Municipality of the District of Clare

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 7:00 pm

PRESENT: Council: Warden Ronnie LeBlanc; Councillors, Carl Deveau, Brian Comeau, Yvon LeBlanc, Eric Pothier, Hector Thibault and Danny Hill
Staff: CAO Stéphane Cyr, Communications Officer, Amy Paradis and Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks
Presenters:
ABSENT: Deputy Warden Nil Doucet

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

2) (a) Approval of the Agenda

Warden Ronnie LeBlanc asked that the following items be added to the agenda:
- 8.7 Invitation – Town of Yarmouth
- 12.2 Public Safety

MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc that the proposed agenda be approved with the above noted additions.
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 Minutes
4.1 June 19, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting

MOVED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the minutes of June 19, 2019 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED

4.2 July 3, 2019 – Council-In-Committee Meeting

MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the minutes of July 3, 2019 be accepted as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED

5) Business Arising from Previous Meetings
5.1 Paving – Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park
When the Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park was announced, discussions were held with the MLA for Clare, Mr. Gordon Wilson, regarding the possibility of paving the road leading up to the park. Since then, other options (such as chip seal) have been explored. Nevertheless, paving remains Council’s preferred option over the long term, given the increased vehicular traffic generated since the park’s opening, and would present the greatest benefit to residents and visitors alike. Presently, traffic on this road is creating constant clouds of dust that are preventing residents from being able to open their windows, hang laundry, or simply enjoy being outside on their property.

MLA Wilson indicated he would speak with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) to request they place a traffic counter on the road to document the traffic flow. In support of this request, Warden LeBlanc would like Council to send a letter to NSTIR. Council agreed and passed the following motion:

MOVED by Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED by Councillor Eric Pothier that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare send a letter to the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal asking them to place a counter on the road leading to the Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park.
MOTION CARRIED

5.2 Weekly Flyers
The weekly flyer packets are becoming a problematic source of litter in Clare. Other Municipality’s have enacted a by-law to address this same issue. With Council’s approval, Councillor Carl Deveau would like the By-law Committee to review these by-laws to see if a similar solution could be put forward for Council’s consideration. Council agreed and referred the issue to the By-law Committee.

6) Warden’s Activity Report – Warden Ronnie LeBlanc
The Warden provided a summary of the meetings and events the he attended since the last Council meeting.

June 10 – Attended the Board of Directors meeting of the Harborside Lodge in Yarmouth.

June 21 – Presented on behalf of the Municipality of Clare to the Board of Directors of the CSAP asking them to review their admission policy (Policy 501) in light of the growing importance placed on immigration by all 3 levels of government and the increase in the number of newcomers to the community.

June 24 – Attended the official opening for J.D. Composites Inc.

July 1 – Attended the Canada Day celebrations at the Clare Veterans Centre.

July 3 – Attended the official announcement of the construction of a new long-term care facility in Meteghan.

July 10 – Attended an announcement by the Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie about the modernization of l’Édifice Gustave-Blanche at Université Sainte-Anne, followed by a roundtable with local stakeholders.

July 15 – Attended a meeting of the WREN’s Liaison and Oversight Committee in Digby.

July 15 – Attended a joint session of the Councils of Clare and Argyle to discuss the CMA 2024.

July 16 – Attended a meeting of the Société Édifice Sainte-Marie de la Pointe.

7) Official Statements from Members of Council
Councillor Carl Deveau would like to wish a happy anniversary to Rene and Annette Comeau of Saulnierville who will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on July 18, 2019. A certificate will be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Comeau on behalf of Council.

Councillor Hector Thibault would like to send a thank you letter to the Gloosecap Ventures Management for flying an Acadian flag at the Gloosecap Business Centre, in honor of the connection and shared history between the First Nations and the Acadians. Council agreed.

Councillor Brian Comeau would like to Congratulate David Deveau of Riverside Lobster International Inc. on receiving the Louis E. Deveau Excellence Prize from Université Sainte-Anne on June 20, 2019. A congratulatory letter will be sent to Mr. Deveau on behalf of Council.

8) Correspondence
8.1 Association sentier de Clare Rail to Trail Association
CAO Stephane Cyr read a letter from l’Association sentier de Clare Rail to Trail Association (See attached).

8.2 Housing Nova Scotia
CAO Stephane Cyr read a letter from Lori Currie, Chief Financial Officer for Housing Nova Scotia (See attached).

8.3 Far Out Festival
CAO Stephane Cyr read a letter from Leon Dugas, President of the Far Out Festival (See attached).

8.4 Thank you Letter – Clare dans un soir 3
CAO Stephane Cyr read a thank you letter from the organizing committee of Clare dans un soir 3 (See attached).

8.5 Innovative Fishery Products Inc.
CAO Stephane Cyr read a letter from Marc Blinn, President of Innovative Fishery Products Inc. (See attached).

8.6 South Shore Cold Storage & Logistics Inc.
CAO Stephane Cyr read a letter from Doug Bertram of South Shore Cold Storage & Logistics Inc. (See attached).

Innovative Fishery Products Inc. and South Shore Cold Storage & Logistics Inc. are owned by the same individuals. CAO Stéphane Cyr contacted Mark Blinn, President of both companies to discuss both letters, but emphasised the second letter and asked if their intention was still to charge the fire fighters or the Municipality for the use of the fire hydrant in front of their building. Mr. Blinn said that he would speak with the company’s other shareholders regarding this matter. At the time of this meeting, the CAO had not heard back from Mr. Blinn.

A review of the deed to the property confirmed there is no documented easement permitting access to the waterhole. It should also be noted that this will be the third time the Little Brook Fire Department has lost a waterhole. Both Council and the CAO consider this to be a matter of public safety and rather than paying South Shore Cold Storage & Logistics $100 per use of the waterhole, the preferred alternative is to build a new waterhole behind the Little Brook Fire Department, on land owned by the Department. The estimated cost of the waterhole is between $20,000 and $25,000 and would normally be financed through the fire rate collected by the Municipality for the fire departments. However, given the circumstances and the potential impacts on public safety, the CAO is recommending this project be funded from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve. Council agreed and passed the following motion:

MOVED by Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED by Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare build a waterhole behind the Little Brook Volunteer Fire Department and that these funds be taken from the Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED

8.7 Invitation – Town of Yarmouth
CAO Stephane Cyr read an invitation from the Town of Yarmouth (See attached).

9) CAO Report – Chief Administrative Officer - Stéphane Cyr
The CAO presented his report for the month of July 2019. (See attached)

10) Committee Reports
10.1 Building Permits – Councillor Danny Hill
Councillor Danny Hill read the building permits report for the month of June 2019.

June 2019
Year    Permits    Construction Value      Year to Date
2018   20             $ 650,535                    $ 4,205,135
2019   29             $ 1,407,250                 $ 4,604,930

10.2 Villa Acadienne – Councillor Brian Comeau
The Villa Acadienne held their annual general meeting on June 25, 2019. Gloria Banks from Grant Thornton presented the financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2019. The Villa ended the year with an operating deficit of $46,569. Ms. Banks also presented the breakdown of the charitable foundation. These funds are only to be used to benefit the residents. Of the $52,300 raised, $4,765 has been spent.

Marcel Cottreau was elected as President, Councillor Brian Comeau was elected as Vice-President and Lucille Maillet was elected as Secretary/Treasurer. Councillor Brian Comeau would also like to add that Councillors Eric Pothier, Hector Thibault and Yvon LeBlanc are also on the Villa’s Board of Directors.

On July 3, 2019 the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honourable Randy Delorey, announced the replacement of the Villa Acadienne and the addition of 10 beds. The new facility will be located on the old Clare Bluegrass Festival site in Meteghan.

11) New Business
11.1 Motion to Enact By-law No. 37 – A By-law Respecting Subdivisions, Second and Final Reading
This By-law was read for the first time on July 3, 2019 and subsequently advertised. Only one comment was received. This was the result of a misunderstanding and easily rectified. Council passed the following motion:

MOVED BY Councillor Brian Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare read By-Law No. 37, a By-Law Respecting Subdivisions and that the By-Law be read for the second and final time by title only.
MOTION CARRIED

11.2 Motion to Write a Letter to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment Regarding Derelict Boat

MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare write a letter to the Honourable Gordon Wilson, Minister of Environment, outlining its concerns surrounding the remains of the derelict boat at the Comeauville Wharf.
MOTION CARRIED

11.3 Motion to Purchase and Install Community Flagpole

MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the purchase of a community flag pole from Flag Emporium, in the amount of $2,239 plus HST, and its installation by Spec Resources Inc., in the amount of $3,265 plus HST, for a total of $5,504 plus HST, and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Fund.
MOTION CARRIED

11.4 Motion to Approve the Five-Year Capital Investment Plan (2019-2024)

MOVED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the Municipality’s five-year Capital Investment Plan (2019-2024) as presented.
MOTION CARRIED

11.5 Motion to Approve the 2019-2020 Volunteer Fire Department Capital Funding Expenditures

MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the 2019-2020 volunteer fire department capital funding expenditures as presented.
MOTION CARRIED

11.6 Motion to Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Clare and the Belliveau Cove Development Commission

MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Clare and the Belliveau Cove Development Commission as presented.
MOTION CARRIED

11.7 Motion to Reallocate the Remainder of the CMA 2024 Bid Preparation Budget

MOVED BY Councillor Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare allow the CMA 2024 Bid Committee to use the remaining $11,160 from its bid preparation budget for the promotion of the CMA 2024, including ensuring a presence at the upcoming CMA 2019 in Prince Edward Island and Southern New Brunswick.
MOTION CARRIED

11.8 Motion to Purchase a 2020 Honda 700 Pioneer Side by Side

MOVED BY Councillor Hector Thibault and SECONDED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare purchase a 2020 Honda 700 Pioneer Side by Side with dump box from Leonard C. Comeau Ltd., in the amount of $16,334 plus HST, to be used for mandated water testing and site monitoring at the former Meteghan Landfill and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Fund.
MOTION CARRIED

11.9 Motion to Approve Reduction in Taxes for AAN 04002148

MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve a $762.38 reduction in taxes for 2019 for AAN 04002148, as a result of the demolition of the house in question by the property owner in June 2019.
MOTION CARRIED

11.10 Motion to Award Tender for Excavation / Site Work – Former Municipal Landfill
This was an invitational tender sent to three local companies for excavation and site work at the former municipal landfill. Following a review of the bids, the CAO is recommending accepting the quote from B and G Lombard Ltd. in the amount of $5,700 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion:

MOVED BY Councillor Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Brian Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare award the tender for the excavation and site work at the former Municipal Landfill to B and G Lombard Limited in the amount of $5,700 plus HST and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Fund.
MOTION CARRIED

11.11 Motion to Name Road – Pepperrell Road
Mr. Matthew Crawford contacted the Municipality regarding his properties in Mavillette and a road he will be building. Mr. Crawford has a series of development projects planned and is looking to incorporate the name Pepperrell as part of his brand identity. To this end, Mr. Crawford ask that this name be reserved until such time as the road in question is complete. Staff has verified and the name Pepperell Road complies with the Municipality’s road naming policy. Council passed the following motion:

MOVED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc and SECONDED BY Councillor Eric Pothier that the name Pepperrell Road be reserved for the proposed road to be built off the Baseline Road and shared by properties PIDs (Property Identification Number) 30377345, 30095251, 30377360, 30377352 and 30095285.
MOTION CARRIED

12) In Camera Session

PROPOSED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc and SECONDED BY Councillor Hector Thibault that Council proceed to an in-camera session.
MOTION CARRIED

Topics Discussed
12.1 Contract Negotiations
12.2 Public Safety

PROPOSED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc 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 September18, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

15) Adjournment
MOVED BY Councillor Yvon LeBlanc to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 pm.

Submitted by:

Ashley Hanks,
Executive Assistant