Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016 at 7:00 pm
PRESENT: Council: Warden Ronnie LeBlanc, Deputy Warden Brian Comeau; Councillors, Lester Doucet, Nil Doucet, Hector Thibault, Russell Comeau, Danny Hill and Robert Thibault.
Staff: CAO Stéphane Cyr, Administrative Assistant to the CAO, Alain Poirier.
Public: John Ferguson
ABSENT:
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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
The CAO asked that the following items be added under “Closed Session”:
12.5 By Law #9 - Peace, Order, Mischiefs and Nuisances
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the proposed agenda be approved with the above noted addition.
MOTION CARRIED
(b) Declaration of conflict of interest
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc asked for any declarations of conflict of interest.
None declared
3) Presentations
3.1 John Ferguson, CAO, Municipality of the County of Annapolis – Rural Broadband
Mr. John Ferguson, CAO for the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, presented a project focused on improving broadband service quality in rural communities. The project is based on the premise that high-speed Internet to households and business is crucially important to the economic development of rural communities. As a minimum, it’s goal is to provide speeds equal to the universal target speeds defined by the Canadian Radio-Telivision and Telecommunications Commissions (CRTC). The project would see participating municipalities enter into an inter-municipal agreement from which a body corporate would be created to manage the project and ensure accountability, in conjunction with the Province of NS (Department of Business). A draft copy of said intermunicipal agreement will be circulated shortly for review and consideration. By way of this presentation, Mr. Ferguson is inviting the Municipality of Clare to participate in this venture.
Council expressed an interest in this project and thanked Mr. Ferguson for his continued work on this file.
4) Adoption of the minutes from previous council meetings
4.1 May 18th, 2016: Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Minutes of May 18th, 2016 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
4.2 June 8th, 2016: Council-in-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Minutes of June 8th, 2016 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
5) Business arising from previous meetings
5.1 Dangerous and Unsightly
The CAO explained that the old Irving garage in Meteghan has been completely removed and Irving has created a slop in order to make the site secure. The file is now closed. Council asked the CAO to send a letter to Irving, on behalf of the Municipality, to thank them for quickly responding to this particular request.
The second update concerned a building in Belliveau Cove which is considered dangerous and unsightly. The Building Inspector visited the building and his recommendation was to have it demolished. The Municipality has written a letter to the property owners to advise them on the current state of the building, giving them 30 days to take action. If no action is taken, the Municipality will have the building demolished and invoice the owners accordingly.
5.2 MGA Review
The CAO explained that if Council has any questions regarding the 7 amendments, he will seek clarification from the Province. The same amendements were circulated to both the Director of Finance and the Director of Community Developpement, neither of whom had any comments or concerns.
6) Warden’s Activity Report – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
The Warden provided a summary of the meetings and events he attended since the last Council meeting.
June 1st Assisted in a phone meeting of the CDENE audit committee.
June 2nd-6th Participated in the FCM conference in Winnipeg.
• Several sessions with a rural theme.
• Session - Municipal Broadband Connectivity.
• Session - 2016 Budget: Investments in Rural Canada.
• Director (NS) - Cecil Clark (UNSM Président)
• Russel Walker (Halifax)
• Tom Taggard (Colchester)
• Dave Corkum (Kentville)
June 7th CDENE Board meeting in Halifax.
June 13th Received an invitation to discuss a project at the annual Forest Glen Community Centre meeting.
June 14th Dinner at the Cuisine Robicheau with the Mayor of Lafayette, Joel Robideaux, Daniel LeBlanc (Festival acadien de Clare), Charles Gaudet (CDENE), Allister Surette (US-A), Stéphane Cyr, Deputy Warden Brian Comeau.
June 15th Made a speech at the Senior Games banquet at the Clare Veterans Centre
June 17th Special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Meadows Home for Special Care.
June 17th Open house for the CJA Yurts
June 22nd Round table with the Mayors and Wardens and Bob Hanf (NS Power)
June 22nd Invited by NS Power to a dinner hosted by the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce.
7) Official statements from members of Council
The Deputy Warden thanked Phil Comeau, Jocelyne LeBlanc-Tidd and Edouard LeBlanc, all of whom received the “Ordre de la pléiade 2016”. They were honored for their leadership, their accomplishements and their contributions to the community. He asked that congratulatory letters be sent to them on behalf of the Municipality.
The Warden also asked that a letter be sent to Michel Comeau, the newly appointed Superintendant of the CSAP.
8) Correspondance
8.1 National Health Day – MP Colin Fraser
The CAO read a letter received from the office of the MP Colin Fraser. (See attached)
PROPOSED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau to adopt the resolution.
MOTION ADOPTED
8.2 Thank you card – Murielle Comeau Péloquin
The CAO read a thank you card received from Mrs. Murielle Comeau Péloquin from La Petite chapelle committee. (See attached)
8.3 Request from École Jean-Marie Gay
The CAO read a letter from École Jean-Marie Gay requesting funding to aid with the purchase of laptop computers. (See attached). Council explained that a significant portion of municipal taxes paid by residents (19%) already goes to the CSAP’s schools. As such, Council chose to respectfully decline this request.
8.4 Letter regarding the Monument for those lost at sea.
The CAO read a letter received from the adhoc committee for the Monument for those lost at sea asking the Municipality to take responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the Monument. (See attached)
Council suggested this subject be discussed further before any decision is taken. It will be discussed at the next Council-In-Committee meeting.
8.5 Letter from Paul-Émile LeBlanc
The CAO read a letter from Mr. Paul-Émile LeBlanc. (See attached) Wastecheck is aware of the problem (illegal dumping, littering) and has advised that it will be placing signs at the beach as a deterent.
8.6 Report from 211 Information and Referral Services Association
The CAO read a report received from 211 Information and Referral Services Association. (See attached)
Since this service is of use to the residents of Clare, Council asked to have promotional material with contact information made available at the Municipal Office.
8.7 Letter from the newly appointed Ombudsman
The CAO read a letter from the newly appointed Ombudsman. (See attached)
8.8 Thank you letter from John Davis
The CAO read a letter from Mr. John Davis, Chairperson for the Clean Ocean Action Committee. (See attached)
8.9 Seniors Safety Program in South West Nova
The CAO read a letter received from the Seniors Safety Program. (See attached)
8.10 Resolution for Canada Post
The CAO read a letter received from Canada Post. (See attached)
Rather than pass the resolution circulated by Canada Post, it was suggested by Council that this be done through UNSM and FCM.
9) CAO Report – Chief Administrative Officer - Stéphane Cyr
The CAO read his report (See attached)
10) Committee Reports
10.1 Building Permits Reports: Councillor Danny Hill
Because no report had been submitted in April, Councillor Danny Hill presented the building permits report for the months of April and May 2016, as submitted by Building Services.
April
Year Permits Construction Value
2015 15 $1,000,109
2016 19 $2,638,104
May
Year Permits Construction Value
2015 23 $1,499,025
2016 12 $ 438,992
10.2 Planning Advisory Committee: Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill provided an update on the Committee’s efforts surrounding Watershed Protection.
10.3 Police Advisory: Councillor Nil Doucet
Councillor Nil Doucet gave a report regarding the last Police Advisory Committee meeting. There are currently 7 RCMP officers working in the region.
10.4 Villa Acadienne: Deputy Brian Comeau
No report
10.5 Waste Check: Councillor Robert Thibault
No report
11) New business
11.1 Motion to reduce tax account
The CAO explained that a resident from Mavillette has requested a reduction on his tax bill because his house burnt down in February 2015. Re-construction started six months later with the owners moving in in December of that year. In light of this unfortunate occurance, staff is recommending 2015 taxes be reduced by half the assessed value of the house only (excluding land, sewer, and septic).
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare reduce the following noted tax amount for the reason described herein.
Account # Total reduction Year Reason
08465479 $601.58 2015 House burned in February 2015
MOTION CARRIED
11.2 Motion to name new sub-division
The CAO explained that Mr. Gary Belliveau is developing a new subdivision and has been working with municipal staff (Gary Sullivan and Arnold Comeau) regarding the naming of said subdivision. According to staff, Mr. Belliveau has completed the necessary requirements to officially name the subdivision and the file remains in good standing.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the new subdivision built by Gary Belliveau Construction & Excavation Ltd. in Corberrie be officially named Wentworth Drive.
MOTION CARRIED
11.3 Motion to award garbage collection tender 2016-2021
The CAO stated that the Municipality had received four bids for the 2016-2021 garbage collection tender. After reviewing these fours bids, it is recommended the contract be awarded to Wasteco Limited. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the tendered bid in the amount of $449,318.80 ($390,712.00 plus $58,606.80 HST) as submitted by Wasteco Limited on May 31st, 2016 for refuse collection and disposal services in Clare.
MOTION CARRIED
11.4 Motion to extend tax rebate exemption
As a follow-up to the last meeting regarding extending the property tax rebate exemption beyond the previously stated deadline, the CAO asked Council for a formal motion on this issue. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the deadline for property tax rebates for low income households be disregarded and that applications continue to be accepted by the Municipality as received.
MOTION CARRIED
11.5 Motion to approve project funding to “la FRAP”
The Warden clarified that the intention of Council was not to contribute $25,000 to la FRAP but rather to include this amount in next year’s budget in the event the proposed Canada 150 project move forward. It was further understood that prior to issuing these funds, la FRAP would prepsent a detailed overview of their project to Council for consideration. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Council Hector Thibault that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare put aside $25,000 from the Municipality's 2017-2018 budget for potential support of the FRAP's proposed Canada 150 project
MOTION CARRIED
11.6 Belliveau Motors Golf Tournament
The Warden explained that every year, the Municipality supports the Belliveau Motors Golf Tournament. The money raised via this event goes to the Clare Health Centre. Any Councillors interested in playing in the tournament were asked to communicate with the Administrative Assistant to the CAO.
11.7 Call for applications – Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
The CAO explained that the goal of this program is to improve clean water and waste water infrastructure. The total amount budgeted for this program is $2,000,000. The program was launched on June 10th and the deadline for application is June 27th. The program is funded by all three levels of government – federal 50%, provincial 25%, and municipal 25%. In order for a project to be considered for funding, the application must be accompanied by a motion from Council stating that this project is in fact considered a priority project by the Municipality. After consulting with the Public Works Supervisor, Jody Comeau, a list of the projects seen as important was drafted. According to Mr. Comeau, three potential projects were identified as being a priority:
1. The update to the waste water treatment plant in Church Point (mandated by the Province prior to December 2017)
2. The updating of electrical panels at the following three lift stations: Station at 101 exit in Meteghan, Station at the Meteghan Wharf and Station at Smuggler's Cove.
3. The installation of a cover unit over the clarifier at the Meteghan treatment plant.
Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of the District of Clare identify the following wastewater infrastructure projects as priority projects to be completed prior to the end of the 2017-2018 fiscal year (subject to available funds) and that the projects be prioritized in the following order.
1. Upgrade dewatering plant system at Church Point location with the installation of a
UV unit and building to house said unit.
2. Upgrade the electrical panels at 3 lift stations in the Meteghan area in order of
priority:
• Station at 101 exit.
• Station at Meteghan Wharf
• Station at Smuggler's Cove
3. Install a cover unit over the clarifier at the Meteghan treatment plant.
MOTION CARRIED
11.8 Motion to enter into Evoting contract for Evoting services for 2016 Municipal Elections
The CAO summarized the presentation given at the last meeting by the Director of Community Development regarding the contract received from SCYTL Canada Inc. for the provision of electronic voting services. The contract in question has been reviewed thoroughly and is less expensive than the one signed for the 2012 election. As such, it is recommended Council accept the contract. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Lester Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the submission from SCYTL CANADA INC. to provide Evoting services for the 2016 Municipal and School Board Election for the Municipality of the District of Clare at a cost of $2.30 per voter letter.
MOTION CARRIED
12) Closed Session
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Council proceed to an In Camera Session.
MOTION CARRIED
Topics discussed:
12.1 Clare Health Centre, 12.2 Major Point Rd., 12.3 Sludge Dewatering Plant, 12.4 Personnel
12.5 Peace, Order, Mischiefs and Nuisances by-law (By-law 9).
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
MOVED BY councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY councillor Nil Doucet that the Municipality of the District of Clare authorize the CAO to proceed with this hiring of Trane in order to complete the necessary reparis to the Clare Health Center heating system, for an amount not to exceed $186,500 and that these funds be transferred from the Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
PROPOSED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau to award the Sludge Dewatering Plant tender to Gary Belliveau Construction & Excavation Ltd.
MOTION CARRIED
13) Date and time of the next Regular Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on July 20th, 2016 at 7:00 pm.
14) Adjournment
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 9:43 pm.
Submitted by:
Alain Poirier,
Administrative Assistant of the CAO