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Sept. 30, 2003
The last regular meeting was held on Sept. 30, with the following in attendance: Mayor Gosine Corp. Boyd Merrill, RCMP The meeting was called to order at 4pm. RCMP The following issues were discussed: Councillor Squires asked that the RCMP do
some patrolling near the old Bell Island Corp. Merrill told council he will be very accessible day or night, and he intends to deal with all big issues that come his way, the silly things he said will be dealt with too but in a more subdued manner. The minutes of the last regular meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried. ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES: (1) Rivlyn Sheppard/pallets - Mr. Kent said that PCO has carried out a treatment in the area Page 2 for rodents. He said there was very little evidence of rodents in or around Sheppard's property, the adjacent property of Richard Foley was also treated. (2) Kelloway's buses - Mr. Kent informed council that Newco Recyclers would be coming soon to get the old car wrecks including old buses. (3) Dilapidated buildings - A motion was made to order the removal of two old buildings belonging to the Carbage family on the Green. The motion was made by Councillor Squires and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried. Mr. Kent explained that he had been in contact with Florence Pynn and Cal Sheppard re the old house on Quigley's Line (across from Legion), and that it is difficult to have this house taken down when every other day something is being done to it, or someone has plans for it. It was decided to give her ten more days to make some move re the demolition of this house. (4) Lighthouse - Mr. Kent asked for clarification of the agreement re the lighthouse, and that his interpretation was that there will be a job there for a lightkeeper for the next five years at which time council will assume responsibility of the building by purchasing it for $1.00. Council agreed with this interpretation. (5) Grievance Gary Sweeney - Deputy Mayor Pendergast informed council that he and the Town Manager and Mr. Sweeney met with Mr. Rick Gill, from the union office to discuss the grievance whereas Mr. Sweeney feels he should have been considered for a recently advertised assistant plumber/pipefitter's job. A note was read from Mr. Sweeney's doctor advising that he could carry out moderate duties. As the job requirements call for a lot of lifting and heavy work it was agreed that Mr. Sweeney would have to obtain a full medical clearance before he could be considered for this position. It was felt if need be we would go to arbitration to have this issue settled. This was covered in a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried. Mr. Kent advised that Mr. Sweeney would be filing another grievance because he was not given the foreman's rate when the foreman was off work. Mr. Kent explained to council that the next senior man steps into the foreman's (or lead man"s) role in the absence of the foreman/lead man. He did not think Mr. Sweeney would quality for this as his duties are at the incinerator only. (6) Foxes - agreed that we try to obtain more cages to see if we can catch a fox(s). FINANCIAL REPORT - accepted as presented. Page 3 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: (1) Recapped tires - Councillor Squires asked if there was a guarantee with those tires, and if not perhaps we should have purchased new ones. (2) Buses - Kelloway is in the process of cleaning up his property and removing the old buses. ARENA REPORT: A letter was presented from Matt Kolle, the program manager for the Breakaway Youth Program (Mushuau Innu), requesting that ice be put on the arena for the middle of Oct so that they can have an early start to the their programs. Mr. Kent explained that he and the Arena Manager met with Mr. Kolle and firmed up a time when the ice would be put on the arena. They all agreed that late Oct. or early Nov. would be okay, as some work has to be done on the arena roof, with the condenser having to be lifted and a weak spot in the roof repaired. It was mentioned that the roof repairs in general will have to go to tender. Mr. Kent explained the run around he has been getting with the paving program. He said it seems to have been all worked out now with the tenders going in the paper tomorrow. CORRESPONDENCE: (1) Letter from Mr. Frank Pendergast to develop the west dam area for a tent/trailer park. This was felt to be an excellent idea and worth pursuing. The Town Manager was authorized to investigate obtaining ownership of land in the west dam area with a view to having it developed as suggested by Mr. Pendergast. (2) Letter from Ms. Annie Kent seeking assistance from council to raise money for her to have her house repaired ($52,346.82). It was agreed that council could not get involved with this matter. (3) Letter from Mrs. Ann Jackman-Jones to
have a street light installed near her home on Jackman's Lane. Agreed that
the area be checked out to see if a light is warranted. While on the topic
of street lights it was agreed that the following areas be checked as well: Page 4 (4) Letter from Mr. Sean Wiltshire of the Avalon Employment Inc. requesting that the Touch of Class, Spices of Life and Special Moments (operation sunshine) be given permission from council to relocate from their present location to the old town hall building. Agreed that a meeting be held with Mr. Wiltshire to discuss this in more detail. (5) A letter was read from NLHC advising that all inspections have been completed on Mr. Max Garland's house and because he refused to sign for a loan increase to have deficiencies repaired, no further inspections are pending. (6) Letter from the Dept. of Environment re
phasing out all incinerators by 2008. (7) Infonote from NLFM regarding a province wide 911 service. Agreed that this was a good thing and that we place the petition on our counter for people to sign if they so choose. CONCERNS (1) Mr. Kent advised that he was successful in obtaining the 1993 ambulance from the Health Care Corp. for the sum of $1.00. (2) Mr. Kent informed council that Mr. Walsh would be having a reception tonight to officially open his campaign headquarters upstairs in the Wabana Complex, and that all council members and employees are invited. (3) Mr. Kent asked for permission to order two dozen town flags. This was approved and it was decided that the design be altered and improved before the order is placed. (4) Councillor Wade informed council that she had won the National Griott Award for outstanding black youth. All present congratulated Councillor Wade on her achievement. (5) Deputy Mayor Pendergast said he had been requested by Mr. Gerald Sheppard, Scotia # 1, to have some draining carried out near his property to prevent flooding. (6) Deputy Mayor Pendergast said he had been approached by Mr. Lorne Normore to have a Page 5 Hazardous Materials Removal Day held. This to be looked into. (7) Councillor Squires asked where the fill for the new lighthouse is coming from. This to be checked into. He felt that designated areas only should be utilized. (8) Councillor Squires asked about the Innu and if it was true that there had been a incident where a knife was used as a weapon. Mayor Gosine said this was not true, he did say though that two youth were sent home (one for fighting and one because he was homesick), and that three new members have arrived. (9) Councillor Squires said the old smoke house on the sports field should be removed. It was felt that perhaps the old ESSO site could be utilized as a smoke house for the fire dept. (10) Councillor Squires said the playground equipment on the field should be taken down now and stored for the winter. He said fencing is needed on the field, and the kiddies play area improved for next year. (11) Mention was made that the Logwood Park area has been leased to a Mr. Mike Taylor for pasture land. (12) Councillor Squires suggested the Town Manager speak to Mr. William Newman, Valley Hill, as he has some good suggestions for ditching and repairing the hill. (13) Councillor Laurie said that our council should get involved in auctioning off property that has no owner, or where the owner is unable to be contacted, or huge tax arrears exit. It was felt that a committee could be struck to discuss this matter further. Several councillors said they would be willing to sit on such a committee. (14) Mayor Gosine suggested we write a farewell letter to former councillor Pat Joy who is leaving Bell Island to live in Portugal Cove. (15) Councillor Kent asked about the chlorination system and when it should be operational. Mr. Kent explained that the pipe is in the ground and is being tested and that the project is on schedule. He said the areas of the pumping stations will be cleaned up soon. (16) Councillor Kent asked about the road
paving and felt that those roads to be paved should have water and sewer
installed first. With this in mind it was agreed that a pipe be run to
Shea's Lane and capped for future use, as this lane will be included under
the paving program for this year. Page 6 (17) Councillor Kent said he did not like to
see his name on the minutes as arriving late. The meeting starts at 4pm but
he has to work until 4:30, however he doesn't like to see himself (18) The Town Clerk informed council that the IAS are presently short of cash flow and requested that council consider loaning them $25,000 until their grants come through. This was not approved. (19) Mayor Gosine brought to council's attention that a group of students from a business class at MUN had caused a disturbance on the Flanders recently. It was decided that we write a letter to MUN regarding this and expressing our dismay at such activity. (20) Mayor Gosine spoke on dilapidated buildings and reiterated that the Prince's Theatre should be taken down and two old buildings belonging to the Carbage Family, and situated at the Green should also be removed. In regard to the Prince's Theatre it was agreed that the Fire Chief be asked to carry out a fire inspection on this building before any further action is taken for its removal. (21) Mayor Gosine expressed concern that there is not adequate accommodation in Gander for those wishing to attend the convention. He said that a letter had been sent off expressing our displeasure at this. There being no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 7pm on a motion by Councillor Squires and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried. CONFIRMED ____________________ ____________________ Next meeting Nov. 25, 2003 at 4pm
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