Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, February 19 , 2014
PRESENT: Council:Warden Ronnie LeBlanc; Deputy Warden Brian Comeau; Councillors: Russell Comeau, Lester Doucet, Nil Doucet, Danny Hill, Hector Thibault and Robert Thibault; Staff: and Deputy Clerk Jeannette Doucet. Translators: Germaine Comeau and Richard Landry. Camera Operator: Jene Dugas Cottreau.
ABSENT: CAO Connie Saulnier.
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1) CALL TO ORDER
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc called the Council Meeting to order at 7:05 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 changes:
move item 7.1 "Letter from Councillor Robert Thibault RE. absence" to item
10.12 under New Business; and remove item 8.2 "Letter regarding clearing of
snow off sidewalks" as the letter is anonymous.
MOTION CARRIED
(b) CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
Warden LeBlanc asked for any declarations of conflict of interest from the floor.
Councillor Robert Thibault declared a conflict of interest with regards to item 10.12 "Letter from Councillor Robert Thibault RE. absence".
3) PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Le Transport de Clare
Claredon Robicheau of Le Transport de Clare, along with Vice-President Trudy Bengivenni and Director Pearl Thériault, made a presentation to Council requesting funding through the Gas Tax Funds for a new 2014 bus to replace the 2009 bus. Mr. Robicheau explained that Le Transport de Clare has expanded its service to the Digby area. He stated that a new bus is being replaced every five (5) years. The amount requested is $118,317. As well, the Transport's is requesting that every five years, the Municipality of Clare purchase a new bus.
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc thanked Mr. Robicheau and the other representatives for their presentation to Council and indicated that a decision will be made during the upcoming budget process.
4) ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS
4.1 January 15th, 2014 Regular Council Meeting
The adoption of the Minutes from the January 15 2014 Council meeting was tabled until the next Council meeting as they were not included in the meeting package.
4.2 January 8th, 2014 Council-In-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the minutes of the January 8, 2014 Council-In-Committee be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
4.3 February 5th, 2014 Council-In-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the minutes of the February 5, 2014 Council-In-Committee be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
5) BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
There was no business arising to discuss.
6) WARDEN’S REPORT
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc listed the meetings and events he attended:
- Meeting with Economic Development Officer Pam Doucet and others regarding windmill project;
- Funding announcements by MP Greg Kerr regarding Clare Machine and Vince Stuart;
- Funding announcements by MP Greg Kerr regarding Yarmouth Ferry Terminal;
- Interview on local radio station CIFA regarding year in review, with Argyle's Warden Aldric d'Entremont and Le Courrier de la N.-É. Denise Desautels;
- Celebration at AF Thériault for having built their 250th hammer head vessel;
- Meeting with Municipality of Yarmouth regarding shared services;
- Meeting with representatives of associations, organizations, hall rental providers from the Municipality of Clare to discuss Legion hall rental/operations;
- Meeting with medical students at Clare Health Centre;
- Board of Directors meeting, Université Sainte-Anne;
- Meeting with Upper Clements Park;
- Western Regional Enterprise Network (WREN) inaugural Board of Directors Meet & Greet;
- Meeting in Halifax with representatives from CelluFuel and Zach Churchill, Minister of Natural Resources;
- Highway 101 Weymouth to Digby committee meeting.
7) OFFICIAL STATEMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
There were no official statements from members of Council.
8) CORRESPONDENCE
8.1 Letter from Everett Titus RE: Bay of Fundy Business Council
A letter dated January 24, 2014 (copy enclosed) was received from Everett Titus to introduce the newly formed Bay of Fundy Business Council.
9) COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 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
2014 8 $526,640.00
2013 20 $673,290.00
9.2 Clare Economic Development Committee (CEDC) – Warden LeBlanc
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc informed Council that the committee met February 7, 2014. Warden LeBlanc indicated that Allister Surette had made a presentation regarding Université Ste-Anne's strategic plan, which focused on crossover opportunities between U Ste-Anne and the Municipality.
9.2.1 Recommendation for letter of congratulations: A.F. Thériault
Warden LeBlanc indicated that the Committee made the recommendation that Council write a letter of congratulations to A.F. Thériault and Son Ltd for the completion of their 250th Hammerhead unmanned surface vehicle.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare write a letter of congratulations to A.F. Thériault and Son Ltd for the completion of their 250th Hammerhead unmanned surface vehicle.
MOTION CARRIED
9.2.2 Recommendation for letters of congratulation: Vince Stuart of Clare Machine Works and Tony Spurrell of Petro Carbon NDT Solutions Inc.
Warden LeBlanc indicated that the Committee made the recommendation that Council write a letter of congratulations to Vince Stuart of Clare Machine Works for recently being awarded funding for their equipment "The Beaver 3". (The equipment is designed to help oilfield companies cut costs by re-machining drill piped and connections in the field, and is the world's only portable machine capable of accomplishing this work).
Warden LeBlanc also indicated that the Committee was recommending that Council send a letter of thanks to Tony Spurrell of Petro Carbon NDT Solutions Inc, a partner from Calgary, thanking them for their substantial investment in the Municipality of Clare's local economy.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare write a letter of congratulations to Vince Stuart of Clare Machine Works Ltd for recently being awarded funding for their equipment "The Beaver 3" and a letter of thanks to Tony Spurrell of Petro Carbon NDT Solutions Inc, a partner from Calgary, thanking them for their substantial investment in our local economy.
MOTION CARRIED
9.2.3 Recommendation for letter to Bell/Aliant & Eastlink re: Internet Service
Warden LeBlanc indicated that the Committee also made the recommendation that Council send a letter to the internet service providers in our region, Eastlink and Bell/Aliant, to inquire as to service offerings (internet speed, access) available to our residents, and invite them to come present at a future Economic Development Committee meeting regarding provision of service and future plans.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Municipality of Clare send letters to both internet service providers in our region, Eastlink and Bell/Aliant, to inquire as to service offerings (internet speed, access) available to our residents, and invite them to come present at a future Economic Development Committee meeting regarding provision of service and future plans.
MOTION CARRIED
Council proceeded to Item 10.5 "Changes to Terms of Reference of Economic Development Committee – MOTION".
Warden LeBlanc indicated that the Clare Economic Development Committee is making the following recommendation to council:
That the “Terms of Reference” for the committee be amended to read as follows (addition of points 3 and 4 under "Chair Duties"):
Chair Duties
3- The Chair will appoint a Vice-Chair
4- The Chair will be responsible to bring recommendations forward to Council
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the “Terms of Reference” for the Clare Economic Committee be amended to read as follows (addition of points 3 and 4 under "Chair Duties"):
Chair Duties: 3- The Chair will appoint a Vice-Chair; 4- The Chair will be responsible to bring recommendations forward to Council.
MOTION CARRIED
Councillor Robert Thibault also suggested that a replacement be appointed for his position on this Committee given the fact that he is not available during the day during when the Committee usually meets.
9.3 Communication Committee – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
No report.
9.4 Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill provided a report of PAC's various activities and projects (issue related to "less than 100 minks" farming; private roads and subdivision
by-laws; budget request to Council; future projects for 2014-2015 FY).
9.5 Recreation Committee – Councillor Nil Doucet
Councillor Nil Doucet indicated that the Committee met on January 23, 2014. Meeting minutes were circulated. Councillor Doucet indicated that the 2014 Volunteers' Appreciation Banquet will be held on Wednesday April 16 at the former Legion in Saulnierville.
9.6.1 Clare Municipal Tourism Committee – Councillor Robert Thibault
Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that the Committee met on January 21, 2014. Meeting minutes were circulated.
Councillor Thibault indicated that the Festival acadien de Clare is asking Council for one thousand dollars ($1,000) advancement on their 2014 Operating Grant for a pamphlet that needs to be paid immediately.
The Yarmouth ferry is also requesting funding for advertising.
It was suggested that the Warden LeBlanc meet with Larry Peach to discuss the advertising to eliminate duplication of advertising and funds spent.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Municipality of Clare spend up to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) for advertising centered around the Yarmouth Portland Ferry.
MOTION CARRIED
9.6.2 Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) – Councillor Robert Thibault
Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that Charles Robicheau has been hired at the interim YASTA Manager.
9.7 Villa acadienne Board of Directors – Deputy Warden Brian Comeau
No report.
9.8 Waste Check – Councillor Robert Thibault
Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that Waste Check will handle C & D complaints. He also indicated that the Resource Recovery Fund will re-evaluate the diversion credits regarding funding to Waste Check.
9.9 RCMP Advisory Board – Councillor Nil Doucet
9.9.1 Letter from Tri-County School Board
Councillor Nil Doucet indicated that the Tri-County Regional School Board sent a letter (see attached) to the Municipality that there were 42 reported red light violations in the Tri-County area, and the RCMP had been made aware of the issue. Councillor Doucet added that the school board is thinking of installing cameras on buses to help convict the offenders.
10) NEW BUSINESS
10.1 Request for Adopt-A-Book Campaign: Clare Library in Meteghan
Councillor Lester Doucet indicated that he had received a request from Ian White, Public Relations Manager of the Western Counties Regional Library. Mr. White was asking for a grant on behalf of the Clare Library in Meteghan (Bibliothèque Sénateur Ambroise H. Comeau). The objective is for the Municipality to 'adopt' books in the amount of $250 during the Adopt-A-Book campaign (from April to June 2014), approximately 10 books.
Council discussed and it was stated that the Western Counties Regional Library can apply through the Municipality's Grants to Organizations Program, which begins next month. An application form will be forwarded to Mr. White.
10.2 Request from Coal Shed Music Festival
Council was informed that a request was received from Phil DeMille, Volunteer Coordinator of the Coal Shed Music Festival. The Festival is asking for sponsors for its 8th Annual music festival, which will take place in August (2014) in Yarmouth.
Council discussed and it was stated that the Coal Shed Music Festival can apply through the Municipality's Grants to Organizations Program, which begins next month. An application form will be forwarded to Mr. DeMille.
10.3 Request for letter of support: Salmon River Association
Council was reminded that Roland LeBlanc, representing the Salmon River Association, had made a presentation on February 5, 2014, during the Council-In-Committee meeting. Mr. LeBlanc's presentation focused on a rare species of fungi present in Nova Scotia. The project which will involve the analysis of groundwater, surface water and soil (project to start in March 2014 and finish in March 2015). Mr. LeBlanc had requested a letter of support from the Municipality regarding this project, which is in partnership with the CSAP School Board.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Municipality of Clare write a letter of support regarding the Salmon River Association's fungi research project.
MOTION CARRIED
10.4 Request for letter of support: Research, Development and Innovation laboratory facility in South West Nova
Council was informed that a request was received from Kenneth Deveau, Research - Université Sainte-Anne. Mr. Deveau is requesting a letter of support for a proposed Research, Development and Innovation laboratory facility in South West Nova Scotia.
MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Municipality of Clare write a letter of support for a proposed Research, Development and Innovation laboratory facility in South West Nova Scotia.
MOTION CARRIED
10.5 Changes to Terms of Reference of Economic Development Committee – MOTION
Council discussed this item at 9.2.
10.6 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fundy Tidal Inc. – MOTION
Council was provided with a copy of the letter of opinion from the Municipal Solicitor Hugh Robichaud which indicated that he had reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding with Fundy Tidal Inc., the Municipality of Digby, and the Town of Digby, and has no reservations to the Municipality of Clare becoming a signatory to this MOU.
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Municipality of Clare enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Fundy Tidal Inc., along with the Municipality of Digby and the Town of Digby, solely in connection with the development and execution of a non-profit organization or trust as contemplated within the Memorandum of Understanding.
MOTION CARRIED
10.7 Naming of new road: Chemin du P'tit Puits/Little Well Road – MOTION
Council was provided with a map and a proposed name for a new road in Concessions but the Motion had to be tabled due to lack of information (agreement or disagreement from residents of the road). Council will review when more information is provided.
10.8 Changes in road names Chemin de la Montagne and Bangor Road – MOTION
At the February 5, 2014 Council-In-Committee meeting, Council had been provided with a map and information regarding the proposed renaming of a road in Meteghan Station, the Chemin de la Montagne. Council reviewed the information and proceeded
to the following motions.
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault TO RESCIND the July 18th, 2012 Motion of Council which supported the name change of the road "Chemin de la Montagne" to "Chemin Pleasant Road".
MOTION CARRIED
and
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of the District of Clare accepts the motion that a road leading from "Placide Comeau Road" to "Second Division Road", located in Meteghan Station, in the County of Digby, Nova Scotia, currently named "Chemin de la Montagne" be officially changed to the name "Allée des Black", "Blackadar Lane" in English, due to safety reasons and given the fact that it is a continuation of the road "Allée des Black/Blackadar Lane".
MOTION CARRIED
10.9 First Reading of By-Law #34 "Private Road Maintenance Charges"
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of the District of Clare read By-Law No. 34, a By-Law Respecting Private Road Maintenance Charges 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.
MOTION CARRIED
The Title of the By-Law was read as such: By-Law No. 34, By-Law Respecting Private Road Maintenance Charges.
10.10 Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association – Councillor Robert Thibault
Council discussed the possibility of withdrawing from Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) to be able to focus more on municipal tourism projects. It was pointed out that some partnering municipalities do not have a separate tourism department as does the Municipality of Clare.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of the District of Clare withdraw from the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) as of March 31, 2014.
MOTION CARRIED
The following motion was made.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Municipality of the District of Clare contribute Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) per year for three (3) years (unconditional) to the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA).
Discussion followed.
The following motion was made.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the above stated Motion be tabled until the March 19th Council meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
10.11 Lighthouse – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
Council discussed the possibility of taking over the Cape St. Mary lighthouse. Council was reminded that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) had been in contact in the past with the Municipality of Clare regarding the take over, however more information was required by the Municipality.
The Municipality is still waiting for information and Council indicated that it will need to review the details before making any commitment.
There had also been discussion that a local group could take over the lighthouse and not the Municipality.
Council was informed that Federal financial support was available to assist with the financial costs pertaining to the upkeep of the lighthouse. There has been delays in receiving the information and it was suggested that a letter to MLA Gordon Wilson could perhaps assist with moving this issue forward.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau that Warden Ronnie LeBlanc send a letter to MLA Gordon Wilson, on behalf of Council, expressing the Municipality's interest in acquiring the Cape St. Mary lighthouse.
MOTION CARRIED
10.12 Letter from Councillor Robert Thibault RE. absence
Councillor Robert Thibault declared a conflict of interest and left the floor.
Council discussed the request from Councillor Robert Thibault who indicated in a letter dated February 17, 2014 (see attached) that he would be absent from the Province from February 25 to April 5 (2014) and was seeking a leave of absence for that time period.
MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council accept Councillor Robert Thibault's request for a leave of absence from February 25 2014 to April 5 2014 while he is out of the Province.
MOTION CARRIED
10.13 Request from Festival acadien de Clare
Council discussed the request from the Festival acadien de Clare. Councillor Robert Thibault had indicated during the Committee report that the Festival acadien de Clare was asking Council for one thousand dollars ($1,000) advancement on their 2014 Operating Grant for a pamphlet that needs to be paid immediately.
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare provide an advance in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) from their 2014 Operating Grant for costs associated with a pamphlet that was required to be paid immediately.
MOTION CARRIED
11) DATE AND TIME OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2013 at 7 pm.
12) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. following a motion by Councillor Nil Doucet.
Respectfully submitted by
Jeannette Doucet – Deputy Clerk
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