Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Meeting held at 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook, NS

PRESENT: Council: Warden Yvon LeBlanc; Deputy Warden Eric Pothier; Councillors, Nil Doucet, Danny Hill, Philippe Gaudet, Carl Deveau, and Brian Comeau
Staff: CAO Stéphane Cyr, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks, and Recreation Manager, Tori Comeau
Presenters: Shane Robichaud and Amy Paradis
ABSENT: Councillor Nadine Comeau


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

2)  Adoption of the Agenda

MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the proposed agenda be approved as presented.
MOTION CARRIED          

3) Declaration of Conflict of Interest
None declared.

4) Presentations
4.1 Clare Community Fridge – Shane Robichaud
Shane Robichaud and Amy Paradis presented the Clare Community Fridge Project (pdfSee attached).

This project promotes food security while reducing food waste. Access to the fridge will be available to anyone. There is no judgement. The Clare Food Bank fully supports this project and believes it will greatly benefit the community. The ClareShare Society (and volunteers) will be stocking the fridge and pantry regularly to stock the shelves. Donations of food for this project are expected from both local businesses and community members.

As part of its application to the Community Food Access Fund, the ClareShare Society is requesting a municipal contribution of $500. Council was supportive of this request and made the following motion:

MOVED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare contribute $500 in support of the ClareShare Society’s application to the Community Food Access Fund.
MOTION CARRIED

5) Adoption of the Minutes from Previous Council Meetings
5.1 February 15, 2023 – Regular Council Meeting

MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet that the minutes of the February 15, 2023, Regular Council Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED

5.2 March 1, 2023 – Council in Committee Meeting

MOVED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the minutes of the March 1, 2023, Council in Committee Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED

6) Business Arising from Previous Meetings
None

7) Warden’s Activity Report – Warden Yvon LeBlanc

February 25 – Attended the opening ceremony of the SSNS P2 Provincial Women's Hockey Championship.

February 25 – Attended the men's volleyball match at Université Sainte-Anne where the Dragons won in the final against Holland College.

February 28 – Attended a meeting of the WREN Liaison and Oversight Committee.

February 28 – Attended a regular meeting of the Villa Acadienne.

March 2 – Attended a training session hosted by Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC).

March 10 – Participated in a tour of the Clare Health Centre and the new Acadian Villa, with MLAs Brendan MacGuire and Ronnie LeBlanc.

8) Official Statements from Members of Council
Councillor Carl Deveau congratulated Richard Landry of Comeauville on his 100th blood donation. This is Mr. Landry’s second 100th donation. Council will issue a congratulatory letter.

Councillor Brian Comeau congratulated Joyce d’Entremont on receiving the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration. Council will issue a congratulatory letter.

9) Correspondence
9.1 The Honourable John Lohr – Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
The CAO read a letter from The Honourable John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. (pdfSee attached)

9.2 Mr. Gilles Desautels
The CAO read a letter from Mr. Gilles Desautels. (pdfSee attached)

9.3 Mr. Matthew Spencer, Spectrum Manager, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The CAO read a letter from Mr. Matthew Spencer, Spectrum Manager for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. (pdfSee attached)

10) CAO Report – Chief Administrative Officer – Stéphane Cyr
The CAO presented his report for the month of March. (pdfSee attached)

11) Committee Reports
11.1 Building Permits Report – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill read the building permits report for the month of February.

February 2023

Year

Permits

Construction Value

Year to Date

2022

15

$ 413,340

$ 1,065,940

2023

6

$ 634,000

$ 1,193,440

11.2 Waste Check – Councillor Carl Deveau
The Waste Check Committee met on March 14, 2023. Much of the discussion focused on the elimination of black bags. In an effort to build awareness, advertising for the planned elimination of black bags will commence in April 2023, with the actual legislation to take effect in April 2024.

12)  New Business
12.1 Motion to Revise Quorum Requirements – WREN Liaison and Oversight Committee
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 was supportive of this request and made the following motion:

MOVED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare reduce the number of Liaison and Oversight Committee (LOC WREN) members required for quorum from 75% to 50% plus one.
MOTION CARRIED

12.2 Motion to Increase Funding Contribution – 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 was supportive of the proposed amendment and made the following motion:

MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare increase 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

12.3 Motion to Approve Funding Contribution – New 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:

MOVED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare contribute $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

12.4 Motion to Approve Municipal 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:

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

12.5 Motion to Send Letter to NS Public Works – Peter Dugas Road
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:

MOVED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare 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 (wharf side).
MOTION CARRIED

12.6 Motion to Approve Funding Contribution – 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:

MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Philippe Gaudet that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare contribute 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

12.7 Letter of Support – Meteghan Harbour Authority
The Meteghan Harbour Authority is asking for letters in support of their efforts to secure funding from the Government of Canada for much needed repairs to the breakwater in Meteghan. Given the importance of this vital piece of infrastructure to both the commercial fishing fleet and the broader community, Council made the following motion:

MOVED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare write a letter to the Meteghan Harbour Authority in support of its efforts to secure funding for the necessary repairs to the breakwater in Meteghan.
MOTION CARRIED

12.8 New Crosswalk – Placide Comeau Road
Councillor Brian Comeau has been approached by parents of students attending l’École secondaire de Clare (ESDC) requesting a crosswalk be installed. At present, students in grades 7 and 8 are not permitted to cross the street without a crosswalk. In the absence of a proper crosswalk, students are crossing in a haphazard manner. This is seen by this group of concerned parents as a safety issue. The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works has specific guidelines for the installation of crosswalks and, in this case, requires the process be initiated by either the CSAP or the Municipality, and also requires the presence of a crossing guard. In an effort to commence discussions with the CSAP on this issue, Council made the following motion:

MOVED BY Councillor Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare send a letter to the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial advising them that Council has been contacted by parents of students at École secondaire de Clare to have a crosswalk installed.
MOTION CARRIED

13) Closed Session 

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council proceed to an In-Camera Session.
MOTION CARRIED

Topics Discussed:
13.1 Contract Negotiations
13.2 Personnel Matters

PROPOSED BY Councillor Nil Doucet and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED

14) Date and time of the next Regular Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 7:00 pm.

15) Adjournment
MOVED BY Councillor Nil Doucet to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 pm.

Submitted by:
Ashley Hanks
Executive Assistant