Council Minutes
January 9, 2003
A meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Yarmouth was held on Thursday, January 9, 2003.CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the playing of O'Canada.
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE
REGRETS
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY Councillor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that the Agenda be approved, as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that the minutes of December 12, 2002, be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
DELEGATION
RICHARD HURLBURT, MLA
Mayor Crosby welcomed Mr. Richard Hurlburt, MLA, and expressed his thanks to Mr. Hurlburt for providing Council with an avenue to advise him of the Town's priorities for the coming year.
Mr. Hurlburt thanked Council for the opportunity to meet with them and wished Council, staff, and the residents all the best in 2003. He acknowledged that their governments had always worked well together and looked forward to working with them in the future.
Mayor Crosby advised the first priority for the Town was the widening of Starrs Road. Mr. Hurlburt advised he realized how important this project was for Council and was happy to provide a letter confirming that the Province of Nova Scotia would cost share up to $35,000 for of the cost of the study for the widening of Starrs Road. The Mayor thanked the MLA for his efforts regarding this project.
Mayor Crosby relayed his concerns with the proposed performing arts convention centre and asked Mr. Hurlburt if there was the possibility of entering into a joint venture agreement with regard to funding for this project. Mr. Hurlburt advised that when the Town was ready to submit a proposal for a performing arts/convention centre the Province of Nova Scotia would assist in the financing of this venture.
Mayor Crosby also advised the present water system for the Town was in need of major repair and the expense of the new Water Treatment plant was of major concern to the Town. Mr. Hurlburt suggested the Town provide a plan and cost analysis of what the major overall costs are and estimated length of time to complete the project, i.e., three years, five years, etc. He also suggested the Town present their case to the Province of Nova Scotia and that the three levels of government should cost share this project.
Councillor Boudreau asked the MLA what could be done to save the airport. Mr. Hurlburt advised he would work to maintain the airport and enhance it all levels. He relayed his concern that the community had to be united to make the airport survive and send a clear message to Ottawa stating what is required to keep the facility open. He encouraged Council and the residents of the area to utilize the service as much as possible and advised of the new schedule that was more user friendly.
Mayor Crosby asked Mr. Hurlburt about continued funding for further development along the waterfront. Mr. Hurlburt stated he requested this item be placed on the agenda for a meeting with the Minister and would be discussing it with him. He agreed the waterfront was a benefit to everyone throughout Nova Scotia and hoped the government had funding for this project.
The Mayor asked the MLA about possible funding for a supply services building located at the Mariners Centre site. Mr. Hurlburt advised he had just been given an application for $100,000 to the Department of Agriculture which was presently under review.
When the Mayor asked about social services programs, the MLA advised they could discuss community issues such as these at their scheduled meeting with the Minister.
Councillor Pink thanked Mr. Hurlburt for bringing local concerns to Halifax and for bringing the various ministers to the area. Mr. Hurlburt advised the Art Gallery proposal was presented to Minister MacDonald and brought to Cabinet to lobby for further funding. He stated that Minister MacDonald was committed to assist with the completion of this project.
In response to questions regarding doctor shortages, Mr. Hurlburt advised that it was a real concern, not only for the Yarmouth and surrounding area, but throughout North America. He did advise that there may be another new doctor for this area in the near future.
Councillor Pink commended the Province of Nova Scotia and Richard Hurlburt, MLA for taking the necessary steps regarding the Art Gallery, etc. and wished him a happy and prosperous new year.
Mayor Crosby thanked MLA, Richard Hurlburt for listening to Council's issues and also wished him, and his family, a prosperous new year.
Richard Hurlburt thanked Council for the invitation to meet with them. BUSINESS ARISING
AIRPORT COMMISSION
Correspondence from Keith Condon, Chairman, Yarmouth Airport Commission, requesting financial assistance, was considered.
MOVED BY Councillor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that a letter be written to the Airport Commission as well as the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth and the Municipality of the District of Argyle to convene a meeting to discuss the operations and future governance of the airport. (Appendix A) MOTION CARRIED
TAXI BY-LAW - SECOND READING
After further review of the proposed amendments to the Taxi By-Law, No. 32,
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Pink that Second Reading of the proposed amendments to the Taxi By-Law, be approved. (Appendix B)
MOTION CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
GARY HUDSON, HUT'S TRANSIT RE FUNDING REQUEST
Correspondence from Gary Hudson, Hut's Transit, requesting an increase in the financial assistance provided by the Town, was considered.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Pink the request from Gary Hudson, Hut's Transit, for an increase in financial assistance, be referred to budget deliberations. (Appendix C)
MOTION CARRIED
CECIL ROY, ATLANTIC PROVINCES KOREA VETERAN'S ASSOCIATION
Correspondence from Cecil Roy, Atlantic Provinces Korea Veteran's Association requesting the Town provide property on which the Korea War Veterans could erect a memorial, was considered. (Appendix D)
After much discussion about a location,
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that staff be directed to meet with Mr. Cecil Roy to discuss possible locations to enable the Korea War Veterans to erect a memorial.
MOTION CARRIED
MARINERS CENTRE - REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES
Correspondence from Mr. Bob Osadchy, General Manager, Mariners Centre regarding the costs associated with covering and uncovering the ice for Remembrance Day services, was considered. The Management Board was receptive to the Remembrance Day ceremonies being held at the Mariners Centre and suggested that the Legion approach the Municipal Units for financial assistance.
MOVED BY Councillor Judge, SECONDED BY Councillor Pink that correspondence be forwarded to the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth to enquire if they would be willing to share the rental fees required by the Management Board to enable the Remembrance Day services to proceed without cost to the Legion. .
MOTION CARRIED
FRIENDS OF THE LIGHT - REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Correspondence from Adrienne Speck, President, Board of Directors, Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society, requesting financial assistance, was considered.
MOVED BY Councillor Strickland, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau the request for financial assistance from the Yarmouth Light Society, be referred to the Finance Committee. (Appendix E)
The mover and seconder agreed to withdraw this motion.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that staff be directed to contact the Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society, as well as a representative from the Tourist Association, to further discuss the funding arrangements provided by the Town through its grants program.
MOTION CARRIED
VON RE: YOUNG AT HEART
Correspondence from Kathleen d'Entremont-Mooney, Chairperson, FUN! For the "Young at Heart", requesting sponsorship for the "Young at Heart" event, was considered. Councillor Dares advised the Department of Leisure Services was sponsoring this event, therefore the Town would not be duplicating this service. (Appendix F)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RE: POLICE ACT REVIEW
Correspondence from Alex Steeves, Department of Justice, Policing and Victim Services, regarding a "Discussion Paper" of the Nova Scotia Police Act (and regulations), was considered. The CAO advised he reviewed the report and will provide a summary to Council in the near future.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS REQUEST
Correspondence from Wally Hubbard, Grand Knight and Alex McIntosh, Convention Chairman, Council 2181, Knights of Columbus, requesting assistance from the Town with their 2003 convention in the form of a coffee party, was considered.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland the request from the Knights of Columbus for assistance with a coffee party for their 2003 convention, be referred to the Finance Committee. (Appendix G)
MOTION CARRIED
STANDING COMMITTEES
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
LEASE OF COMPACT PICKUP TRUCK
Invited tenders were requested from four local automotive dealers for the lease of a 2003 compact pickup truck for use as a meter truck for the Water Utility. Three responses were received resulting in the lowest tender submitted by Tusket Ford.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau the tender for the lease of a 2003 compact pickup truck for use as a meter truck for the Water Utility be awarded to the lowest tender, Tusket Ford, in the amount of $295.92 per month. (Appendix H)
MOTION CARRIED
STREET CLEANER REPLACEMENT
A request from the Engineer regarding the replacement of the "Street Cleaner" was considered. (Appendix I)
After discussion,
IT WAS AGREED the CAO would consult with the Engineer to obtain additional information regarding the disposal of the present "Street Cleaner."
IT WAS FURTHER AGREED that staff would proceed with universal specifications and go to tender. A decision would be made once the tenders were received whether or not to proceed with the purchase of a new street cleaner.
JOINT LEISURE SERVICES
Councillor Dares advised the Joint Leisure Services Committee was working on their 2003 & 2004 budget
JOINT HOMECARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mayor Crosby advised the next Joint Homecare Advisory Committee was scheduled for February 5, 2003.
YARMOUTH COUNTY TOURIST ASSOCIATION
Councillor Strickland advised there were approximately 20,000 visitors at the Information Centre this past year. He advised that with the tourism strategies and studies tourism in the area should improve.
STAFF REPORTS
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
A list of Committee appointments was reviewed, as previously circulated. MOVED BY Councillor Judge, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares the list of Committee Appointments be approved as circulated. (Appendix J)
MOTION CARRIED
OUTSTANDING TAXES
Information regarding the outstanding taxes was previously circulated.
MOVED BY Councillor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that the recommendation to write off the outstanding taxes, be approved. (Appendix K)
MOTION CARRIED
PORT OF YARMOUTH
Correspondence from Dave Whiting, Port Manager requesting approval to proceed to tender for repairs and maintenance for the Port of Yarmouth, for approximately $400,000, was considered.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Pink that the request from the Port Authority to proceed to tender for repairs and maintenance for approximately $400,000, be approved. (Appendix L)
MOTION CARRIED
POLICY STATEMENT - ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
A draft policy regarding committee members attendance at meetings, was circulated.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Pink that the policy regarding committee members attendance at meetings, be approved. (Appendix M)
MOTION CARRIED
The CAO referred Council to the financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2002.
Mayor Crosby advised correspondence had been received from Bill Hood, retiree from British Columbia and presently residing on Elm Street, expressing how much he enjoyed the New Years Levee.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES
MOVED BY Councillor Judge, SECONDED BY Councillor Pink that invoices, as approved by the individual chairs, be authorized for payment.
MOTION CARRIED
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
IT WAS AGREED the next meeting be scheduled for February 13, 2003.
ADJOURN
The Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
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MAYOR
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CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER