Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 7:00 pm
Meeting held at 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook, NS
PRESENT: Council: Warden Yvon LeBlanc; Deputy Warden Eric Pothier; Councillors, Nil Doucet, Brian Comeau, Carl Deveau, Danny Hill, and Nadine Comeau
Staff: CAO Stéphane Cyr, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks, and Communications Officer, Amy Paradis
Presenters:
ABSENT: Councillor Philippe Gaudet
1) Call to Order
The Warden called the Council meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2) Approval of the Agenda
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Brian Comeau that the proposed agenda be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
3) Declaration of conflict of interest
Councillor Nadine Comeau declared a conflict with item 13.2 Acquisition of Municipal Property.
4) Presentations
None.
5) Adoption of the Minutes from Previous Council Meetings
5.1 January 19, 2022 – Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the minutes of the January 19, 2022, Regular Council Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
5.2 February 2, 2022 – Council in Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the minutes of the February 2, 2022, Council in Committee Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6) Business Arising from Previous Meetings
None.
7) Warden’s Activity Report – Warden Yvon LeBlanc
January 24 – Attended a meeting of Mayors and Wardens to plan for an expected future meeting with the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard and to discuss sending a letter to the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, the Honourable Erin O’Toole, thanking him for meeting with the group.
January 25 – Attended a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Villa Acadienne.
January 28 – Attended a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Villa Acadienne focusing on human resources.
February 9 – Attended an engagement session sponsored by NSFM and focusing on EPR and the ongoing provincial consultations on this topic.
February 12 – Attended a meeting of the Board of Governors of Université Sainte-Anne where we participated in a training session on the roles and responsibilities of a board of directors. During this meeting, we also reviewed the university's strategic plan as well as the projects related to the strategic plan.
February 15 – Attended an Advisory Committee meeting with and Jost + Architects Ltd. as part of the Public Spaces project to review the conceptual plans for Joseph and Marie Dugas Park and Pointe à Major.
8) Official Statements from Members of Council
None.
9) Correspondence
9.1 Mary Surette – Managing Director, Yarmouth Health Foundation
The CAO read a letter from Mary Surette, Managing Director of the Yarmouth Health Foundation. (
See attached)
9.2 Wanda Doucette – Event Director, Coldest Night of the Year 2022.
The CAO read a letter from Wanda Doucette, Event Director for the Coldest Night of the Year 2022. (See attached).
MOVED BY Councillor Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare contribute $500 to Coldest Night of the Year 2022.
MOTION CARRIED
9.3 Lucien LeBlanc – Harbor Authorities of Wedgeport and Pinkney’s Point
The CAO read a letter from Lucien LeBlanc of the Harbor Authorities of Wedgeport and Pinkney’s Point. (See attached)
10) CAO Report – Chief Administrative Officer – Stéphane Cyr
The CAO presented his report for the month of February 2022. (See attached)
11) Committee Reports
11.1 Building Permits Report – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill read the building permits report for the month of January.
January 2022
|
Year |
Permits |
Construction Value |
Year to Date |
|
2021 |
11 |
$ 420,040 |
$ 420,040 |
|
2022 |
10 |
$ 652,600 |
$ 652,600 |
11.2 Waste Check – Councillor Carl Deveau
The meeting was held on February 8, 2022, with both Councillors Carl Deveau and Nadine Comeau in attendance.
EPR was discussed at this meeting.
Due to supply chain issues in Europe, Waste Check is unable to source the new style green carts with round bottoms and no vents. As such, they will have to return to ordering the older style carts with square bottoms. A total of 674 new carts will be ordered at a cost of $52,612.74. As per usual, Waste Check asks that residents please take care of their carts and remove them from the roadside as soon as possible.
The Fishing Gear Coalition of Atlantic Canada approached the Municipality of Argyle and the Town of Yarmouth for financing to start a lobster trap recycling program. The request has been forwarded to Waste Check. Additional information is required prior to making a recommendation. The request will be further discussed at the upcoming Waste Check meeting.
Waste Check would like to remind residents in Clare that demolition permits are required when demolishing buildings in Clare. Furthermore, as per the permit, the resulting debris must be taken to the municipal transfer station (C&D site).
11.3 Accessibility Advisory Committee – Councillor Nadine Comeau
The inaugural meeting of the Municipality’s Accessibility Advisory Committee was held on February 10, 2022. Committee members include Deputy Warden Eric Pothier, Councillors Nadine Comeau and Brian Comeau, and Community Representatives Trudy Bengivenni, Edwin Deveau and Lonnie McNeill.
The Committee elected Nadine Comeau as Chair and approved a terms of reference to govern its activities.
In the short term, the Committee’s main priority is to draft the Municipality’s Accessibility Plan. To this end, the Committee has selected the following areas of focus (in keeping with the Accessibility Directorate of NS):
- Built Environment
- Education
- Good and Services
- Information and Communication
- Transportation
- Employment
Public consultation(s) will form an integral part of developing this plan. In the coming weeks, an online survey will be launched, bolstered by targeted consultations with key stakeholders. The expected launch date for the survey is immediately following the Committee’s upcoming February 24, 2022, meeting.
The Municipality will be issuing a press release prior to the survey launch in an effort to further promote the Committee, its mandate, as well as the upcoming survey.
12) New Business
12.1 Motion to Amend By-law No. 20 – A By-law Respecting Deed Transfer Tax, Second and Final Reading
This proposed by-law amendment was presented for first reading at the Regular Meeting of Council on January 19, 2022. It was later advertised as per MGA requirements with ample time for the public to bring questions or comments to the attention of Council or the CAO. No formal comments or questions were received. As such, Council made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare read By-Law No. 20, Amendment No. 20-01-2022, a By-Law respecting Deed Transfer Tax, and that the By-Law be read for the second and final time by title only.
MOTION CARRIED
Councillor Carl Deveau read the following:
BY-LAW NO. 20
A BY-LAW RESPECTING DEED TRANSFER TAX
12.2 Motion to Approve Funding – Multi-use Court, Havelock Community Centre
The Municipality was approached by community stakeholders Shawn Craven and Kathryn Brooks regarding the possibility of constructing a multi-use court at its Havelock Community Centre. The project would allow for a dedicated space for ball hockey and basketball, among other activities, and has the support of the local community and the Havelock Community Centre Board.
The Municipality’s Recreation Manager, Tori Comeau, prepared a short proposal for Council’s review, outlined design options, possible locations, and preliminary cost estimates of $80,000. The CAO and staff are supportive of this project and are recommending that the Municipality apply to the Nova Scotia Recreation Facilities Development Fund for 1/3 of eligible project costs (the maximum allowable under this program), and that it (the Municipality) commits to providing the balance of funding needed for this project. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve a contribution of up to $60,000 towards the construction of a multi-use court to be located at the Havelock Community Centre, conditional upon confirmation of the balance of project funding, and that this contribution be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
12.3 Motion to Approve Committee Appointment – Accessibility Advisory Committee
The inaugural meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee will be held February 3, 2022. Council has already appointed Trudy Bengivenni and Edwin Deveau to the Committee as community representatives. A third individual, Lonnie McNeill, has confirmed his interest in joining the Committee. Mr. McNeill has long worked with and advocated for persons with disabilities and in the opinion of the CAO, would be a valued addition to the Committee. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare appoint Lonnie McNeill to its Accessibility Advisory Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
12.4 Motion to Name a Road – Island View Lane
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:
MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the request to name the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Island View Lane
In French: ruelle Island View
|
30366637 |
30366645 |
30115471 |
MOTION CARRIED
12.5 Motion to Write a Letter – Nova Scotia Public Works, Intersection of Starrs Road and Highway 101
There is no advanced flashing green left turn signal at the intersection of Highway 101 and Starrs Road for those motorists wishing to turn left onto the 101. Other intersections along Starrs Road have such a turn signal. Starrs Road is heavily travelled and is often congested throughout the day, particularly during the afternoon rush hour, when motorists (including many residents from Clare) are driving home from their places of employment in Yarmouth. Given these conditions, the absence of an advanced flashing green left turn signal at this intersection is considered by many to be hazard for drivers.
Councillor Brian Comeau has previously raised this issue with the Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth, Pam Mood, and with the Area Manager for NS Public Works, Pamela Mehlman-Shand, to no avail. Since there appears to have been no movement to date on this issue, Councillor Comeau is requesting a letter be sent from Council to Mrs. Mehlman-Shand reiterating these concerns. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare write a letter to Pamela Mehlman-Shand, Area Manager for Nova Scotia Public Works, citing safety concerns at the intersection of Starrs Road and Highway 101 and requesting the installation of an advanced flashing green left turn signal.
MOTION CARRIED
12.6 Motion to Send a Letter of Support – Clare Golf and Country Club
Clare Golf and Country Club is submitting a request for funding to the Nova Scotia Recreation Facilities Development Fund to aid with the cost of replacing a golf cart / equipment storage shed (including contents) which was recently destroyed by fire. As part of this application, the Club is requesting a letter of support from the Municipality. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare write a letter to the Clare Golf and Country Club in support of their application to the Province of Nova Scotia’s Recreation Facilities Development Fund.
MOTION CARRIED
12.7 Motion to Accept Employee Salary Scale – 2022-2025
As per the Municipality’s Salary Administration Policy, a review of municipal salary scales must be done every three years to ensure fairness, competitiveness, and sound financial stewardship. The last such review was completed in March 2019. As part of this year’s review, the CAO compared the Municipality’s salary scales with those of the Town of Digby, the Municipalities of Digby, Yarmouth, Argyle and Barrington. Furthermore, the comparison was expanded to include partners such as the WREN and Université Sainte-Anne, as well as salary data from the Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia. The results of this review concluded that the Municipality’s salary scales required adjustment in order to remain competitive with those of its municipal neighbors. As such, Council passed the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the proposed municipal employee salary scales, for the three-year period commencing April 1, 2022, and ending March 31, 2025, as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
12.8 Request for Letter of Support – The Electric City / La Nouvelle France Society
The Warden met with the Electric City / La Nouvelle France Society to discuss their upcoming project. The Society is applying for funding to purchase the building where they are currently located. As part of their funding application, they are requesting a letter of support from the Municipality. Given the historical ties of The Electric City / La Nouvelle France to the Acadian community, Council remains supportive of the Society’s ongoing efforts and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare write a letter to The Electric City / La Nouvelle France Society in support of their efforts to purchase and renovate their current headquarters in Weymouth for use as an interactive interpretive centre, honouring the rich history of Electric City / La Nouvelle France.
MOTION CARRIED
12.9 Motion to Approve Terms of Reference – Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Accessibility Advisory Committee approved their terms of reference on February 10, 2022. However, the Accessibility Advisory Committee is a committee of Council and as such, its terms of reference must also be reviewed by Council. Council reviewed the terms of reference and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Eric Pothier that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the Terms of Reference for the Accessibility Advisory Committee as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
13) In Camera Session
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council proceed to an In-Camera Session.
MOTION CARRIED
Topics Discussed:
13.1 Contract Negotiations
13.2 Acquisition of Municipal Property
13.3 Personnel Matters
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
14) Date and time of the next Regular Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on March 16, 2022, at 7:00 pm.
15) Adjournment
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 pm.
Submitted by:
Ashley Hanks
Executive Assistant