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Jan. 25, 2005 The last regular meeting of the Wabana Town Council was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005, with the following in attendance: Mayor Gosine Town Manager, Mr. Kent Economic Development Officer, Mr. Connors Member of Lighthouse Society - Jerry Duggan The meeting was called to order at 3:05pm by Mayor who asked the guests to explain their positions regarding the plans for the lighthouse. Mr. Connors explained that a development plan has been prepared for the lighthouse and how it can become part of a tourism package for Bell Island. He said funding from ACOA or some other government agency should be sought to bring about this project. Mr. Duggan said that Bell Island should be marketed for its tourism potential, with a new communication package needed to move this idea further. He said Bell Island as a whole should be promoted as a destination for tourists and tourism in general. It was decided that all council members would meet next Tuesday at 3pm and visit the new lighthouse building, and see if any of the old artifacts from the old building might be there, and to get a 'feel' for the place so that ideas can be formulated for its full potential as a tourist attraction. Mayor Gosine thanked Mr. Duggan for coming to the meeting and explaining his position and giving council an overview of how he feels the lighthouse and the island in general could be tied together to make Bell Island a destination for tourists to visit and enjoy. After Mr. Duggan left, Ms. Katherine Brown entered the meeting and explained that she was hoping to relocate her restaurant, the Homemade Kitchen, to the Lighthouse area, and what was necessary for her to know or do to make this a reality. The Mayor asked that she meet with our Economic Development Officer and Mr. Duggan, so that she will be informed on what is required. It was mentioned that she has to have a Business Plan prepared as this would be the first step. Next the minutes of the last regular meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion my Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried. ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES: (1) Come Home Year Committee - Mayor Gosine said the last committee meeting was well attended by groups and organizations, and that he would like to see more council members attend the next meeting. (2) Highways Equipment - Mayor Gosine explained that there is inadequate highways equipment on the island to keep the roads cleared of snow and ice, and that we should once again write the Minister of Transportation and Services, Honourable Tom Rideout, reiterating that this serious situation must be addressed and corrected. (3) Infrastructure Program/Dosco Hill pumping station - Mr. Kent explained that the proposal has been forwarded to the Dept. of Municipal Affairs, and we are waiting for their response. (4) Street Lights - It was decided that
council would not take any action regarding the street light on Knights of
Columbus Drive as it is presently serving good coverage for the K of C
building which is not sold yet. Perhaps if the building is sold, the
situation could be addressed again. (5) Heavy Equipment Operator - Mayor Gosine explained the situation whereas Mr. John Whalen was hired for the winter months to operator heavy equipment, mainly for snow clearing. The Town Clerk explained that because her son's name had been mentioned by the Mayor at the last council meeting and was indeed recommended by him for the next position of a heavy equipment operator with council without any opposition from the other council members present, that he would have had a chance of being hired when the position was advertised and he indeed had submitted a resume. The Mayor explained that Mr. John Whalen was picked for his experience, and the alternate, Mr. Shawn Mugford, was picked for his experience. The Town Clerk was upset because her son had had experience too as he had worked for council on a couple of occasions and with other heavy equipment companies, and was highly recommended by the Mayor. The Mayor explained that the operators were chosen by the hiring committee, and that Dale Butler was chosen as a second alternate. It was felt that perhaps the Mayor should not have mentioned Dale Butler's name at the meeting in Dec. and let the hiring procedure proceed the way it always has. (6) Arena Manager - it was agreed that we would advertise for the position of Arena Manager, with applications being received up to and including Feb. 18th. (7) Ban on smoking in bars - Councillor Laurie felt we should actively pursue this and have such a law enforced , and in the meantime if the provincial government brings in such a bylaw that would be fine too. She said smoking and indeed second-hand smoke is causing more and more health problems for people and it should be banned in all public buildings. It was decided that we would check with a few other municipalities to see what they are doing regarding this issue and then make a decision on what we should do. (8) Pynn's Building - as the building in question has been sold to Mr. David Boland, it was agreed that we seek legal advice as this building was supposed to be removed if it had not been repaired in 30 days. Council agreed that they would visit this building next Tuesday before they visit the lighthouse. (9) Jamie Parker/Randy Daley - Mr. Kent explained that those two individuals are no longer in partnership, and that we are still trying to obtain a Business Plan from Mr. Parker as to his intentions concerning the mines. The following reports were accepted as presented: Financial, Town Manager, and Arena. APPLICATIONS: (2) G.S. Hunt to renew his Quarry Permit - this was approved and covered in a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried. (3) G.S. Hunt to develop efficiency units at the former Community Centre at Lance Cove, this was approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried. (4) Trevor Hann to have a memorial erected, perhaps near the lighthouse, for his late father, Mr. Albert Hann. Agreed that council members give this some thought and further discussion will take place at our next meeting. CORRESPONDENCE; (1) Letter from the Minister of Transportation, Honourable Tom Rideout, re winter operations. It was agreed that we would write Mr. Rideout again reiterating that more heavy equipment is needed here and that it will be too late when someone is injured or killed due to the Beach Hill or some other area not being adequately cleared of snow and ice. (2) Letter from the Minister of Government Services, Honourable Dianne Whalen, re driver examination services. Agreed that we write Ms. Whalen again strongly urging her to have this service provided to the residents of the island. (3) Letters from NLFM and FCM re the Tsuami Disaster. Mayor Gosine explained that the Kiwanis Club, and St. Michael's School were discussing making a joint donation towards the disaster and perhaps council could join with them and make the donation even greater. It was agreed that council would donate $1000. This was covered in a motion by Councillor Squires and seconded by Councilor Pitts. Motion carried. Also it was decided that the donations be made to the Canadian Red Cross. (4) Letter re Tidy Towns - Mayor Gosine said council should encourage all residents to strive towards making our town tidy and presentable for everyone, and as an added bonus we may be recognized by the Tidy Towns Committee. (5) Letter from Reg Durdle re upgrading our website - Mayor Gosine said that Paul Connors would be getting involved with this with Mr. Durdle for a combined site for the town and the IAS. (6) Letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Honourable Jack Byrne, re St. John's Urban Regional Plan, agreed that council would pay its share if called upon to do so. COUNCILLORS' CONCERNS: (1) Councillor Squires asked if council would be providing a water supply to the residents of Post Office Road. Mr. Kent said this would be looked into when the weather improves. (2) Councillor Squires questioned the number of power outages we have had recently. Mayor Gosine suggested we meet with NF Power to get a status report on the power equipment as it relates to the island. While on the topic of NF Power, it was felt that some small presentation be made to Mr. Stan MacDonald, for his help to this council on numerous occasions, which went beyond the call of duty. Mr. MacDonald is now retired from NF Power but has accepted a two-year contract position in Alberta. It was suggested we present him with something on his first trip back to the island. (3) Councillor Kent inquired about the Quigley's Line pump and the problems we have been having with it. The Town Manager explained that on three occasions cracks had been discovered in the pipe, and had to be repaired and put back in operation. (4) Mr. Kent explained that some of the water problems at the Front were due to the Fish Plant having some problem with a leaking pipe. He said this has been repaired and now the water in this area should be under control. (5) Councillor Pitts expressed appreciation to our consulting engineers for their Christmas gifts to council members. (6) Mayor Gosine felt we should make sure our Emergency Plan is up to date and ready in the event it is required to be put into action. (7) Mayor Gosine suggested that due to the high cost of registration fees for the Canadian Federation of Municipalities convention, only the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Town Manager and one other councillor attend. This councilor to be chosen by names placed in a hat. (8) Mayor Gosine informed council that Scottie Upshall (hockey player) would be coming to the island soon, and that council should make an effort to present him with some recognition of his hockey achievements. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6pm on a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried. CONFIRMED Next regular meeting Feb. 22, 2005 at 4pm _____________________________ Mayor ____________________________ Town Clerk
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