Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, April 23 , 2014

PRESENT: Council:Warden Ronnie LeBlanc; Councillors: Russell Comeau, Lester Doucet, Nil Doucet, Danny Hill, Hector Thibault and Robert Thibault; Staff:CAO Connie Saulnier and Deputy Clerk Jeannette Doucet. Translators: Richard Landry and Gilles LeBlanc. Camera Operator: Jene Dugas Cottreau.
ABSENT: Deputy Warden Brian Comeau.

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1) CALL TO ORDER
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

2) (a) APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the proposed Agenda be approved with the following change:
remove item 11.1 "Second Reading and Adoption of By-Law #34, By-Law Respecting Private Road Maintenance Charges - Motion" (an objection had been brought forward at the Hearing of Objections, preceding the Council meeting. Council requested that the Planning Advisory Committee review the objection and the proposed By-Law and report back to Council); and the addition of 11.14 WREN Inter-Municipal Agreement - CAO Connie Saulnier.
MOTION CARRIED

(b) CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc asked for any declarations of conflict of interest from the floor. Councillor Danny Hill declared a conflict of interest with regards to 11.4 Organic Waste Contract.

 

3) PRESENTATIONS
None.

4) ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS
4.1 March 12th, 2014 Council-In-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that Council-In-Committee Meeting minutes of March 12, 2014 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED

4.2 March 19th, 2014 Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Russell Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that Council Meeting minutes of March 19, 2014 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED

4.3 April 2nd, 2014 Council-In-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Russell Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council-In-Committee Meeting minutes of April 2, 2014 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED

5) BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
5.1 Site for Monument for those lost at sea - Deputy Warden Brian Comeau
Topic was tabled given the fact that Deputy Warden Brian Comeau was absent.

6) WARDEN’S REPORT
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc listed the meetings and events he attended:

- Big Brother/Big Sister Bowling Activity;
- Société acadienne de Clare Banquet;
- Soirée des Dragons à l'Université Sainte-Anne;
- The Meadows/Tidal View Manor Board Meeting;
- CEO/CAO Forum in Truro;
- Liaison Committee for inter-municipal MOU
- Tour of Nova Star (Yarmouth ferry);
- Annual Municipality's Volunteers' Night;
- Funding announcement for Université Sainte-Anne - MP Greg Kerr.

7) OFFICIAL STATEMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
Councillor Lester Doucet indicated that during the Recognition Banquet of the Société acadienne de Clare, several individuals had been presented certificates for their contribution with regards to language and culture in Clare. Councillor Doucet asked that letters of congratulations be sent to the recipients. (Elaine Thimot could be contacted for the complete list).

8) CAO's Report
CAO Connie Saulnier gave an overview of the meetings and events she attended during the months of March and April 2014 (see attached report).

9) CORRESPONDENCE
None.

10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Building Permits Report (2-Year Comparison) – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill presented the building permits reports for the previous month as submitted by the Building Department.

Year Permits Value of Construction
2013    14       $231,480.00
2014      6       $978,500.00

10.2 Clare Economic Development Committee (CEDC) – Warden LeBlanc
Council was provided the minutes of the April 3, 2014 meeting. Council was informed that the meetings will be held every two months instead of monthly.

10.3 Communication Committee – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
No report.

10.4 Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill gave an update regarding PAC's April 8 meeting. By-Laws regarding private roads and subdivisions are in the process of being completed, presented to the public and soon adopted by Council.

10.5 Recreation Committee – Councillor Nil Doucet
Committee meeting minutes of March 27, 2014 were circulated. Councillor Nil Doucet indicated that 130 people were in attendance at the 2014 Volunteers' Appreciation Banquet held on April 16.

10.6 Clare Municipal Tourism Committee – Councillor Robert Thibault
Councillor Lester Doucet indicated that the Committee discussed: terms of the directors (there are 2 vacant positions on the Committee); a You-Tube video with Clare; and having a long-term tourism development strategy.

10.7 Villa acadienne Board of Directors – Deputy Warden Brian Comeau
Deputy Warden Brian Comeau was not present to present a report.

10.8 Waste Check – Councillor Robert Thibault
Councillor Robert Thibault expressed a concern regarding a closed session issue discussed during a Waste Check meeting. Councillor Thibault indicated that General Manager Gus Green made comments to the Vanguard regarding the discussion that were held during the closed session. Councillor Thibault requested that the Municipality send a letter to the Chairman of the Waste Check Board of Directors expressing the Municipality's concerns.

MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Municipality of Clare send a letter to the Chairman of the Waste Check Board of Directors, Leland Anthony, expressing the Municipality's concerns regarding a closed session issue discussed during a Waste Check meeting being divulged by General Manager Gus Green to the Vanguard.
MOTION CARRIED

11) NEW BUSINESS
11.1 First Reading of By-Law Amendment 29-01-2014, By-Law Respecting Improvement and Takeover of Private Roads – MOTION
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Municipality of the District of Clare read By-Law Amendment Number 29-01-2014, a By-Law Respecting Improvement and Takeover of Private Roads and that the By-Law Amendment be read for the first time by Title only.
MOTION CARRIED

The Title of the By-Law was read: "By-Law Number 29"; "By-Law Respecting Improvement and Takeover of Private Roads"; "Amendment No. 29-01-2014".

11.2 First Reading of By-Law #33, By-Law Respecting Subdivision – MOTION
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Robert Thibault that the Municipality of the District of Clare read By-Law No. 33,
a By-Law Respecting Subdivision and that the By-Law be read for the first time by Title only and that it be considered as the First Reading in accordance with By-Law adoption procedures as per Section 168 of the Municipal Government Act.

The Title of the By-Law was read: "By-Law Number 33", "By-Law Respecting Subdivision".

11.3 Date for Hearing of Objections (By-Laws 29 & 33): Wednesday May 21 at 6 pm
Council agreed upon the date for the Hearing of Objections for By-Laws #29 and 33, for Wednesday May 21, 2014 at 6 pm.

11.4 Organic waste materials contract: Southwest Eco-Energy Ltd – MOTION
Councillor Danny Hill declared a Conflict of Interest and left the floor.

Due to a change in the proposed contract and issues with regards to the contract, the topic was moved to In-Camera Discussion.

Councillor Danny Hill returned to the floor.

11.5 Meteghan Sewer System Extension
CAO Connie Saulnier indicated that during the 5-year Capital Plan discussions, Council had discussed the construction of the Meteghan River Sewer Extension and applying for funds under the new Building Canada Fund instead of Gas Tax Funds. The decision at the time was to wait and apply through the Building Canada Fund. Council was informed that the Department of Transportation's 5-year plan includes paving projects on Highway 1 in Meteghan River in the Fall of 2015, where the sewer would be constructed.

Given this information, Council discussed moving ahead with the construction of the Sewer Extension this year, to avoid cutting through new pavement after DOT's paving project is completed. As such, funds from the Gas Tax can be used for this project if done this year. Council discussed.

MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of the District of Clare proceed with the construction of the Meteghan River sewer extension for the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year.
MOTION CARRIED

11.6 Tender: Mowing & maintenance of municipal grounds & sports fields – MOTION
Council was informed that two (2) tenders had been received:
(1) D & M Landscaping (M. McCauley Enterprises Ltd.) in the amount of $50,025.00 and an hourly rate of $34.50; and
(2) Leon Dugas in the amount of $75,000.00 and an hourly rate of $23.00.

MOVED BY Councillor Russell Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Municipality of Clare award the Contract for Mowing and Maintenance of Sports Fields and Municipal Grounds in Clare, from May 1st 2014 to October 30, 2016, to D & M Landscaping (M. McCauley Enterprise Ltd) in the total amount of Fifty Thousand Twenty Five Dollars ($50,025.00) ($43,500.00 plus $6,525.00 HST) as specified in the tendered bid submitted on April 16, 2014, and an hourly rate of $34.50 ($30.00 plus $4.50 HST) for additional work as specified in Schedule "B" of the tendered documents.
MOTION CARRIED

11.7 RVB Café: Tender for Operations Business Plan – Councillor Robert Thibault
Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that the Rendez-Vous de la Baie's 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Université Ste-Anne is coming up for renewal in October 2014. Council discussed going to tender for an "Operation Business Plan" and that the Municipality no longer be directly involved with the RVB operations. Council agreed to go to tender for an Operation Business Plan.

11.8 RCMP Advisory Board: Department of Justice Appointment
Council was informed that the Department of Justice had not been successful in appointing a member from the public to Clare's RCMP Advisory Board, as required by provincial regulations. Council was asked to provide a name, and Denise Allison was proposed as the individual from the public to serve on the board.

MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Municipality of Clare nominate Denise Allison to the Department of Justice to serve on Clare's RCMP Advisory Board.
MOTION CARRIED

11.9 RCMP changes in postings in Clare – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc informed Council of changes at the Meteghan RCMP Detachment. Sergeant Jeff Holmes has been seconded to Yarmouth for 6 months (since April 1, 2014). Dana Parsons is retiring and Corporal Mathieu Vacon will be permanently posted to the Meteghan Detachment. The other officers are Jamie Lutes, Victor Manuel, Cedric Landry and Chloe Cunningham-Legault.

Council discussed writing a letter to the Department of Justice asking for clarification on the number of officers required for the Municipality of Clare. It was indicated that the population of Clare has been declining and their exists a ration per population with regards to the number of officers required. Currently, the Municipality is paying for 7 officers at the Meteghan Detachment.

11.10 Locations for installation of electric vehicle charging stations – Recommendation
A letter had recently been received regarding the installation of electric car charging stations as part of the “NS Electric Vehicle Highway Services” project. The Clare Economic Development Committee provided Council with a recommendation that the following locations be considered for the installation of electric car charging stations:

Chez Jean Dairy Twirl, Université Sainte-Anne (at Rendez-vous de la Baie), Meteghan wharf, and Cap Ste. Marie).

Council discussed and agreed to work with the Chambre de Commerce de Clare and local businesses to find suitable locations and move ahead with this project. Pam Doucet, Economic Development Coordinator, will be asked to take the lead.

MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that Pam Doucet, Economic Development Coordinator, move forward with the project for the installation of electric car charging stations (as part of the “NS Electric Vehicle Highway Services” project).
MOTION CARRIED

11.11 Change in Councillor on Clare Economic Development Committee (CEDC) Board of Directors: Lester Doucet to replace Robert Thibault – MOTION

Council agree that Councillor Lester Doucet serve on the Clare Economic Development Committee's Board of Directors given the fact that Councillor Robert Thibault has stepped down (due to scheduling conflicts).

MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare accept that Councillor Lester Doucet now serve on the Clare Economic Development Committee's Board of Directors as the representative for Council.
MOTION CARRIED

11.12 Municipal Tax Exemption Rebate – MOTION
Council agreed to increase the tax exemption amount from $100 to $150.

MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Municipality of Clare offer a municipal tax exemption in the amount of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($150.00) for all homeowners applying for the tax exemption whose annual household income for 2013 was less than Seventeen Thousand Dollars ($18,000.00).
MOTION CARRIED

11.13 Set dates for Budget Review Meetings
The dates of May 6, 8 and 14 (at 6 pm) were set, with the date of May 21 as the date to approve the Municipal Budget.

11.14 WREN Inter-Municipal Agreement - CAO Connie Saulnier
Council was provided with the draft Inter-Municipal Agreement for the creation of the Western Regional Enterprise Network (WREN) (see attached). Council reviewed and discussed various concerns.

MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Warden review the Inter-Municipal Agreement with the Committee expressing Council's concerns and if the Warden is satisfied with the changes that he sign the Agreement on behalf of the Municipality.
MOTION CARRIED

12) CLOSED SESSION
8:30 pm
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that Council proceed to an In Camera Session.
MOTION CARRIED

8:45 pm
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED

      11.4 Organic waste materials contract: Southwest Eco-Energy Ltd – MOTION
       MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare discontinue sending their organic waste            materials to the "Yarmouth Composting Facility" and that the Municipality enter into a twenty (20) year contract with "Southwest Eco-Energy Limited" in                Weaver Settlement for the handling of the Municipality of Clare’s organic waste, effective April 28th, 2014.
       MOTION CARRIED*

* Councillor Danny Hill had declared a Conflict of Interest and left the floor.

13) DATE AND TIME OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The next Council meeting will be on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 7 pm.

14) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. following a motion by Councillor Russell Comeau.

Respectfully submitted by

Jeannette Doucet – Deputy Clerk
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