Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, November 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:Chief Administrative Officer Connie Saulnier, and Deputy Clerk Jeannette Doucet.
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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 Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the proposed Agenda be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
(b) CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc asked for any declarations of conflict of interest from
the floor. None declared.
3) PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Library Services – Erin Comeau, Regional Library Director (7 pm)
Erin Comeau, Regional Library Director, gave an overview of the services offered at the Clare Library in Meteghan. Ms. Comeau thanked the Municipality for their continued support. Warden Ronnie LeBlanc thanked Ms. Comeau for the informative presentation.
3.2 Clare Golf Club – Mireille LeBlanc, Clare Golf Club Director (7:30 pm)
Mireille LeBlanc, with Bill Twaddle and Blair Mellor of the Clare Golf Club gave a powerpoint presentation to Council to show the damages sustained at the Golf Course due to hurricane Arthur. They indicated that over 45 trees on the property were toppled and a committee is currently raising funds to replace the trees. The cost is estimated at $11,000. The committee is asking the Municipality for financial support.
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc thanked the group for their work regarding the Golf Course and indicated that Council will discuss their request and provide the committee with an answer.
4) ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS
4.1 October 15, 2014 Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that Council Meeting minutes of October 15, 2014 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
5) BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
5.1 Chemin de la Montagne/Mountain Road
Council was provided an update regarding the "Chemin de la Montagne / Mountain Road" and "Bangor Road" name changes and signage. The Province has adopted the name changes and signs have been ordered.. (This involves the 3 separate sections of road currently called "Bangor Road". One section will be named "Allée des Blacks / Blackadar Lane". Another section will be renamed "Chemin de la Montagne" where the popular swimming spot La Montagne is located, and the 3rd section will remain as "Bangor Road". Also the currently signed "Chemin de la Montagne" will be named "Allée des Blacks / Blackadar Lane" because it is a continuation of the road.
Deputy Warden Brian Comeau indicated that he is pleased that the signage process is moving forward that the process has, to date, taken over three (3) years.
Councillor Danny Hill indicated that it will be a good thing when the signage is complete because it is a safety issue, due to the popular swimming spot La Montagne located on a road referred to as "Chemin de la Montagne" but the sign indicates "Bangor Road".
5.2 Attorney General, Department of Justice: RCMP
Council was provided an update regarding their request to the Department of Justice for a review of the complement of RCMP, the proportion of officers with regards to the population of Clare. A response was received from the Attorney General which indicates that a study will be conducted and brought to Council for a review. Currently, the Municipality is paying for seven (7) members of the RCMP at the Meteghan Detachment at a cost of $989,000.
5.3 River at Hilltown Crossroad (culvert)
Councillor Danny Hill had recently brought forward a concern regarding flooding at Hilltown Crossroad and had requested that a letter be sent to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. CAO Connie Saulnier indicated that she contacted the Clare Operations Manager, with the Department of Transportation, and he indicated that they are aware of the flooding problem. He explained that it is due to beavers building dams which blocks the culvert. DOT will trap the beaver and are working on this culvert to remedy the problem. Council will wait and see if the problem is remedied before it sends an official letter to DOT.
Council indicated that they would like to invite the Clare representatives of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure within the next few months to discuss and review DOT's plans within the Municipality of Clare.
5.4 Dog By-Law
Council was provided an update regarding the Dog By-Law. The By-Law is currently being reviewed by the By-Law Committee and the Municipal Solicitor has reviewed the proposed changes. Councillor Danny Hill suggested that the by-law committee review the Solicitor's changes and suggestions before bringing it to Council for final approval.
6) WARDEN’S REPORT
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc listed the meetings and events he attended since the last Council meeting, such as meetings with the cultural organisation La FRAP, Université Sainte-Anne, UNSM, CDÉNÉ, Municipality of Digby, Municipality of Annapolis, as well as various Remembrance Day activities.
Warden LeBlanc indicated that companies from various countries, who were in Nova Scotia attending the International Ocean Energy Conference, were visiting the Clare area and some local businesses.
Warden LeBlanc indicated that a funding announcement had been made by MP Greg Kerr and MLA Gordon Wilson for Phase 1 of the Digby to Weymouth Highway 101, in the amount of 17.5 Million Dollars.
Councillor Robert Thibault suggested that a letter of thanks be sent to Gordon Wilson and Greg Kerr for the funds for Phase 1 of the Highway 101 (Digby to Weymouth).
Warden LeBlanc indicated that Université Sainte-Anne had a financial campaign during which they announced the naming a building at the Church Point campus as the Édifice Louis Deveau Building. It was announced that Louis Deveau made the largest financial contribution as a private citizen in the history of the University. Councillor Robert Thibault suggested that a letter of thanks be sent to Louis Deveau for his generous financial contribution to Université Sainte-Anne.
As well, Université Sainte-Anne's Kenneth Deveau received a prestigious appointed with "Invest Nova Scotia". It was suggested that a letter of congratulations be sent to Kenneth Deveau.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the letters of congratulations and thanks be sent, as indicated.
MOTION CARRIED
7) OFFICIAL STATEMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
There were none.
8) CORRESPONDENCE
8.1 Tri-County Women's Centre
A letter was received from the Tri-County Women's Centre dated October 2, 2014 (see attached). They are hosting an event in December, in Yarmouth, focused on how pornography is affecting the youth. They are asking town and municipal councils to endorse the event and provide financial contributions to help with the cost of the event to make it more affordable for the public to attend.
Council discussed and agreed to contribute $100 towards the event.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau that the Municipality of Clare contribute $100 towards the event "Growing up in our porn culture: What is the problem? What can we do?" to be held in Yarmouth on December 10 and 11, hosted by the Tri-County Women's Centre.
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Clare Chamber of Commerce / Chambre de commerce de Clare
A letter was received from the Clare Chamber of Commerce the dated October 1, 2014 that they are again holding the "Shop Local" campaign (Magasiner à la Baie) from December 1 to 7, with various stores in Clare participating. The Chamber of Commerce is asking the Municipality for a financial contribution of $1,500 towards the campaign. Council discussed and agreed to contribute $1,000.
MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Municipality of Clare contribute $1,000 towards the Chamber of Commerce's annual "Shop Local" campaign (Magasiner à la Baie) to be held from December 1 to 7, with various stores in Clare participating.
MOTION CARRIED
8.3 Festival acadien de Clare
A letter was received from the Festival acadien de Clare's President, Sébastien Dol, dated October 28, 2014. The letter indicates that at their Annual Meeting it was announced that there was a profit made during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. They also indicated that all expenses from previous years have been paid and the Festival is in good financial health to move ahead with the Festival's 60th year celebrations.
The President of the Festival is asking that this 'good news' be shared with the community via the Municipality's newsletter. Council discussed and agreed to include this information in the next municipal newsletter. Also, a congratulatory letter will be sent to the Festival.
MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Municipality of Clare contribute $1,000 towards the Chamber of Commerce's annual "Shop Local" campaign (Magasiner à la Baie) to be held from December 1 to 7, with various stores in Clare participating.
MOTION CARRIED
8.4 Municipality of Digby: Dr. Recruit Committee
A letter was received from the Municipality of Digby's Warden, Linda Gregory, dated October 31, 2014. The letter is asking if Council would consider appointing 2 members to the Weymouth Doctor Recruiting Committee, pointing out that residents from Clare are seen by the Doctor in Weymouth. Council discussed and Warden Ronnie LeBlanc and Councillor Danny Hill were named as members.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that Warden Ronnie LeBlanc and Councillor Danny Hill be appointed as members to the Weymouth Doctor Recruiting Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
9) C.A.O. Report - Chief Administrative Officer Connie Saulnier
Chief Administrative Officer, Connie Saulnier, provided her report dated November 19
(see attached) which highlighted the Meteghan Sewer Extension, the 5-Year Capital Plan, the Rendez-vous de la Baie, Boundaries Review and internet at the St-Bernard Wastewater Plant.
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Building Permits Report (2-Year Comparison) – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill presented the building permits reports for the month
of October, as submitted by the Building Department.
Year Permits Value of Construction
2013 13 $115,600.00
2014 15 $121,880.00
10.2 Clare Economic Development Committee (CEDC) – Warden LeBlanc
Nothing to report.
10.3 Communication Committee – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
Nothing to report.
10.4 Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill indicated that the committee continues to move forward with the by-law adoption process for the Subdivision By-Law, with the Municipal Solicitor reviewing proposed changes. And the committee, with the Planner, continue to work on the LeBlanc and Belliveau Watershed Zoning Project, planning on a public meeting in the near future.
10.5 Recreation Committee – Councillor Nil Doucet
Council was provided with a copy of the Director's Report, dated October 30, 2014 (see attached). Also, minutes of the Recreation Committee's October 30 meeting were circulated. Councillor Nil Doucet invited the public to the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday December 7 at 6:30 pm.
10.6 Clare Municipal Tourism Committee – Councillor Robert Thibault
Minutes of the Tourism Committee's October 14 meeting were circulated. Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that the committee discussed the street banner program and if it would continue or not, indicating that the cost to continue the program would be approximately $16,000 for the year.
10.7 Villa acadienne Board of Directors – Deputy Warden Brian Comeau
Nothing to report.
10.8 Waste Check – Councillor Robert Thibault
Nothing to report.
11) NEW BUSINESS
11.1 Snow Removal: Award of Tender – MOTION
Council was informed that bids had been received from 3 bidders for snow removal: Jason's Snow Removal, Jonathan Reddick and Spec Resources.
Council discussed and proceeded with the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare award the Snow Removal, Sanding and Salting Contract from November 2014 to May 2015 as per the prices specified in their tendered bids submitted on October 20, 2014 as follows:
CLARE HEALTH CENTRE: Jonathan Reddick, $50/hr plus additional charges for salting and sanding as per tendered bid.
MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING: Jonathan Reddick, $50/hr plus additional charges for salting and sanding as per tendered bid.
METEGHAN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: Jason’s Snow Removal & Ice Control, $65/hr plus additional charges for salting and sanding as per tendered bid.
MOTION CARRIED
11.2 Energy Authority: motion to form Energy Trust – MOTION
Council discussed the establishment of the Digby-Clare Energy Authority, which would include the Municipality of Clare along with the Municipality of Digby and the Town of Digby. It was pointed out that not funds were attached with this motion. Council also suggested changing the type of group from an Authority to an Association.
MOVED BY Councillor Lester Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Municipality of Clare with the Municipality of Digby and Town of Digby proceed with the establishment of the Digby‐Clare Energy Authority in order to identify its mandate and proposed scope of business, and prepare a business plan with detailed expenditure and revenue estimates, and that such findings be used to determine the implementation of the business plan; the cost of this work will not exceed the amount remaining from funding secured through the three municipal units and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the project titled “Establishment of the Digby Community Energy Trust”.
MOTION CARRIED
11.3 Municipality of Clare Organizational Study: Award of Tender – MOTION
Council was informed that bids had been received from 6 bidders for the Municipality's Organizational Study.
It was noted that a funding request had been sent to the Province for half of the cost to conduct the Review, and the funds have been approved by the Province.
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the tendered bid in the amount of $23,521 ($20,453 plus $3,068 HST) as submitted by Richard G. Ramsay Management Consultants Inc. on October 30th, 2014, to conduct an Organizational Study for the Municipality of Clare.
MOTION CARRIED
11.4 Motion to purchase land next to Municipal Administration Building
CAO Connie Saulnier indicated that a property next to the municipal office in Little Brook of 6.97 acres with ocean frontage, appraised at $55,000 was for sale. Council had discussed purchasing the land.
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Robert Thibault that the Municipality of Clare purchase a piece of land of approximately 6.97 acres, located by the ocean, adjacent to the municipal office building, at a price of $50,000.
MOTION CARRIED
11.5 Trans Canada Highway – Councillor Robert Thibault
This topic was discussed under #6 Warden's Report.
11.6 Steel Bridge at Saint Benoni
Council discussed the repairs underway on the steel bridge in St. Benoni. Deputy Warden Brian Comeau indicated that he spoke with DOT's Area Manager Greg Newell and the budgeted cost of $60,000 to repair the bridge were now estimated at $300,000. Mr. Newell had indicated that there were no funds in the budge this year for such repairs.
Council indicated that the Municipality would like to be kept informed of the developments of the bridge project and that the Municipality be informed of the decisions and progress.
Council would like to send a letter to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure requesting that options be explored with regards to the old steel bridge in Saint Benoni, such as the construction of a new bridge instead of repairs. Copies should be sent to Gordon Wilson, Greg Newell and Tony Hall.
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare send a letter requesting that options be explored with regards to the old steel bridge in Saint Benoni, such as the construction of a new bridge instead of repairs, and that the Municipality be informed of the decisions and progress regarding this project.
MOTION CARRIED
11.7 Dates of Public Consultations for Municipal Electoral Boundaries Review – November 24, 26 and 27 (at 7 pm)
CAO Connie Saulnier indicated that the Municipality is holding Public Consultations for the Municipal Electoral Boundaries Review. Sessions will be held at 7 pm, in 3 locations in Clare, the following dates: Monday, November 24 in St-Bernard (New Horizons Club), Wednesday, November 26 in Saulnierville (former Legion) and Thursday, November 27 in Salmon River (at Fire Hall). The public is encouraged to attend these sessions.
12) CLOSED SESSION
There were no topics to discuss under closed session.
13) DATE AND TIME OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The next Council meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 7 pm.
14) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm following a motion by Councillor Nil Doucet.
Submitted by
Jeannette Doucet, Deputy Clerk
JD/cd