Council Minutes
March 10, 2005
A meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Yarmouth was held on Thursday, March 10th, 2005, in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, Yarmouth, N. S.
CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the playing of O= Canada.
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE
Executive/Recording Secretary, Rose Earle
Mayor Crosby, on behalf of Council and the residents of the Town, offered condolences to the families of the four RCMP officers that were killed in the line of duty earlier this week.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY Councillor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that the agenda be approved with the following additions/deletions:
Under Correspondence f) Move to Staff Reports
Under Staff Reports Add Traffic Authority Report
Strategic Planning Session
Under Other Airport Agreement (In Committee)
MOTION CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Deputy Mayor Pink that the minutes of February 10th, 2005, (Public Works, Public Hearing & Regular Council) be approved, as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
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BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
COLLABORATIVE COUNCIL/STAFF
The CAO reviewed a brochure from the UNSM and SNSMR regarding Collaborative Council/Staff Relations sessions scheduled for April 4 & 5, 2005. He requested Council give consideration that at least one councillor and one senior staff person attend. He commented it would be an important session as Council was heading into a strategic planning exercise.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau that Council authorize one councillor and one senior staff attend the Collaborative Council/Staff Relations session.
IT WAS SUGGESTED that any councillor or senior staff be permitted to attend. The MOVER agreed to withdraw the initial motion.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that anyone wishing to attend the Collaborative Council/Staff Relations sessions contact the CAO.
MOTION CARRIED
CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP
The CAO referred to correspondence from Jason Hollett regarding a Climate Change Workshop.
Mayor Crosby advised he would be unable to attend.
MOVED BY Councillor Strickland, SECONDED BY Councillor Judge that Councillor Boudreau attend the Climate Change Workshop as an alternate for Mayor Crosby.
After discussion,
THE MOVER AND SECONDER AGREED to withdraw this motion and the following motion resulted:
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MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that any Councillor who wishes to attend may do so.
MOTION CARRIED
RRFB MOBIUS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS NOMINATIONS
The CAO advised the RRFB Mobius Environmental Awards nomination forum is an opportunity for environmental nominations. He suggested that due to the short time line, March 14, 2005, Council keep these awards in mind and perhaps prepare a nomination for next year.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that the correspondence regarding the RRFB Mobius Environmental Awards be placed on file for future reference.
After discussion,
MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that if time permitted, staff be directed to prepare an appropriate nomination for TREPA.
MOTION CARRIED
YARMOUTH HOSPITAL FOUNDATION REQUEST FOR FUNDING
Correspondence from the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation requesting Council to participate in the fundraising effort for a new MRI machine, was considered.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Hood that Council approve funding in the amount of $36,750 as requested from the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation as part of their fund-raising effort for a new MRI machine.
After discussion,
THE MOVER AND SECONDER AGREED to withdraw this motion and the following motion resulted:
MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Deputy Mayor Pink that a letter be forwarded to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation advising their request has been referred to the Finance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
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ECO-EFFICIENCY CENTRE WORKSHOP
Correspondence from Jason Hollett, Energy Development Officer, South West Shore Energy Office, advising of an Eco-Efficiency Centre workshop was considered.
Councillor Boudreau expressed an interest in attending this workshop.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Deputy Mayor Pink that Councillor Boudreau be authorized to attend the Eco-efficiency Centre Workshop scheduled for March 23, 2005 in Halifax.
MOTION CARRIED
Editor= s Note:
UNSM REPRESENTATION ON MUNICIPAL/PROVINCIAL JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RE: CANADA WIDE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER EFFLUENTS REPRESENTATIVE
The CAO suggested the Town Engineer represent Council for the UNSM Municipal/Provincial Joint Advisory Committee.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Deputy Mayor Pink that Dave Ernst, Town Engineer, be authorized to represent Council on the Municipal/Provincial Joint Advisory Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Editor= s Note:
CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION
EVANGELINE TRAIL TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Correspondence regarding funding support for the Evangeline Trail Tourism Association was considered.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Deputy Mayor Pink that a letter of congratulations be forwarded to Annapolis County acknowledging that 2005 marks A 400 Years of Living and Working Together@ in Annapolis County.
MOTION CARRIED
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FCM NEW DEAL
Mayor Crosby commented on the A New Deal@ for municipalities and advised that Nova Scotia was leading the way on the A New Deal@ in negotiations regarding the gas tax. He advised monies will be forthcoming directly from the Federal Government to the local governments once approval is received from Minister Barnett.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION B CATHY COLAIACOVO
A letter of resignation from the Leisure Services Committee was received from Cathy Colaiacovo.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares that Council accept Cathy Colaiacovo= s letter of resignation from the Leisure Services Committee with regret.
After discussion, Councillor Dares AGREED TO WITHDRAW her motion and the following motion was made.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Deputy Mayor Pink that a letter be forwarded to Cathy Colaiacovo accepting her letter of resignation with regret. The letter will also indicate that Council will welcome her back at the end of her term of employment with Leisure Services.
MOTION CARRIED
Editor= s Note:
COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Deputy Mayor Pink reminded Council there is a Finance Committee meeting dealing with Grants to Organizations scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2005 commencing at 9:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEE B COMPOST FACILITY
Councillor Boudreau advised the Community Liaison Committee for the Compost Facility met on Tuesday, February 22, 2005. He advised the Ministerial Order had been lifted and the improvements in odour monitoring are still ongoing. He commented the recent community newsletter was an excellent means of communicating with the residents of the area.
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PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Chair brought forward the following recommendation from the Public Hearing of March 10, 2005:
MOVED BY Councillor Judge, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares to amend the municipal Planning Strategy, in particular Policies 1.18(B) and 6.11(B) and the Land Use By-law, Part 7.3(B), to enable A restaurants with an eating establishment liquor license@ and an A inn with a special premises liquor license@ in registered heritage properties located within the residential designation immediately abutting the Central Business District designation by development agreement.
MOTION CARRIED
YARMOUTH WATER UTILITY
Councillor Hood brought forward the following recommendation from the Lake George Watershed Management Protection Committee:
MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Deputy Mayor Pink that the regulations be approved subject to confirmation that the incorporating references discussed by the committee are approved by legal counsel.
FURTHER that a recommendation be made to the Town of Yarmouth Water Utility to adopt and promugulate the regulations;
THAT the Town of Yarmouth Water Utility utilize the enabling wording for designation utilized in previous designations in Nova Scotia and designate the area defined as the A Lake George Watershed@ on the generalized future land use map of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth= s planning strategy.
FURTHER THAT the area be formally designated a protected area for the Lake George Watershed pursuant to the Environment Act, Section 106.
FURTHER THAT it is recommended that Council on behalf of the Water Utility call a public meeting for public participation and discussion of the content of the regulations.
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IT IS FURTHER recommended that the public meeting be advertised in the local newspaper prior to the meeting and additional copies be made available at various locations including the Town Hall and Town of Yarmouth Web Site, Library, Ohio Service Station and the Planning Office at the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth for public viewing.
MOTION CARRIED
JOINT LEISURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
Councillor Dares advised the Committee met March 9, 2005 to discuss the selection of Volunteer of the Year. She advised a public announcement could not be made as yet, as the candidate has not been notified.
Councillor Dares advised she had received a letter from Central School Home and School requesting Council= s support of their application to the Department of Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that a letter of support be forwarded to Central School Home and School acknowledging their funding application to Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation.
MOTION CARRIED
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Councillor Hood advised the Committee met earlier this month and dealt with a number of routine items.
YARMOUTH PARKING COMMITTEE
Councillor Hood advised the Parking Commission usually only meets once a year but will be meeting in the upcoming future to set the rates.
WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD.
Councillor Hood commented on the passing of Mr. Robert Hartlin, former Executive Director of the Waterfront Development Corporation. He advised Mr. Hartlin, although a resident of Dartmouth, had the ability to guide and was the force to get the waterfront development moving. He commented the Town would have never reached the level of commitment without Mr. Hartlin= s guidance and hard work. He suggested Council consider a location along the waterfront whereby Mr. Hartlin= s name could be placed in recognition of the significant contribution he made for this area.
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MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Strickland that a letter be sent to the family of Robert Hartlin reconfirming the Town= s thanks and appreciation for the work that Mr. Hartlin did for the waterfront.
MOTION CARRIED
JOINT EMERGENCY MEASURES COMMITTEE
Councillor Strickland advised there is an open house at the EMO headquarters scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2005 and an EMO exercise is scheduled for Sunday, April 17, 2005. He encouraged everyone to attend.
Councillor Strickland advised there was no meeting last month. He commented on the passing of Michael Richardson, EMO Coordinator Harold Richardson= s son.
JOINT HOMECARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mayor Crosby advised the Joint Home Care Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2005.
YARMOUTH COUNTY TOURIST ASSOCIATION
Councillor Strickland advised the A Winter Thaw@ is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2005 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He commented this was an important session which would outline the re directions of the tourist association and tourism in general within the Province of Nova Scotia. He encouraged everyone to attend this session.
Councillor Dares advised she participated in a strategic planning process last spring with the South West Shore Development Authority. As a follow up there was an upcoming seminar in Buctouche regarding the development of tourism in their area and requested permission to attend.
MOVED BY Councillor Boudreau, SECONDED BY Councillor Judge that Councillor Dares be authorized to attend the strategic planning session in Buctouche.
MOTION CARRIED
MARINERS CENTRE MANAGEMENT BOARD
The CAO referred to the minutes of the Mariners Centre Management Board and provided a brief summary. He commented that air horns are now banned, the public skating issue was being addressed and that the minor hockey has offered to pay $3,500 toward a second time clock in the second arena.
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The CAO also advised there was a possibility of installing fibreoptic cable at Mariners Centre, but any major funding for this was rejected as Eastlink has funded 100% of the cost in other areas. He advised that Council has set aside monies for capital improvements to Mariners Centre, but that fibreoptic cable was not one of the priorities.
SOUTHWEST SHORE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Mayor Crosby advised the meeting for the Southwest Shore Development Authority was scheduled to be in Shelburne this month.
YARMOUTH COUNTY INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Councillor Boudreau advised the last meeting for the Yarmouth County Industrial Commission was held in January.
PORT OF YARMOUTH
The CAO referred to the Short Sea Shipping Opportunities document previously circulated with the Council packages. He advised he would be meeting with the Waterfront Development Corporation regarding conclusions, i.e., the need for short sea shipping for the lay down area. He noted another area of concern is the lack of a truck route within the Town. He suggested that if this proposal was successful Council may wish to refer the issue of establishing a truck route to the Public Works Committee.
MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that Council request the Planning Advisory Committee proceed and recommend an appropriate truck route for the Town of Yarmouth, in consultation with the Traffic Authority.
MOTION CARRIED
DOCTORS= ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Councillor Strickland commented on recent articles published in The Vanguard and the recruitment for doctors is ongoing.
YARMOUTH HOSPITAL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Councillor Hood advised the campaign for funding for the MRI has begun and that it is a very worthy project.
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Councillor Hood advised that although he was appointed to a Committee through an invitation from MLA Chris d= Entremont, there has been no meeting as yet. He referred to a letter written by the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth whereby they declined to appoint a representative to this Committee as there was already a Committee in place through the SWSDA
to form a Health Committee organization. In response to questions, Councillor Hood advised he believed the Health Human Resources Committee would replace the Doctors= Assistance Committee.
The CAO suggested that as Councillor Hood was representing the Hospital Foundation on this Committee the Town should have another representative.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that Mayor Crosby be appointed to the Health Human Resources Committee with Deputy Mayor Pink as an alternate.
MOTION CARRIED
WASTECHECK
Councillor Hood advised he attended the recent WasteCheck meeting and they are working hard on negotiating a solution to meet the demands on second generation landfills that are required to be done by the end of this year.
OLD BUSINESS
Councillor Dares advised she had met with representatives from the Municipalities of the District of Argyle and Yarmouth regarding the illegal dumps in the county. She advised the group expressed concerns that the tipping fees at the landfills could be part of the problem and the following motion resulted:
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Hood that for the month of May tipping fees would be waived for residential waste at the landfill and that the hours of operation of the landfill be changed from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Editor= s Note:
MOTION CARRIED
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NEW BUSINESS
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
The CAO referred to the current policy regarding property tax exemption and that it hadn= t been changed since 1999. He suggested this policy be considered with the budget.
IT WAS AGREED to refer the property tax exemption policy to budget deliberations for consideration.
STAFF REPORTS
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS BYLAW (FIRST READING)
The CAO advised that as a result of discussion with the Director of Operations amendments had been made to the Streets and Sidewalks By-law regarding ice and snow removal and driveway access. He noted the revisions that Council recommended were also included in the amendment.
MOVED BY Deputy Mayor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that First Reading of the amendments to the Streets and Sidewalks Bylaw be approved.
There was discussion regarding a provision for the removal of ice and snow from sidewalks, and it was agreed to approve the by-law as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Editor= s Note:
LARGE SCALE MAPPING
The CAO referred to a memo from the Planner recommending the Town buy into large scale mapping. The Planner advised this would provide for digitized photos and an extra layer on the Town= s GIS system which currently doesn't have a map that shows property boundary lines.
MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that Council approve the request from staff regarding large scale mapping.
After discussion, the MOVER AND SECONDER AGREED TO WITHDRAW their motion.
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MOVED BY Councillor Hood, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that staff be authorized to proceed with the large scale mapping at a cost not to exceed the cost specified in the Planner= s report.
MOTION CARRIED
MUNICIPAL FINANCE CORPORATION
The CAO advised that the Director of Finance requested authorization to apply for funding to attend the Annual Government Financial Officers Conference. He advised the net cost for a CAO to attend last year was approximately $400.00.
MOVED BY Councillor Dares, SECONDED BY Councillor Boudreau that Council support the Director of Finance and authorize her to apply for funding to attend the Annual Government Financial Officers Conference.
MOTION CARRIED
STREET LIGHTS B WALMART/SUPERSTORE DEVELOPMENT
The CAO referred to a report from the Traffic Authority regarding traffic lights for the Walmart/Superstore development.
MOVED BY Deputy Mayor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that Council permit the installation of the traffic lights at the entrance of the Walmart/Superstore development.
The CAO suggested the motion include the A as per the Traffic Authority= s recommendations@ and referred to another Traffic study that indicated there should be a wider lane through Starrs Road. He suggested the Town require the Superstore to transfer a portion of their property for the widening of Starrs Road to five lanes.
THE MOVER AND SECONDER AGREED to reword the motion to include the CAO= s comments and explanations as follows:
MOVED BY Deputy Mayor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that Council permit the installation of traffic lights at the entrance of the Walmart/Superstore development provided the recommendations of the Traffic Authority are followed; also that the SuperStore transfer a portion of the SuperStore property to the Town to allow the Town to widen Starrs Road to five lanes, at some future date.
MOTION CARRIED
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APPROVAL OF THE INVOICES
MOVED BY Councillor Strickland, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that the invoices as approved by the various chairpersons be approved.
MOTION CARRIED
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
IT WAS AGREED the next regular meeting would be scheduled for April 14th, 2005.
Councillor Judge gave his regrets for this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Deputy Mayor Pink, SECONDED BY Councillor Dares that the meeting be adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
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MAYOR
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CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER