Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, September 17 , 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: CAO Connie Saulnier.
ABSENT: 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 Russell Comeau 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 Recreation Department: 5-Year Strategic Plan – Andrea Gaudet
Andrea Gaudet, Director of the Recreation Department, presented the 5-year Strategic Plan for the Recreation Department (see attached).
Ms Gaudet indicated that in 2009, when she began working in the Recreation Department, a 5-year plan had been prepared with the Recreation Committee and now in 2014, it is once again time to move forward with another 5-year plan.
She explained that the Strategic Plan was prepared with the Members of the Recreation Committee and Mike Trinacty, of Recreation NS. She reviewed the plan with Council, and Councillors asked questions.
Councillor Robert Thibault congratulated Ms. Gaudet for the fact that 3 Municipal Departments (Recreation, Tourism and Economic Development) were working together to organize large scale events.
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc thanked Ms. Gaudet for her presentation, adding that it was a good strategic plan.
4) ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS
4.1 July 16th, 2014 Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council Meeting minutes of July 16th, 2014 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
4.2 September 3rd, 2014 Council-In-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that Council-In-Committee Meeting minutes of September 3rd, 2014 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
5) BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
5.1 Monument for Those Lost at Sea – Deputy Warden Brian Comeau
Deputy Warden Brian Comeau indicated that Council had previously discussed this issue and he had nothing new to add, he had asked if Council still wanted to continue with the divestiture of the Lighthouse at Cap Sainte-Mary's.
5.2 Waste Check: Clare Board Members
CAO Connie Saulnier explained that Council had asked what the Policy was for members of the public on the Board of Directors for Waste Check. CAO Saulnier indicated that two (2) members appointed by Council were permitted, for each Municipal Unit.
CAO Saulnier stated that Waste Check will no longer pay the expenses related to members of the public (who are representatives on the Board) to attend board meetings, that it would be the Municipality to pay these costs. Council was informed that Waste Check was paying the representative's travelling costs and a stipend to attend the meetings.
Council was asked if they would like 2 Councillors on the Board instead of 1 Councillor and 1 Member of the Public. Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that Pearl Thériault, the current member of the public representing the Municipality of Clare, had been a Waste Check board member for many years and she was an asset on the Board.
Council was in favour of keeping a member of the public as a Clare representative on the Waste Check board, and a Councillor, as it is now.
Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that the Municipality should not pay a stipend but should pay the traveling expenses (mileage) for the public representative to attend Waste Check meetings.
Council asked that the CAO inform the Municipal Representatives, Pearl Thériault, regarding the changes in Waste Check's budget policies and let her know that the Municipality will continue to pay the mileage but not the stipend.
5.3 Municipal Dog By-Law
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc indicated that Council had received the 'draft' amended Dog By-Law in the afternoon and he felt it was best if the necessary time was taken to properly review the document.
Warden LeBlanc recommended that Council send the document to the By-Law Committee for review and the Committee come back quickly with a recommendation to Council, so the First Reading could be made at the October Council meeting.
Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that it would be important that the Municipal Solicitor and the Municipal Animal Control Officer be present at the By-Law Committee Meeting so they may add to the discussions.
It was pointed out that Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and Councillors Russell Comeau and Danny Hill, as well as CAO Connie Saulnier form the By-Law Committee. The date of Wednesday September 24 (at 6 pm) was set for the committee to meet. CAO Saulnier was asked to contact Hugh Robichaud, Municipal Solicitor, and Shawna Comeau, Municipal Animal Control Officer to request their attendance at the meeting.
6) WARDEN’S REPORT
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc listed the meetings and events he attended:
- Funding announcement for "Le Petit Bois" at Université Ste-Anne by MP Greg Kerr;
- Sat on discussion panel by Aquaculture Association of NS, regarding the code of conducts in communities and municipalities for the industry;
- Board of Directors meeting of the CDÉNÉ;
- Tidal Power Summit meeting in Parrsboro with municipal units from Clare, Digby (Town and Municipality), Hantsport, District of Cumberland and Parrsboro.
- meeting with Minister of Energy in Digby to discuss tidal energy;
- CelluFuel announcement in Liverpool regarding funding for Demonstration Plant;
- meeting at Annapolis Basin Conference Centre, with MP Greg Kerr and ACOA's Minister Rob Moore to discuss municipalities' priorities and various projects;
- meeting with reps of Fundy Tidal with Town and Municipality of Digby, Clare and consultants;
- meeting in Weymouth to assist with Dr. Recruiting.
7) OFFICIAL STATEMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
There were none.
8) CORRESPONDENCE
8.1 YASTA: Musique de la Baie and Living Wharves / Quais vivants
An email dated September 4, 2014 (copy enclosed) was received from Neil MacKenzie, General Manager of YASTA regarding Musique de la Baie and Living Wharves/Les Quais vivants.
The email indicated that the Board of Directors had decided that these programs cannot be offered to the Municipality of Clare for the 2015 season because Clare is not a full funding partner. As well, it indicated that YASTA's Official 2015 Visitors Guide and social media will not contain content regarding Clare's experiences and attractions.
Council discussed and indicated that there was no change in Council's decision to be a non-funding partner of YASTA. That the Municipality will fund one Tourism Association, the Municipality of Clare's. And the Municipality will have it's own Visitors Guide.
Council asked that the CAO Connie Saulnier send a reply, simply thanking YASTA for the information.
8.2 Clare Civic Association / Association civique de Clare
Three (3) letters were received from the Clare Civic Association.
8.1.1 Recording of votes at Council meetings
A letter dated September 8, 2014 (copy enclosed) indicated that the Clare Civic Association had not yet received a reply to it's March 2014 letter which asked Council to record how each Councillor voted during Council meetings.
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc indicated that a Councillor can requests that his vote, either in favour or against, be recorded in the minutes, and the vote will be indicated. But in usual practice, Council's decision is a decision of Council, which represents Council as an entity.
It was also pointed out that Council meetings are broadcast during which the public watching sees which Councillors have voted in favour or against each motion.
Council asked that a letter be sent to the Clare Civic Association stating Council's opinion regarding this subject.
8.1.2 Rendez-vous de la Baie
A letter dated September 8, 2014 (copy enclosed) requesting that Clare Civic Association be supplied a copy of the study on the operations of the Rendez-vous de la Baie café.
Warden LeBlanc indicated that documents are only released after Council makes a Motion to accept (or not accept) a document. Given the fact that motions will be made this evening regarding the RVB Café Study, the Association may be provided a copy. As well, the document may be posted on the Municipality's website, as per usual practice.
8.1.3 Conflict of Interest Act
A letter dated August 25, 2014 (copy enclosed) indicated that the Clare Civic Association felt a Motion of Council appeared to be in violation of the Municipal Government Act. It was the Motion regarding local mink ranchers and sending a letter to the Minister of Agriculture encouraging him to work with mink ranchers during the difficult time for the mink industry. The Association indicated that, in their opinion, Councillors Danny Hill and Lester Doucet were in a direct conflict.
Council pointed out that the rule to follow is for each Councillor himself to decide if he has a conflict of interest, that Council does not have the authority to judge if a Councillor has a conflict of interest or not, that it is the individual Councillor who must make that decision.
Council indicated that the mink industry is a generally held interest amongst all Councillors as it affects everyone in Clare, all constituents, and if that be the case, all Councillors would be in a conflict of interest.
Council also pointed out that no specific project, no specific business or no specific amount of money was quoted regarding the letter to the Minister. The letter requested was to ask the Minister to work together with the mink industry.
CAO Connie Saulnier was asked to send a reply to the Clare Civic Association indicating Council's position regarding this matter.
9) C.A.O. Report - Chief Administrative Officer Connie Saulnier
CAO Connie Saulnier read her report (see attached).
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Building Permits Report (2-Year Comparison) – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill presented the building permits reports for the months of July and August, as submitted by the Building Department.
July
Year Permits Value of Construction
2013 23 $1,180,114.00
2014 28 $1,142,420.00
August
Year Permits Value of Construction
2013 24 $853,260.00
2014 12 $169,263.00
10.2 Clare Economic Development Committee (CEDC) – Warden LeBlanc
The minutes of the Clare Economic Development Committee's meeting were circulated. Warden Ronnie LeBlanc reported key topics: the Municipal Office now benefits from Mainland Telecom's internet services; the Clare Chamber of Commerce is exploring options regarding the electric car charging stations because the anticipated funding did not occur.
Warden LeBlanc also indicated that Angélique LeBlanc (formerly employed with the CDÉNÉ) was hired as the CEO for the Western Regional Enterprise Network (WREN). Warden LeBlanc added that he will invite Pam Doucet to give a presentation to Council to provide an overview regarding the EcoPark.
10.3 Communication Committee – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
Nothing to report.
10.4 Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill indicated that PAC is making progress with the by-law adoption process for 3 By-Laws (Private Road Maintenance Charges, Subdivision, and Improvement & Take-Over of Private Roads) as well as the Watershed Zoning Project.
10.5 Recreation Committee – Councillor Nil Doucet
Committee meeting minutes of September 4, 2014 were circulated, as well as the Director's Report. Councillor Nil Doucet indicated that an intern, Catherine Smith, is doing an internship in the Recreation Department to promote community health. Ms Smith is in her 4th year Nursing at Dalhousie University.
10.6 Clare Municipal Tourism Committee – Councillor Robert Thibault
Councillor Robert Thibault indicated that he was not able to attend the meeting. As such Councillor Lester Doucet pointed out the important highlights of the meeting.
Both Councillors Robert Thibault and Lester Doucet pointed out that the Clare Poker Run, held during the Wharf Rat Rally, was a success; that it was very well organized and congratulated André Valotaire and Larry Peach for their hard work.
10.7 Villa acadienne Board of Directors – Deputy Warden Brian Comeau
Council was informed that there was not meeting.
10.8 Waste Check – Councillor Robert Thibault
Council was informed that there was not meeting.
11) NEW BUSINESS
11.1 Rendez-vous de la Baie (RVB)
Council had been provided with Happy Entrepreneur Consulting's report regarding the new operating model recommendations for the Rendez-vous de la Baie Café and Boutique (see attached). Council reviewed the recommendations and proceeded to the following motions.
(a) New Operating Model for Café & Boutique
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of the District of Clare approve Recommendation # 1 in the new operating model recommendations for the Rendez-vous de la Baie Café & Boutique as prepared by Happy Entrepreneur Consulting and that C.O.R.D. be invited to develop a detailed plan for the operation of the RVB Café and Boutique as a Social Enterprise.
MOTION CARRIED
(b) Transitional funding to assist with development of Operational Plan
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Municipality of the District of Clare approve Recommendation # 2 in the new operating model recommendations for the Rendez-vous de la Baie Café & Boutique as prepared by Happy Entrepreneur Consulting and provide C.O.R.D. with Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) in transitional funding to assist in the development of the operational plan for the RVB Café and Boutique as a Social Enterprise.
MOTION CARRIED
(c) RVB Café & Boutique: New Operating Model Recommendations report (Summer 2014) by Happy Entrepreneur Consulting - MOTION
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Municipality of Clare adopt the Rendez-vous de la Baie Café and Boutique: New Operating Model Recommendations Report (Summer 2014) as prepared by Happy Entrepreneur Consulting.
MOTION CARRIED
11.2 Dangerous & Unsightly Premises (PID 30105894): Lake Doucette
Council was informed that Arnold Comeau, Building Inspector/Development Officer, had inspected the property in Lake Doucette (PID 30105894) that had been brought forward to Council as a possible Dangerous and Unsightly Premises. His report was read, which recommended that the structure, which had been damaged by fire two years prior, be demolished given the fact that it was both dangerous and unsightly.
Councillor Lester Doucet indicated that he had a petition signed by neighbouring property owners.
Council agreed that a letter be sent to the property owner as per the Building Inspector's report, advising them of the demolition.
MOVED BY Councillor Lester Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Robert Thibault that the Municipality of Clare send a letter to the owners of the property in Lake Doucette, PID 30105894, indicating that the structure be demolished under the Dangerous and Unsightly Act.
MOTION CARRIED
11.3 Appointment of new Tourism Committee Member – MOTION
Council had received a letter of interest from Lisa Doucette for the vacancy on the Clare Tourism Committee. The letter was read (see attached).
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept Lisa Doucette as a new member on the Recreation Committee for a term of three (3) years, from today until March 31st 2017.
MOTION CARRIED
11.4 Funding request: Recreational Salmon Fishery in Meteghan River
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc indicated that Council had received a funding request from the Salmon River Salmon Association in the amount of $2,790.00 to revitalize the salmon fishery on the Meteghan River. The letter was read (see attached).
Warden LeBlanc indicated that Council had discussed this request at the previous Council-In-Committee meeting and Council supports this initiative.
MOVED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Municipality of Clare support the Salmon River Salmon Association's project to revitalize the salmon fishery on the Meteghan River and grant the Association the amount of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00).
MOTION CARRIED
11.5 Request from Municipality of Barrington to support Motion at UNSM RE: Hospital Parking Fees
A request received from the Municipality of the District of Barrington was read (see attached). It pertained to the increase of hospital parking fees and the fact that Barrington Council was forwarding a resolution to the UNSM for consideration, and asking councils of all municipal units for their support.
Council discussed and it was suggested that a letter be sent to the Municipality of Barrington indicating that Council is in agreement with the principle of reducing the hospital parking fees to the level necessary to recover the costs of providing the parking service.
Council will think further regarding supporting the resolution as a whole or if each Councillor attending the UNSM Conference should vote according to their opinion.
This topic will be added to the upcoming Council meeting's agenda.
11.6 By-Law #34: Private Road Maintenance Charges – Second and Final READING, and MOTION TO ENACT
Councillor Danny Hill and Councillor Robert Thibault explained By-Law #34 and gave a summary of what the By-Law pertained to.
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc indicated that the Planning Advisory Committee had put much work and had been flexible to insure the by-law was accurate and satisfactory.
COA Connie Saulnier added that this by-law was not mandatory, that it was up to the property owners on a private road if they wished to form a group or not.
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Robert Thibault that the Municipality of the District of Clare, as authorized under Section 168 of the Municipal Government Act, read By-Law Number 34, aBy-Law Respecting Private Road Maintenance Charges, by Title only, for the Second and Final Reading, thereby enacting the By-Law.
MOTION CARRIED
After the Motion was Seconded and Approved, the Title of the By-Law was read: "Private Road Maintenance Charges, By-Law Number 34".
11.7 Reappointment of Villa acadienne Board Member – MOTION
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc indicated that Council had been informed that Eric Pothier's term as Board Member on the Villa acadienne Board of Directors was completed. Council had discussed at the previous Council-In-Committee meeting and indicated that given the fact that Eric Pothier is currently the President and has worked hard on the Board, having served for numerous years, that he be given the opportunity to serve for another term.
The following motion was made.
Not withstanding the established Policy of Council regarding the appointment and re-appointment of members of the general public on the Villa acadienne Board of Directors, MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that that Council for the Municipality of Clare approve that Eric Pothier, should he accept, remain as a Board Member for an additional 2-year term (ending March 31st, 2016), given the fact that he is currently the Chairman of the Villa acadienne Board of Directors.
MOTION CARRIED
11.8 Smugglers' Cove Provincial Park stairs
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc indicated that the stairs at Smugglers' Cove leading down to the shore were broken and he had received various complaints (at the Canada Day Celebrations held there and during the summer). Warden LeBlanc would like a letter to be sent to the Province to request that the stairs be repaired.
MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Municipality of Clare send a letter to the Province informing them that the stairs at Smugglers' Cove Provincial Park leading down to the shore are broken and to request that the stairs be repaired.
MOTION CARRIED
11.9 Date for Special Session of Council: 2013 Audited Financial Statements
Council confirmed the date for the Special Session of Council to approve the 2013 Audited Financial Statements as Thursday, September 25 at 7:00 pm.
12) CLOSED SESSION (8:25 pm)
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau that Council proceed to an In Camera Session.
MOTION CARRIED
Topics discussed: 12.1 Tendered Services and 12.2 Agreement.
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
13) DATE AND TIME OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The next Council meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 7 pm.
14) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Councillor Nil Doucet.
Respectfully submitted by
Colette Deveau – Administrative Assistant to the CAO