Municipality of the District of Clare
COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Meeting held at 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook

PRESENT: Council: Warden Yvon LeBlanc, Deputy Warden Eric Pothier, Councillors Nil Doucet, Danny Hill, Philippe Gaudet, Carl Deveau, Brian Comeau, and Nadine Comeau
Staff: CAO, Stéphane Cyr, Director of Community Development, Pam Doucet, Director of Finance, Ginette Cheff, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks, and Communications Officer, Amy Paradis
Presenters: Clare Fireworks Committee - Rachelle Lavoie, Denise Comeau, Renée LeBlanc, Robert Deveau and Shawn Craik
ABSENT: 

1) Call to Order
The Warden called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

2) Approval of the Agenda
Councillor Brian Comeau asked that the following item be added to the agenda:

  • 7.6 Dangerous and Unsightly

MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the proposed agenda be approved with the above noted addition.
MOTION CARRIED

3) Declaration of Conflict of Interest.
The Warden declared a conflict of interest with item 4.1 Clare Fireworks Committee.

4) Presentations
4.1 Clare Fireworks Committee – Rachelle Lavoie, Denise Comeau, Renée LeBlanc, Robert Deveau and Shawn Craik
The Deputy Warden presided over this particular meeting item.

Representatives of the Clare Fireworks Committee delivered a well thought out presentation, clearly articulating their concerns with the use of fireworks. They provided real life examples to underscore the negative impact of fireworks, with a particular emphasis on animals and individuals suffering from PTSD. (pdfSee attached)

Following a few questions from individual Councillors, the decision was made to refer the issue to the By-law Committee for further review. No specific motions were made during the Council-in-Committee meeting on this issue.

5) Staff Reports
5.1 Wentworth Lake Municipal Park Update – Pam Doucet, Director of Community Development
The Director of Community Development presented the updated plan for the proposed improvements to the Wentworth Lake Municipal Park. (pdfSee attached)

5.2 Financial Update – Ginette Cheff, Director of Finance
The Director of Finance provided an overview of the Municipality’s financial position. (pdfSee attached)

At the request of both the CAO and the Director of Finance, Council made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend transferring $5,463 from the Operating Fund to the Capital Fund.
MOTION CARRIED

6) Business arising from Previous Meetings
None

7) New Business
7.1 Amendment - Abuse Prevention Policy
In 2022, the Municipality incorporated an abuse prevention policy as part of its suite of policies. (pdfSee Attached).

The purpose of this policy is to formalize the Municipality’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults (collectively, “vulnerable individuals”) who access Municipality programs and services. Following a review of the policy by its insurance provider, the Municipality has been asked to amend the policy to include a signature block for staff.  Council was presented with the amended policy for its consideration and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend approving the amendment to the Abuse Prevention Policy as presented.
MOTION CARRIED

7.2 Road Naming Request – Henriette Bridge Road
The Municipality has been approached to approve the naming of a private road. The proposed name is compliant with the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy in that its is bilingual and has garnered the approval of no less than 66.6% of the affected property owners. As such, staff is recommending the proposed name be approved. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend approving the request to name the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Numbers) listed below, as follows:

In English: Henriette Bridge Road

In French: chemin du Pont à Henriette

30019277

30019483

30019392

30018527

30019442

30019467

30019202

30371744

30286538

30019178

30019160

30382048

30319128

30382022

30356505

30382030

30019095

30382014

30019459

MOTION CARRIED

7.3 Boundary Review – Public Hearing, May 16 to 18
The Utility and Review Board (UARB) intends to conduct the hearing for this matter during the week of May 16-18, 2023 and is seeking confirmation of the CAO and C & D Community Design’s availability on those dates, as well as confirmation on the availability of council chambers as a venue for the hearing.

The CAO has confirmed his availability, as well as that of C & D Community Design, on the proposed dates. Chamber availability has also been confirmed, with the sole exception being the evening of May 17th which is the scheduled time for the Regular Council meeting.

The CAO is currently awaiting confirmation from Mr. Bruce Kiley, Chief Clerk of the UARB as to the exact date and time of the hearing.

7.4 Municipality of Clare Accessibility Plan
The Municipality’s Accessibility Plan 2023-2026 has been approved by its Accessibility Advisory Committee and is now being sent to Council for its review and consideration. The plan is a living document which will change and evolve over time, as required. Once approved by Council, it will be formally submitted to the Government of Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Directorate. Council was very pleased with the plan and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend approving the Municipality’s Accessibility Plan 2023-2026 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED

7.5 Community Representative – Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Municipality’s Accessibility Advisory Committee requires a minimum of three community representatives. Unfortunately, one of these representatives had to step down for personal reasons. Despite efforts to replace this representative, the committee seat remains empty.

Recently, it has been brought to the Committee’s attention that Josanne Deveau is interested in joining as a community representative. Ms. Deveau is a well-known and well -respected volunteer, coach, teacher, and a passionate advocate for persons with disabilities. Both the Committee and the CAO agree that her membership would add tremendous value in helping shape and guide the Municipality’s efforts towards becoming more equitable and barrier-free by the year 2030. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Nil Doucet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend appointing Josanne Deveau to the Municipality’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
MOTION CARRIED

7.6 Dangerous and Unsightly
Councillor Brian Comeau felt a visit to the property located at 1286 Maza Road was warranted under the Municipality’s Dangerous and Unsightly By-law. The CAO agreed and will instruct staff accordingly.

Councillor Danny Hill expressed concern regarding the former garage located at 1417 Patrice Road. The property in question is currently on this year’s municipal tax sale. The owner is deceased. The 6-month redemption period does not apply in this case as the property has been on tax sale for each of the last 6 years. There was interest in the property last year. Unfortunately, the prospective buyer was forced to withdraw his bid. If an effort to generate interest in the property, Council may choose to write-off the taxes owing. This discussion was deferred to the upcoming Regular Council Meeting.

8) Questions and Comments from the Public
None.

9) Closed Session
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council proceed to closed session.
MOTION CARRIED

Topics Discussed:
9.1 Contract Negotiations
9.2 Personnel Matters

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Brian Comeau that Council proceed to the regular Council meeting.
MOTION CARRIED

9) Date and time of the next Council-in-Committee Meeting
The next Council-in-Committee Meeting will be held on March 1, 2023, at 7:00 pm.

10) Adjournment
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 pm.

Submitted by 
Ashley Hanks,
Executive Assistant