project costs, up to a maximum of $100,000, with the understanding that every effort will be made to secure a provincial funding contribution. Doing so will satisfy ACOA’s requirement for funding confirmation and will allow the Municipality to register its application and move immediately on certain time sensitive items, namely the roof. It was noted that a portion of the Municipality’s proposed contribution, specifically $35,000, has already been approved as part of the 2016-17 budget. Council agreed with the CAO`s request, and passed the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet to recommend that the Municipality of the District of Clare contribute up to 50% of the cost related to the Cultural Hub project, up to a maximum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

MOTION CARRIED

 

6) New Business

     6.1 Nova Scotia Fire Service Review

     The CAO read an email received from UNSM regarding the upcoming Nova Scotia Fire

     Review (See attached)

     6.2 Richard and Francine Thimot – Right of Way

The CAO mentioned that Mr. and Mrs. Thimot have contacted him requesting a right of way on municipal land near the Transfer Station in order to access their land which is otherwise inaccessible. Council agreed with the understanding that the Municipality was not responsible for maintenance of this road and that if requested, neighbouring land owners would be granted access to this road. The CAO will ensure all documentation is properly vetted through the Municipality’s solicitor. Council made the following motion:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Russell Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill to recommend that the Municipality of Clare grant a formal Right of Way so as to allow Mr. Richard Thimot and Mrs. Francine Thimot access to their property located on Third Lake in Meteghan. (PID # 30081731)

MOTION CARRIED

 

     6.3 Sidewalk Repair

The Supervisor of Public Works will undertake an assessment of municipal sidewalks in order to establish a list of necessary repairs. This assessment will serve as a planning tool for the 2017 municipal budget.

 

6.4 New Intern

The Municipality has hired a new intern, Rachel Amirault. The internship is cost shared with the Province of Nova Scotia. Ms. Amirault will be working at the municipal office from September 12, 2016 to January 31, 2017.

6.5 Clare Veteran`s Centre

Councillor Russell Comeau mentioned that he was approached by a group of people who used to play pool at the Seashore Restaurant. With the recent sale of the restaurant, this group of 26 is now looking for another venue to play pool. According to Councillor Comeau, the Legion Branch 52 has three pool tables and would be prepared to open its doors to this group. The tables however, are in need of repair. In light of this, Councillor Comeau asked Council to consider providing funding to the Legion Branch 52 in order to repair these tables and allow the aforementioned group a place to continue playing. Council passed the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau to recommend that the Municipality of Clare approve a grant of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) to the Legion Branch 52 for the repair of its 3 pool tables and that these funds be taken from the Municipality`s 2016 Grants to Organizations Program.

     MOTION CARRIED

 

     6.6 Meteghan Sewer Extension

Councillor Russell Comeau mentioned that some of the residents who are living on the d’Entremont Road in Meteghan River have contacted him regarding the possibility of connecting to the sewer system. Councillor Comeau believes these connections could be gravity fed and inquired as to whether Council was interested in pursing the project. Council agreed that a decision on this request was premature given the lack of pertinent information and the Municipality’s existing infrastructure priorities and as such, decided to consider it at a future date.

     6.7 Recycling Plant

Councillor Russell Comeau mentioned that he was contacted by residents interested in pieces of waste wood at the former recycling plant. The request will be forwarded to the Director of Community Development, who is currently overseeing the management of this property.

7) Question and Comments from the public

     None

 

8) Closed Session

PROPOSED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Council proceed to an In Camera Session.

MOTION CARRIED

 

Topics discussed:

8.1 Meteghan Sewer Extension

8.2 Pension Plan

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting

MOTION CARRIED

8.1 Meteghan Sewer Extension 

PROPOSED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau to recommend to Council that the Municipality of Clare transfer funds (up to $440,000.00) from the Capital Reserve Fund to cover the Municipality`s portion of the capital expenses relating to the Meteghan Sanitary Sewer Extension and Sewer Treatment Plant Sludge Dewatering Project and to send notice to the Municipal Capital Borrowing Board that the Municipality no longer intends to borrow funds for this project.

MOTION CARRIED

 

8.2 Pension Plan

PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet to recommend that the Municipality of Clare give more flexibility to its employees as it relates to their pension, by giving them control over the investment allocation of the employer contribution in addition to their member contributions.

MOTION CARRIED

 

9) Date and time of next Council-in-Committee Meeting

The next Council-in-Committee Meeting will be held on October 5th, 2016 at 7:00 PM.

10) Adjournment

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 PM.