Municipality of the District of Clare
COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, March 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, Philippe Gaudet, Carl Deveau, Brian Comeau, and Nadine Comeau
Staff: CAO, Stéphane Cyr, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks and Director of Finance, Ginette Cheff
Presenters:
ABSENT: Councillor Danny Hill


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

2) Approval of the Agenda
The CAO asked that the following item be added to the agenda:

  • 7.6 Clare & Argyle Acadian Tourism Development Project

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

3) Declaration of Conflict of Interest.
None.

4) Presentations
None.

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

6) Business arising from Previous Meetings
6.1 Notice of Public Hearing – Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB)
The Public Hearing regarding the number of Councillors in Clare and the boundaries of the municipal polling districts will be held on May 18, 2023, at 10:00 am, in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (1185 Highway 1, Little Brook). To present at this meeting, residents must register beforehand with the NSUARB.

A copy of the Municipality’s application is available for inspection during regular business hours at the municipal office, 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook, Nova Scotia, and at the offices of the Board, Summit Place, 3rd Floor, 1601 Lower Water Street, Halifax Nova Scotia or on the Board’s website at https://nsuarb.novascotia.ca/, by clicking on "Matters & Evidence", "Go to Files & Documents" and insert in "Go Directly to Matter" Matter ID M10870.

7) New Business
7.1 Western Regional Enterprise Network (WREN) - Quorum
To avoid further last-minute meeting cancellations, the WREN’s Liaison and Oversight Committee (LOC) is requesting a reduction in the number of members required for quorum, from 75% to 50% plus one. Doing so requires both municipal and provincial support. Council is supportive of this request and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend reducing the number of Liaison and Oversight Committee (LOC WREN) members required for quorum from 75% to 50% plus one.
MOTION CARRIED

7.2 Concept Paper – Joseph and Marie Dugas Municipal Park
In an effort to move this project forward, the CAO is proposing to amend the proposed scope and funding mix. More specifically, the project scope would focus exclusively on the Joseph and Marie Dugas Municipal Park, with alternative funding to be sought at a later date for both the Point à Major and walking trail bridges. In terms of project funding, the CAO is proposing to revise the mix from 50% federal / 25% provincial /25% municipal to 2/3 federal and 1/3 municipal, in light of the ongoing challenges in identifying appropriate provincial funding sources. ACOA was briefed on the proposed amendment and appears supportive. That said, in order to proceed to formal application, the Municipality must necessarily increase its funding contribution from $487,500 to $544,512 (including the non-refundable portion of the HST). Council is supportive of the proposed amendment 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 increasing the municipal contribution for the proposed redevelopment of the Joseph and Marie Dugas Municipal Park, from $487,500 to $544,512 (including the non-refundable portion of the HST), conditional on confirmation of balance of funding, and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED

7.3 Purchase of Cargo Trailer
The Municipality is looking to purchase a new 16’ cargo trailer to more safely and effectively store and deliver needed equipment to various municipal events. The total cost of the trailer, including a full-cover vinyl wrap and the non-rebated portion of the HST, is $27,531. Under the NS Recreation Facilities Development Grant, the Municipality can apply for 1/3 of the aforementioned cost. The CAO is recommending the Municipality proceed to application and is requesting a motion from Council for the remaining 2/3 of the purchase price of the trailer (i.e., $18,350). Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend contributing $18,350 (including the non-refundable portion of the HST) towards the purchase of a new 16’ cargo trailer and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED

7.4 Property Tax Write-Off
The CAO and Director of Finance are asking Council to write off taxes for AAN 08483027 in the amount of $364.18. This amount stems from the incorrect taxing of a mobile home, following the sale of the property on which it was located. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend writing off $364.18 in municipal property taxes for AAN 08483027.
MOTION CARRIED

7.5 Widening and Resurfacing of Peter Dugas Road (Wharf Side)
The Peter Dugas Road (Wharf Side) is home to a growing number of businesses, is seeing an increasing amount of commercial traffic, and is used readily by fishers going to and from the wharf. At present, the public road does not meet NS Public Works’ standards and poses a safety risk to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Local Public Works officials are aware of the issue however there are no immediate plans in place to address these concerns. The MLA for Clare, Mr. Ronnie LeBlanc, is also aware of the situation and is strongly advocating for a solution. In support of this effort and in response to the growing number of public calls on this issue, the Deputy Warden is asking that Council send a letter to the Minister of Nova Scotia Public Works, the Honourable Kim Masland, outlining the immediate need for the widening and resurfacing of the Peter Dugas Road. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Brian Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend sending a letter to the Minister of Nova Scotia Public Works, the Honourable Kim Masland, outlining the immediate need for the widening and resurfacing of the Peter Dugas Road (wharf side).
MOTION CARRIED

7.6 Clare & Argyle Acadian Tourism Development Project
Led by the Municipality of Clare, the Clare & Argyle Acadian Tourism Development Project will refresh the current interpretative panels in Clare and Argyle, add additional panels to new locations, and provide funding to help increase capacity for festivals and help support events. The total project cost is $400,000 over two years, of which 75% or $300,000 is being sought from ACOA. Other anticipated project partners include the Province of NS ($35,000), the Town of Yarmouth ($2,500), the Municipality of Yarmouth ($2,500) and the Municipality of Argyle ($30,000). The CAO sees value in this project in the lead up to the CMA 2024. Council agreed and passed the following motion to recommend:

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend contributing a total of $30,005 over the next two fiscal years, commencing April 1, 2023, to the Clare & Argyle Acadian Tourism Development Project.
MOTION CARRIED

8) Questions and Comments from the Public
None.

9) Closed Session

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that Council proceed to closed session.
MOTION CARRIED

Topics Discussed:
9.1 Personnel Matters

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine 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 April 5, 2023, at 7:00 pm.

10) Adjournment
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm.

Submitted by
Ashley Hanks,
Executive Assistant