Sept. 14, 2004

 

The last regular meeting was held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, with the following in attendance:

 

            Mayor Gosine

            Deputy Mayor Pendergast

            Councillor Kent

            Councillor Laurie

            Councillor Squires

            Councillor Wade

 

            Town Manager, Mr. Kent

            RCMP, Corp. B. Merrill

 

The meeting was called to order at 4pm. The minutes of the last regular meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Laurie.  Motion carried.

 

Two requests were received from employee, Gary Sweeney:  (1)  A written guarantee that his job at the dump site stays the same as it is and (2) that lead hand pay be given to him when seniority arises. Discussion held and Town Manager was instructed to contact council’s lawyer to respond to Mr. Sweeney’s request, agreeing to item (1) but not item (2).

 

Garbage Collection:  Bill Hunt be written about schedule for residents for garbage collection and also to adhere to garbage collection contract regarding the service.

 

Paving upgrading at Courthouse Hill and East #l.  The Town Manager was instructed to secure an estimate from Farrell’s Excavating to upgrade those roads and report back to council for approval to have the work carried out.

 

RCMP:  Corp. Merrill presented a report to council on activities.  He said he would work with council to have the old wreck at Lance Cove Beach removed by the Dept. of Environment.  Corp. Merrill reported that Const. Burke would be back on the island next week.

 

Corp. Merrill reported:  (1)  Members of Customs and Excise have charged persons for tobacco offences. (2)  Cutting on crown land an issue. (3)  Five ATV’s have been seized and charges laid in most cases.

 

Mayor Gosine expressed concern with fifth officer away this summer, but he was pleased with policing in general this summer.  Mayor Gosine thanked Corp. Merrill for his presentation and felt things are going well at the present time.

 

Paul Steffler:  Mr. Steffler presented to council a written report regarding the use of dirt bikes at the Bell Meadow.  Mr. Steffler informed council that he bought his property in 2000 and felt his quality of life has changed and been ruined by the uncontrolled bikers and their bikes.  He has called the RCMP on different occasions and feels his property is devalued by this activity.  He suggested a new location for the races with an area of 15 acres.  Council asked Mr. Steffler to attend the next regular meeting of council on Sept. 28th. to discuss this issue further.

 

Dept. of Natural Resources:  Kenneth Andrews and Ned Verkonich:

Mr. Andrews gave a presentation to council on the proposal by their department for the iron ore at Bell Island.   They will take some bulk samples of material, do some testing and determine if there is a market for it.  Mayor Gosine thanked Mr. Andrews and his assistant for coming to Bell Island to update council on their call for proposals on the exempt mineral land..

 

Arising out of the minutes:

(1)         Workers to put salt on bell at the Beach Hill.

(2)         Submit a proposal for reactivating the pump on Steve Neary Blvd over the winter months to put in place for next summer.

(3)         Mention made to submit a proposal for new signage for Bell Island.

(4)         Councillor Squires said he would prepare a letter for families on the Green with school age children to have the bus stop at their properties.

(5)         Shale and grading at No. 6 ball fields to be carried out before next ball season.

(6)         Employees to have vacation period posted before Mar. 31, 2005.

(7)         Targa races for Bell Island for 2005.

 

Reports:  Financial Report, Town Manager’s Report, and Arena Report accepted as presented.

 

Applications: 

(1)         Omega Quarry Permit – approved on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Squires.  Motion carried.

(2)         Michael Taylor, Lance Cove to build a house – approved on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Wade.  Motion carried.

(3)         Kelloway Investments to operate a private garage at his building on Bennett St.  Approved on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent.  Motion carried.

(4)         West Mines Pub – to extend pub – approved in principle on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Squires.  Motion carried.

(5)         Greg Stoyles for the use of a large section of used oil tanks stored at our old council garage – approved and council would assist him with erecting washrooms (from the old tank material) at Lance Cove Beach.

 

Correspondence:

(1)         From Dr. Hogan re Gary Sweeney – this was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

(2)         From the Dept. of Transportation and Works re summer operations – agreed to contact them re painting of lines on streets.

(3)         From Advocate of Fair Insurance – ordered placed on file.

(4)         From Jackie Murphy re water supply – this letter to be responded to.

(5)         From Dept. of Natural Resources – dealt with earlier in the meeting.

 

New Business:

(1)         Motion made by Councillor Wade, and seconded by Councillor Kent to have repairs made to the dozer in the amount of $8000 - $10,000. Motion carried.

(2)         Come Home Year 2005 – Meeting set for Thursday, Sept. 16, at 7:30pm.

 

 

Councillors’ Concerns:

(1)         Mention  made to check all fire hydrants and install warning posts for visibility for the winter months.

(2)         Request made to have a small section of Quigley’s Line included on the Transportation and Works paving program.

(3)         Town Councils website to be updated.

(4)         Check on funding under the Federal Municipal Green Fund.

(5)         RCMP Newsletter – submit item each month.

(6)         Concern expressed about mistake made in the new tourist guide brochure.

(7)         More brochures need to be distributed around Newfoundland and on the gulf ferries.

(8)         Set time limit of 15 minutes for persons wishing to do a presentation to council.

(9)         PCO to check area on Gosine’s Road for rodents, and to check abandoned well behind Verge House.

 

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:15pm on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast.  Motion carried.

 

CONFIRMED

 

 

________________________Mayor

 

________________________Town Manager (recording secretary)

 

Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7:30pm