Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, February 17th, 2016 at 7:00 pm
PRESENT: Council: Warden Ronnie LeBlanc, Deputy Warden Brian Comeau; Councillors, Lester Doucet, Nil Doucet, Hector Thibault, Russell Comeau, Danny Hill and Robert Thibault.
Staff: CAO Stéphane Cyr, Administrative Assistant to the CAO, Alain Poirier.
Public: Carl Deveau
ABSENT:
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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
The CAO asked that the following item be added under “Closed Session”:
12.2 Belliveau Cove Redevelopment Project
MOVED BYDeputy Warden Brian Comeau andSECONDED BYCouncillor Danny Hill that the proposed agenda be approved with the above noted addition.
MOTION CARRIED
(b) Declaration of conflict of interest
Warden Ronnie LeBlanc asked for any declarations of conflict of interest.
None declared
3) Presentations
None
4) Adoption of the minutes from previous council meetings
4.1 January 20th, 2016: Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Lester Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Minutes of January 20th, 2016 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
4.2 February 3rd, 2016: Council-in-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Minutes of February 3rd, 2016 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
5) Business arising from previous meetings
None
6) Warden’s Activity Reports – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
The Warden provided a summary of the meetings and events he attended since the last Council meeting.
Jan. 29th – Meeting with Riverside to discuss the issue on not enough staff and looking at the strategic possibilities on immigration, including the question on Refugees.
Feb. 6th- Meeting with the Université Sainte-Anne Governor Council
Feb 9th – Meeting with the federal deputy, Colin Fraser to discuss the municipal priorities. (Fire hall, Cap Sainte-Marie Lighthouse, Infrastructure programs, etc.)
Feb 17th – Meeting with the City and the Municipality of Digby for the RCMP Policy Review Presentation.
7) Official statements from the members of Council
Councillor Robert Thibault mentioned that Mr. Paul Émile Comeau will be recognized by the East Cost Music Awards for his ongoing contributions with “Les productions du Moulin”. In light of this recognition, Councillor Thibault asked that a congratulatory letter be sent to Mr. Comeau on behalf of the Municipality.
Councillor Nil Doucet mentioned that Mr & Mrs. Gerald Gaudet celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 14th, 2016. A certificate highlighting this occasion has already been sent to couple by the Municipality.
8) Correspondance
8.1 Carleton River Watershed Area Water Quality Monitoring Steering Committee
The CAO read a letter from the Carleton River Watershed Area Water Quality Monitoring Steering Committee. In its letter, the Committee is asking to have a representative from the Municipality of Clare sit on their committee. The CAO will contact the Committee’s Chair, Mr. Brad Fulton, for clarification regarding their request.
8.2 École Joseph Dugas
The CAO read a letter from École Joseph Dugas thanking the Municipality for its contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) towards their parent/student lunchs.
8.3 Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association
The CAO summarized a brief proposal from the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association regarding their Science Atlas project. Contained in the proposal was a project description, stated goals and objectives, prospective partners, proposed timing and duration and budgetary estimates. The proposal contained no specific requests to Council and was for information purposes only.
9) C.A.O. Report – Chief Administrative Officer - Stéphane Cyr
10) Committee Reports
10.1 Building Permits Reports: Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Hill presented the building permits report for the month of January 2016, as submitted by the Building Services Department.
January
Year Permits Construction Value
2015 8 $862,920
2016 5 $212,000
10.2 Planning Advisory Committee: Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Hill provided a summary of the last PAC meeting which focused specifically on watershed protection. Furthermore, the upcoming public meetings on this subject, originally slated for March 2016, have now been rescheduled for April 2016.
10.3 Police Advisory: Councillor Nil Doucet
Councillor Doucet provided a summary of the Committee’s last meeting during which they discussed the concerns of the residents of Clare regarding the recent string of robberies. Since capturing the person it believes responsible for almost 85% of these incidents, the RCMP notes the number of robberies has decreased dramatically. In his report, Councillor Doucet also mentioned that a new constable, Constable Josée Lagacé, will be moving to the area in March.
10.4 Villa Acadienne: Deputy Brian Comeau
No report
10.5 Waste Check: Councillor Robert Thibault
No Report
11) New business
11.1 Motion – 2nd reading – CAO By-law No.35
The Warden asked if the Municipal office received any objections regarding the By-law No 35. The CAO confirmed no objections were received. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Municipality of Clare present By-Law No. 35, a By-Law Respecting the CAO, for the second and final time in its entirety, thereby enacting the By-Law.
MOTION CARRIED
11.2 Motion – 2nd reading – Committee of the Whole By-law No. 36
The Warden asked if the Municipal office received any objections regarding the By-law No. 36. The CAO confirmed no objections were received. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Municipality of Clare present By-Law No. 36, a By-Law Respecting the committee of the whole, for the second and final time in its entirety, thereby enacting the By-Law.
MOTION CARRIED
11.3 Motion to approve the budget for lifeguard services
The Warden reiterated that every year, the Municipality’s Recreation Department contracts for the hiring of 2 lifeguards for the summer (weekends only) at the Mavillette Beach and underscored the importance of this service. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Lester Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the expenses budgeted by the Recreation Department in the amount of $9,190.34 including HST to provide Lifeguard Service at Mavilette Beach during Summer 2016, on weekends only, from July 1st to August 28th.
MOTION CARRIED
11.4 Motion to officially name Dave Jubis Lane
The Warden explained that the residents living at the properties located at 8070, 8072 and 8074 have contacted the Civic Number Coordinator, Gary Sullivan, to have their shared driveway officially named Dave Jubis Lane. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Russell Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the driveway shared by the properties located at 8070, 8072 and 8074 Highway 1, Meteghan be officially named Dave Jubis Lane.
MOTION CARRIED
11.5 Motion to proceed with a consultation in District 1 – Street Lighting Program
Councillor Nil Doucet explained that he has been approached by residents in his district regarding the possible installation of street lights. In order to gauge public interest for these lights, Councillor Doucet would like Council’s approval to conduct a consultation. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council of the Municipality of District of Clare proceed with a consultation for a street lighting program in District 1, from the St. Bernard Church to the Grosses Coques Bridge.
MOTION CARRIED
11.6 Motion to appoint Mariette Byzewski for a second term on the Western Regional Housing Autority.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of Clare appoint Mariette Byzewski for a second term as the Clare Municipal representative on the Western Regional Housing Authority.
MOTION CARRIED
11.7 Temporary Borrowing Resolution – Meteghan Sewer Extension Project
PROPOSED BY Councillor Robert Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor
Hector Thibault that WHEREAS Section 66 of the Municipal Government Act
provides that the Municipality of the District of Clare, subject to the approval of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, may borrow to expend funds for a capital purpose authorized by statute;
AND WHEREAS clause 65(ak) of the Municipal Government Act authorizes the Municipality of the District of Clare to borrow funds for the purpose of wastewater facilities and stormwater systems;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED
THAT under the authority of Section 66 of the Municipal Government Act, the
Municipality borrow a sum or sums not exceeding Four Hundred and Forty
Thousand Dollars ($440,000) in total for the purpose set out above, subject to the approval of the Minister of Municipal Affairs;
THAT the sum be borrowed by the issue and sale of debentures of the Municipality to such an amount as the Council deems necessary;
THAT the issue of debentures be postponed pursuant to Section 92 of the Municipal Government Act and that the Municipality borrow from time to time a sum or sums not exceeding Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Dollars ($440,000) in total from any chartered bank or trust company doing business in Nova Scotia;
THAT the sum be borrowed for a period not exceeding Twelve (12) Months from the date of the approval of the Minister of Municipal Affairs of this resolution;
THAT the interest payable on the borrowing be paid at a rate to be agreed upon; and
THAT the amount borrowed be repaid from the proceeds of the debentures when sold.
RESOLUTION CARRIED
11.8 Motion to appoint Returning Officer
The Warden noted that 2016 is a municipal election year and as such, Council must appoint a Returning Officer. Council passed the following motion.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Lester Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Russell Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of Clare appoint Pam Doucet as the Returning Officer for the 2016 Municipal and School Board Elections
MOTION CARRIED
11.9 Grants to Organizations 2016-2017
The CAO mentioned that he has been receiving inquiries regarding the 2016-17 Grants to Organizations application process. In consultation with both the Directors of Finance and Community Development, they decided that applications will be accepted from March 1st until April 15th, 2016. These dates are believed fair in terms allowing applicants sufficient time to provide the necessary documentation while also ensuring both staff and Council have sufficient time to complete the annual budgetary planning exercise.
12) Closed Session
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Lester Doucet that the Council proceed to an In Camera Session.
MOTION CARRIED
Topics discussed:
12.1 Recycling Plant
12.2 Belliveau Cove Redevelopment Project.
PROPOSED BY Councillor Lester Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
13) Date and time of next Regular Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on March 16th, 2016 at 7:00 pm.
14) Adjournment
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm.
Submitted by
Alain Poirier,
Administrative Assistant of the CAO