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Jan.28, 2003
The last regular meeting was held on Jan. 28th with the following in attendance: Mayor Gosine RCMP Representative, Sgt. Ron Andrews The meeting was called to order by Mayor
Gosine at 4:05pm. RCMP (1) Sgt. Andrews reported that things are pretty quiet around the island, and that the various programs and projects that the RCMP are involved with are progressing well. (2) He explained that Bell Island does not fit the requirements right now for a full time Sargent, but that a corporal will be stationed here with no change in the number of officers. (3) He said that he has been receiving a lot of complaints about roaming dogs. It was agreed that our Animal Control Officer be informed of this and for him to step up his patrols re dogs running a large. (4) Sgt. Andrews said that cars left on the road impeding snow clearing has become a problem and is being dealt with. (5) Sgt. Andrews reported that a lot of teenagers are acting out recently and unable to deal with life problems in general. He felt there should be some community programs available to deal with troubled teenagers. Mayor Gosine said that the Community Health Services Dept. are equipped to deal with this issue, and perhaps the guidance councillors in the schools could be a help too. ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES: (1) Arena - A meeting to be held with the Arena Manager to discuss the status of the arena next Tuesday at 3pm. (2) Foxes - A cage has been left in the East
End area in a effort to catch the reported fox in that area, but no success yet. (3) Street Lights - Councillor Squires said that the areas of Court House Hill and Church Road are extremely dark areas and some consideration should be made regarding placing lights in these areas. It was decided that several councillors check for themselves. (4) Lighthouse - agreed that we meet with Mr. Clements of Transport Canada next Tuesday at 4pm concerning the future of the lighthouse. Also it was decided that Mr. Connors and Mr. Craig of the IAS Committee be in attendance with council. (5) Union - the 50/50/50 deal for three years was accepted by the union and the employees, the contract will be officially signed soon. FINANCIAL REPORT: Accepted as presented. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Accepted as presented. ARENA REPORT: Accepted as presented. APPLICATIONS: (1) From Rivlyn Ford and Sons to install three 10,000 gallon storage tanks on Mr. Ford's property.. It was agreed that we check with the Dept. of Environment first before we initiate plans to have the area rezoned for this development. If approved by Environment, rezoning will be requested. (2) From Judy Spencer to reopen the CLB Armoury as a Banquet Hall. This was approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Laurie and seconded by Councillor Squires. Motion carried. (3) From the Royal Canadian Legion to use their patio for outdoor tables during the summer months. This was acceptable. (4) From G.S. Hunt for a Quarry Permit in same area as last year - approved. (5) From Omega Construction for a Quarry Permit in same area as last year - approved. Both quarry permits were approved on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Squires. Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE: (1) From Capital Coast seeking support for their tourism development plan for comminutes Page 3 in their jurisdiction. Council gave their unanimous support and approval. (2) From Ben Hammett, Manager Ferry Operations, re terrible stench from Fish Plant. It was agreed that a copy of this letter be forwarded to Mr. Cyril Simms of the Environment Dept. (3) From the Dept. of Environment re the fish plant - this is being dealt with by that dept. (4) From Father Barrett re interruption in ferry scheduling - agreed that this was a good letter and with more people complaining effectively an improved system may be realized. (5) From NLAFCFF re Fire Convention and seeking some assistance from our fire dept. or council towards their convention activities. It was decided that we suggest they take part in our No. 2 Mine Tour as perhaps part of their partner's program. (6) From the Dept. of Environment re the use of waste asphalt as fill material - not permitted. COUNCILLORS' CONCERNS: (1) Councillor Pitts asked if there was an emergency plan in place during storm. She was informed that there is such a plan. (2) Councillor Pitts said she was very pleased with how her lane was plowed. She said it was done really well, and quite wide. A job well done. (3) Councillor Squires said that even though our plow operators did really well during the recent snow storms, he felt they should concentrate on getting one cut through all roads rather than spend long periods of time in certain areas. He said when the one cut is made they can go back an widen out the roads later. (4) The Town Manager asked for authorization to purchase a blade for our new backhoe in order to make it more efficient for snow clearing. He said it would cost approximately $7000 and he could have it added to our payment plan for the new backhoe which would increase our payment by approximately $100.00 per month. After a discussion it was agreed that we would not purchase this piece of equipment right now. Councillor Kent suggested we purchase a truck with a snow blade attached. (5) Councillor Squires said he was concerned that local contractors were dumping snow in the streets while snow clearing driveways, etc. This he said is not a good practice and they should be notified to cease this activity. (6) Councillor Squires said he heard that a dart league were using the WBGC building on Page 4 occasion, where alcoholic beverages are being serviced. He said this certainly was not a good perception for the WBGC. (7) Councillor Laurie reported that a Ms. Hibbs in the Valley complained that her area was not getting enough salt and sand. Also she said she had received a request from Mrs. Martha Parsons to have her area cleared of snow and the road sanded. Mr. Kent explained that the Valley is a very difficult area to maneuver but we do the best we can there, but will monitor it a little more than usual. (8) Councillor Laurie also reported that there is a huge snow bank in the driveway of Mrs. Elizabeth Brazil which is pushed there apparently by the snow plow operators. It was felt this practice should cease and more consideration given to this woman's accessibility to and from her residence. (9) Councillor Laurie spoke on the matter concerning Irving Oil closing their Davidson ave. service station (Murphy's), and installing self serve tanks on Church Road (King's Garage). She thought it was very callous of Irving to close a business which has been operating there for over twenty years and asked what if anything council could do in this situation. It was felt that we should write Irving Oil requesting them to give us a full report of their intentions concerning the business, the building, etc. and what Mr. Murphy's options may be. (10) Councillor Squires asked if there was any program in place to assist seniors in the event of emergencies during snow storms or at other times. He felt someone or some group should be making sure our seniors are not at risk during bad weather or at any other time. (11) Councillor Kent felt we should write a letter to Irving Oil to determine what their intentions are concerning their tanks on the Beach Hill, and to ESSO re their tanks at the Pier. (12) Mr. Kent informed council that right now
North Atlantic is filling Irving Oil tanks with diesel for council, and was
not sure how this would be received by the Irving people. (13) Councillor Kent felt our casual plow operators could perhaps work some extra hours cleaning snow for us. He said we need fully trained operators who can use all types of heavy equipment, and he made mention that Dale Butler who has been a casual worker with council is fully trained on the use of backhoes and loaders, and he sees no reason why he can't take our loader and do some snow clearing to relieve our overworked employees sometimes. (14) Councillor Kent reiterated what Sgt. Andrews had said earlier about the large number of Page 5 dogs running at large, he said we definitely have to crack down on this before someone is seriously injured by a hungry or ill animal. NEW BUSINESS: (15) Mayor Gosine mentioned the near miss of the two ferries mid tickle last Friday during the snow storm. He said this incident had not been reported to Transport Canada and wondered why. He said this should be looked into. (1) An application from Mr. Brain Burke to sculpt a mural into the concrete extension to the old Town Hall in lieu of paying municipal taxes for a few years was rejected. It was felt that Mr. Burke should apply for government funding for whatever projects he wishes to pursue. (2) An application from Mr. Carl Power, Quigley's Line to operate a taxi service was approved. There being no further business to discuss
the meeting adjourned at 6:15pm on a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded
by Councillor Kent. Motion carried. CONFORMED _______________________ _______________________
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