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Nov. 23, 2004 The last regular meeting was held on Nov.
23rd. with the following in attendance: Town Manager, Mr. Kent RCMP Const. Noble The meeting was called to order at 4:05pm. RCMP Next the minutes of the last regular meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried. ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES Come Home Year 2005 - Mayor Gosine said he would like to have another meeting of the Come Home year Committee next Tuesday, Nov. 30th. And hopefully some council members will be attending. Vacation Schedule - Mr. Kent reported that the vacation notice has been posted in the council depot. Landfill Operations - Mr. Kent had made contact with various towns regarding their landfill operations, and attached it to his report. Highways Dept. - Mayor Gosine said that the Highways Dept. (WS) will only have one truck and one backhoe here during the winter months, and if we have significant snow this year, those two pieces of equipment will not be sufficient to adequately keep the roads cleared of snow. NLFM re Mortgage of Building - A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Wade that our town contribute $210.00 per year for three years towards this mortgage. Motion carried. No. 4 Pump - Mr. Kent reported that we had
problems with the new pump recently installed in No. 4 well, and has been
replaced under warranty. FINANCIAL REPORT - Approved as presented. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT -Approved as presented. ARENA REPORT Mayor Gosine said he is very impressed with the condition of our arena under the excellent management of Mr. Ford, and he feared this might not continue when Mr. Ford retires this year. CORRESPONDENCE (1) Decision of appeal re Florence Pynn - the Board ordered that the building be removed within one month of the date of the decision (Nov. 8, 2004). While on the topic of old buildings it was felt that the Princess Theatre be inspected by the Fire Inspector to determine if it is a fire hazard. Also that Roy Bennett be contacted regarding his intentions concerning the old St. Boniface School. It was felt that perhaps councillors could bring back a list of dilapidated buildings to the next meeting so that proper orders can be made to have those buildings disposed of in the proper manner. (2) Opinion of lawyer re Old Dosco Mining Operations - the opinion was that council does have control over the tailing piles and that they can contact the RCMP and request that they deal with any persons removing tailings without the council's consent. (3) Fax from Capital Coast regarding their regional planning session scheduled for Nov. 26, and any council member wishing to attend can do so. (4) Letter from Capital Coast regarding a
community calendar they plan to develop, agreed that council have input into
this by having our Come Home Year activities included in it. (5) Minutes of Killick Coast meeting recently held at the Wabana Complex - ordered placed on file. (6) Minutes of the Northeast Avalon Joint Councils held at Witless Bay - ordered placed on file. (7) Letter from the Dept. of Environment regarding our permit to operate a water system - Mr. Kent explained that this is a detailed document and has been copied for our plumbers to familiarize themselves with and to put into practise. It was felt that our two plumbers continue to be upgraded as courses, workshops, etc. are offered. (8) Information from the Dept. of Municipal and Provincial Affairs regarding the creation of the Freedom of Information Review Committee and subsequently the creation of the Freedom of Information Act. It started that municipalities are obligated to designate the "Head" in accordance with the Municipalities Act. Also a co-ordinator must be appointed to make sure the proper application and administration of the legislation is understood and followed. Mayor Gosine said he would act as 'Head" and the Town Manager would be the co-ordinator. (9) Next a quotation was presented for two new computers for the town office. The quote was from DSI for $3941.05 and approved by council on a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried. (10) The Tax schedule for 2005 was presented. It was agreed that the fees and rates remain the same as last year, except for the following additions: Demolition fee - residential - $10.00 with a
$100.00 deposit which will be returned when the site is satisfactorily
restored. The Tax schedule was approved on a motion by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried. Next the town's operating budget for 2005 was
presented and approved in the amount of $1,580,631. A letter was presented from Mr. George Pitts asking for some time to have his outstanding tax bill paid. It was decided to leave this up to the Town Clerk to work out a deal with Mr. Pitts. Tenders for the delivery of salt and sand from St. John's for the winter months were received as follows: (1) Island Bus Service (Paul Cummings) -
$1981.40 The lowest bid of $1144.25 from Hurley's Construction was accepted and awarded to them on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried. COUNCILLORS' CONCERNS (1) Councillor Wade reported that the Remembrance Day Service was well attended. (2) Deputy Mayor Pendergast asked that the Fire Hydrant on Tucker St. be checked as it could be in the way for snow clearing operations, etc. (3) Councillor Pitts suggested we support Randy Collins, MP, in his bid to have VLT's banished from Newfoundland, and included on the next election's ballot paper. This was accepted by council and covered in a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried. (4) Councillor Pitts said she attended the Legion's Memorial Day function at the Legion and reported that there was not a big turn out there. (5) Councillor Squires complimented the town on their endeavour to carry out a very well run landfill operation at our dumpsite. (6) Councillor Squires suggested that in future years a community bonfire be organized which will be under the control of council and looked after in a proper manner, insuring that old tires are not used. It was suggested we check with the City of Mount Pearl as to how they develop and organize their community bon fires. (7) Councillor Kent asked why the dozer was not being used to bury garbage at the dump. He felt the loader and backhoe could be put to better use elsewhere. Mr. Kent explained that the dozer would be back on the dump when the canvas canopy has been put on it. (8) Councillor Kent reported that the lock on the gate to the diesel tank yard was left open and accessible to would be thieves. Agreed that this yard be locked when not in use. (9) Councillor Kent said that we should make sure our infrastructure/capital budget is submitted for more road paving. With this in mind councillors were asked to submit a list of the roads they feel need to be resurfaced. (10) Mr. Kent presented a quote from
Newfoundland and Labrador Consulting Engineers Ltd. for a new well water
supply and watermain extension for Steve Neary Blvd in the amount of
$192,476.20 (11) Mayor Gosine reported that the water in his area has a foul odour on it and should be flushed out on a regular basis. (12) Mayor Gosine said he is working on preparing information regarding Edward Kent in order to nominate him for the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. He asked that council members submit their thoughts and information concerning Mr. Edward Kent before the deadline of Nov. 30th. (13) Mayor Gosine suggested that our next council meeting be changed from Dec. 14th. to Dec. 21st and perhaps we can have a small Christmas party afterwards. (14) Mayor Gosine suggested we send a letter of support to the Town of Harbour Breton on the loss of their fish plant. (15) Councillor Pitts suggested we send a letter of support to our Premier on his efforts to obtain 100% royalties from our off shore oil revenues. (16) Mayor Gosine suggested we purchase a water cooler for the conference room. (17) Mayor Gosine said the Kiwanis are actively getting ready for the Christmas Parade, and he is hoping council will have a float entered. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:30pm on a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried. CONFIRMED ________________________________ ________________________________ Next meeting Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004
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