Council Minutes
April 14, 2005
A meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Yarmouth was held on Thursday, April 14th, 2005, in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, Yarmouth, N. S.
CALL TO ORDER
The Deputy-Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the playing of O= Canada.
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE
OTHER
REGRETS
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that the agenda be approved with the following additions/deletions:
MOTION CARRIED
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that the minutes of March 10, 2005, Public Hearing regarding Brooklyn Street, be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
MOVED BY Councillor Strickland, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that the minutes of the March 10, 2005 Public Hearing regarding a restaurant with an eating establishment liquor license and an Inn with a special premises liquor license, be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
MOVED BY Councillor Strickland, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that the minutes of the March 10, 2005 Council meeting, be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
DELEGATION
The Deputy Mayor welcomed Bob Benson, Yarmouth County Tourist Association, and Karen MacKay, Rodd Grand Hotel. They provided background information regarding tourism in the area. Mr. Benson advised they were putting a program together on marketing and product development and requested double the amount of financial assistance from the Town as received in past years.
Concerns were raised regarding the loss of the Scotia Prince service this year.
Councillor Boudreau suggested the South West Shore Development Authority be invited to look at avenues to help with infrastructure, new marketing ideas and opportunities for this area.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that a letter be forwarded to the South West Shore Development Authority requesting their assistance to look at alternatives/solutions to address tourism issues in this area.
MOTION CARRIED
Deputy Mayor Pink thanked the presenters.
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YARMOUTH MARKETING GROUP
The Deputy Mayor welcomed Bruce Bishop, Sue Hutchins and June Granger, Yarmouth Marketing Group. They thanked Council for the opportunity to present their marketing plan and requested Council= s support. They advised their proposal had been presented to the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth which had been looked upon favourably.
IT WAS SUGGESTED the Yarmouth Marketing Group present their proposal to the South West Shore Development Authority for consideration.
VON FUNDING REQUEST
The Deputy Mayor welcomed Aurel Mooney and Doris Trask. They provided background information regarding the services of the VON and expressed their concern that a provision for foot care was not provided for in the budget from the Province. They also expressed concerns that their fund raising did not meet the needs of the community.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that the request for financial assistance from the VON be referred to the Finance Committee and a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Health and MLA requesting their support for the VON foot care program as a preventative measure for good health.
MOTION CARRIED
The Deputy Mayor thanked them for their presentation.
CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
PROVINCIAL CROWN LANDS B HERBERT STREET
The CAO referred to correspondence from the Department of Transportation and Public Works regarding surplus property adjacent to 17 Herbert Street.
MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that correspondence be forwarded to the Provincial Department of Transportation and Public Works advising that Council is not interested in acquiring the surplus property adjacent to 17 Herbert Street.
MOTION CARRIED
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FURTHERING MULTI-CULTURALISM IN YOUR COMMUNITY
The CAO referred to correspondence regarding opportunities for ongoing work on furthering multi-culturalism in communities.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that representatives from the Multi-cultural Association of Nova Scotia be invited to meet with Council regarding furthering multi-culturalism in our community.
MOTION CARRIED
PALLIATIVE CARE
Councillor Dares referred to the Finance Committee meeting held Saturday, March 12, 2005 to hear grant applications whereby Ms. Shirley Hubbard requested financial support for Palliative Care program at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Councillor Dares advised that it was agreed, at that meeting, to forward correspondence to the MLA and Minister of Health requesting their support for this program.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that correspondence be forwarded to the Minister of Health with a copy to the MLA in support of a Palliative Care program for the Yarmouth Regional Hospital.
MOTION CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION
NOVA SCOTIA LIQUOR CORPORATION B STORE LOCATION
Correspondence from the Minister responsible for the administration of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, Ernest Fage, Office of the Premier, Pat Lunn, Correspondence Coordinator and Chairman of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, Peter McCreath, was reviewed.
MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that correspondence be forwarded to Minister Fage, Pat Lunn and Peter McCreath advising that their responses to the concerns presented to them, regarding the location of a liquor store in the downtown, are unacceptable.
The CAO advised confirmation was received from the Premier= s office that they had received our correspondence and that a response would be forthcoming.
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The Chair invited MLA Richard Hurlburt to the Council table to comment on the possibility of another liquor store in the downtown.
MLA Hurlburt advised that on Monday the government website would be advising of another liquor store outlet in the downtown.
THE MOVER AND SECONDER AGREED to withdraw their motion.
MLA Hurlburt also advised that the Province was looking at their budget relative to Palliative Care.
The CAO advised that MLA Hurlburt will be invited to Council in the future to address various municipal issues.
EMO EVALUATION
Councillor Boudreau advised the Yarmouth EMO had received an excellent evaluation from the Province.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that correspondence be forwarded to Harold Richardson, EMO Coordinator, and the Planning Committee congratulating them for their A excellent@ rating on the recent evaluation of Yarmouth= s emergency preparedness and their score of 112 out of a maximum of 115.
MOTION CARRIED
MRI CAMPAIGN
Councillor Boudreau advised of the fund raiser for the first gala of the new MRI campaign scheduled for May 11, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Hotel. He advised the tickets are available at $125 a plate and interested persons can call 749-1669 for further details and reservations.
CANCELLATION OF SCOTIA PRINCE CRUISES THIS SEASON
Councillor Dares commented on correspondence received from Minister MacDonald and the devastation the cancellation of the Scotia Prince Cruises would mean for the tourism in this area.
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MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that correspondence be forwarded to the Minister of Tourism expressing Council= s serious concern over the cancelling of the Scotia Prince 2005 season and advising of Council= s willingness to assist in whatever way possible to resolve this issue.
MOTION CARRIED
COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Councillor Dares reported on the Audit Committee meeting and that they were continuing to work on the new reporting format. Deputy Mayor Pink advised there will be a meeting in the near future.
Councillor Dares brought forward the following recommendations from the Finance Committee meeting:
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that Council approve the request for sponsorship of part of the Fred Page Cup banquet up to the amount of $850.00.
MOTION CARRIED
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that Council approve the funding request from the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation in the amount of $36,750.00 for a new MRI machine.
MOTION CARRIED
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that the Property Tax Exemption Policy be amended and increased as follows: A ...all homeowners in the Town of Yarmouth with a total family income less than $21,000 be entitled to a property tax reduction on their principle residence of 50% up to $500 minus that property tax reduction given them as a senior, widow/widower, or orphan by the Province; the applicant shall file a completed affidavit. In the case where the total of all deductions exceeds $30,000, the fund shall be allocated on a pro-rated basis amongst qualified applicants.@
MOTION CARRIED
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FIRE POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
VETERAN STATUS B ROBERT MUISE
Councillor Dares brought forward the following recommendation from the Fire Policy Advisory Committee:
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that Robert Muise be granted Veteran Status with the Yarmouth Fire Department.
MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Councillor Boudreau brought forward the following recommendations from the Planning Advisory Committee of March 15, 2005:
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that Council advertise for a public hearing in order to consider and if deemed advisable, amend the Generalized Future Land Use Map, thereby creating a new Environmentally Sensitive Designation and concurrently amend the Zoning Map, Schedule A A@ , thereby creating an Environmentally Sensitive (E-S) zone along Broad Brook from Southeast Street to Starrs Road.
MOTION CARRIED
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that Council advertise for a public hearing in order to consider and if deemed advisable, amend the Lane Use By-law, in particular Part 5.16, 5.17 and 5.18, thereby exempting change in use developments from the access and egress requirements of the Land Use By-law.
MOTION CARRIED
Councillor Boudreau brought forward the following recommendation from the Public Participation meeting of April 11, 2005:
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that Council advertise for a public hearing in order to consider and if deemed advisable, amend the Municipal Planning Strategy by inserting a new policy, Policy 2.2.15 and concurrently amend the Land Use By-law, in particular the Zoning Map, Schedule A A@ , thereby rezoning 574 Main Street from Medium Density Residential (R-2) to General Commercial (C-2).
MOTION CARRIED
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Councillor Boudreau brought forward the following recommendation from the Public Hearing of March 10, 2005:
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that Council approve entering into an amended development agreement with the owners of 27 Willow Street in order to enable the establishment of a A restaurant with an eating establishment liquor license@ and an A inn with a special premises liquor license@ at 27 Willow Street.
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Councillor Dares questioned correspondence received from the Lovitt House Bed and Breakfast, however it was noted that staff had not received such correspondence. This item was referred to the Public Works Committee meeting scheduled for April 26, 2005 at noon.
YARMOUTH WATER UTILITY
Councillor Hood reviewed the report from the Town Engineer regarding the Water Treatment Plant and was pleased to advise that the plant seemed to be meeting all the design parameters and qualifications. He advised there is a public meeting scheduled for April 25, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. to review the regulations on the Lake George Watershed area.
JOINT LEISURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
Councillor Dares advised that Frank Grant, new Director of Leisure Services is learning quickly and doing a great job. She further advised they were presently working on the budget and a report will be forthcoming.
WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD.
Councillor Hood advised the Waterfront Development Corporation met earlier this month and discussed a number of projects. They also met with an individual who may take the position as Coordinator to replace Mr. Robert Hartlin.
JOINT EMERGENCY MEASURES COMMITTEE
Councillor Boudreau reported there is an EMO exercise scheduled for April 24, 2005 and an open house for the EMO command centre scheduled for Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. He encouraged everyone to attend.
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YARMOUTH COUNTY TOURIST ASSOCIATION
Councillor Strickland reviewed the presentation from the Tourist Association earlier this evening and reported that everyone is working together for the benefit of the whole area.
Councillor Dares reported she had attended the strategic planning session in Buctouche. She advised there were approximately nine people from Yarmouth who attended this workshop and had since held their first meeting today to develop a steering committee. She further advised the lead agency in planning this event was the Regional Development Authority and stakeholders in and around Yarmouth Harbour were the focus of this group.
MARINERS CENTRE MANAGEMENT BOARD
The CAO advised the Mariners Centre Management Board that Scott Kennedy will be taking over as the new Chair of the Board. He further advised the Management Board is reviewing its policies and will be moving towards a stronger policy governance model which he considered a very positive move.
Councillor Hood was pleased to advise of a formal announcement for the expansion of Mariners Centre scheduled for April 25, 2005 at 2:00.
YARMOUTH COUNTY INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Councillor Boudreau advised the roof of the Dom Tex building was almost complete. He also commented on the announcement for the expansion of Mariners Centre and encouraged everyone to attend.
HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Councillor Hood advised the Health Human Resources Committee has been constituted as a revamped committee to constitute all previous committees, including the Doctor Search Committee. He reported that they have met once so far and reviewed a report from Dr. Paul Legere. He advised the Committee is reviewing initiatives and that a clinic is envisioned to be within the hospital complex. He further advised that the clinic will be staffed by a full time physician with three or four defined licenced practitioners. He also advised that the Committee suggested the Department of Health should look at each regional hospital and look at existing staff. He noted that Yarmouth is deficient and that we should have individual salary scales for individual hospitals which would help draw physicians to Yarmouth.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau that Council hold a doctors= appreciation day and reception in appreciation of our doctors in recognition of their hard work.
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There was no seconder for this motion therefore the motion was lost.
Councillor Hood advised that the doctors would be happier if Council provided financial support.
IT WAS AGREED staff would look into the possibility of an appreciation day for doctors in this area and report back to Council.
WASTECHECK
Councillor Dares advised WasteCheck held their annual general meeting this week
Councillor Dares advised a decision was made to proceed with negotiations for second generation landfill services with any interested service providers, as landfill closures are looming and there is a need to make some progress on where we will be taking our waste.
STAFF REPORTS
STRATEGIC PLANNING
The CAO referred to the presentation/workshop with Jack Novack on Strategic Planning and requested direction from Council by way of resolution to have staff proceed with Strategic Planning or put off at this point.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that Council commit to the process of Strategic Planning and instruct staff to proceed with a schedule for this process to begin.
MOTION CARRIED
VOLUNTEER WEEK
The CAO reviewed correspondence from Frank Grant, Director of Leisure Services regarding the Volunteer Awards Night scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. He advised Helen Goodwin was nominated from the Town and Dan Earle was nominated from the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth.
RESIGNATION FROM DANIEL MACISAAC
The CAO advised he had received a letter of resignation from Daniel MacIsaac from the Planning Advisory Committee.
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MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that a letter be sent to Daniel MacIsaac accepting his resignation from the Planning Advisory Committee, with regret.
MOTION CARRIED
IN COMMITTEE
Council moved A In Committee@ at 9:26 p.m.
RECONVENE
Council reconvened the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
MEADOWFIELDS SOCCER FIELD
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that the agreement for the Town of Yarmouth to maintain and permit community use on the Meadowfields Soccer Field be executed.
MOTION CARRIED
PENSION COMMITTEE
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that Deputy Mayor Pink be appointed as Council Representative to the Pension Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
APPROVAL OF THE INVOICES
MOVED BY Councillor Strickland, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that the invoices as approved by the various chairpersons be approved.
MOTION CARRIED
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DATE OF NEXT MEETING
IT WAS AGREED the next regular meeting would be scheduled for May 12, 2005.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that the meeting be adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
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MAYOR
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CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER