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June 28, 2005
The last regular meeting was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday,
June 28th. with the following in attendance:
Mayor Gosine
Deputy Mayor Pendergast
Councillor Laurie
Councillor Kent
Councillor Pitts
Councillor Squires
Councillor Wade
Town Manager, Mr. Kent
Town Clerk, Mrs. Butler
Corp. Merrill - RCMP
James Kelloway
Keith Hawco
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 by Mayor Gosine, the minutes of
the last regular meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion by
Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried.
RCMP
(1) Wrecks - Corp. Merrill informed council that he and his detachment
are still working on having all wrecks removed from properties, and that
summonses will be issued next week to those who still have wrecks on
their properties.
(2) No Exit Streets - Corp. Merrill suggested that Wood'a Ave become a
No Exit street,
also it was suggested that Colbourne St., and West Mines Road leading to
the air strip be blocked as well.
(3) Outdoor Dances - Corp. Merrill suggested that there be double
barriers whenever dances and parties are held out doors.
JAMES KELLOWAY
Mr. Kelloway wondered why he was unable to have a commercial parking
area on his property near his home, while others were able to do so. Mr.
Kelloway was informed that prior councils dealt with these other
business people and proper rules and procedures were carried out. Mr.
Kelloway was told again that the area near his home is not zoned for
commercial activities, and therefore council had to turn it down. It was
mentioned that Mr. Kelloway has several areas here which need to be
cleaned up, one such area is near Keith Hawco's, Mr. Hawco provided
photos of the area where old vehicles and other debris has been piled.
Mayor Gosine said that council is constantly trying to clean up the town
but Mr. Kelloway has eyesores all over the place, and he certainly
doesn't want to have another one on Lance Cove Road.
Corp. Merrill, who was on his way out, came back and spoke to Mr.
Kelloway telling him that:
> he is not allowed to bring bus wrecks here to be scrapped for parts
and then abandoned.
> he said Mr. Kelloway is the worst offender on the island for creating
messes.
> he said if Mr. kelloway doesn't start to clean up his messes, charges
will be laid against him.
> he ordered Mr. Kelloway to have all old buses and parts of buses
removed.
Council reiterated what Corp. Merrill had to say and reminded Mr.
Kelloway that this is Come Home Year and every effort is being made by
residents to have their properties cleaned up and that includes him.
ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
(1) Workers/Equipment - Mr. Kent told council that our insurance policy
does not cover our workers or equipment when they are using the
equipment on their own private properties. He suggested that we allow
the employees to use the equipment on a small scale (maximum of two
hours), and to sign a waiver that they will not hold council responsible
for any damages they may cause. After a discussion a motion was made
by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Pitts that this be
approved. Motion carried. Included in the motion was that gas used
would be paid for by the employees.
(2) Clean up Day - The Mayor suggested that letters of thanks be sent
to our employees and others who helped during Clean up Day.
(3) Playground - A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and
seconded by Councillor Kent that a piece of playground equipment be
purchased from the grant of $2000 from the Provincial Government, and
that if needed council will contribute another $500 towards this piece
of equipment. Motion carried.
(4) Dehumidifier - It was decided that we would put the $10,000
received from the Provincial Government to go towards a demumidifier
into an interest-bearing account, until quotes, etc. are received and a
decision made regarding the purchase of a dehumidifier or dehumidifiers.
(5) Water Lines - Mr. Kent said that we still have to install water
lines for Mr. Clarence Kavanagh, Ms. Ramona Nolan, Mrs. Doris Normore,
Mr. Rick Parsons, and Ms. Norma HIgdon. He said he will be working on
them in the next week or so.
(6) Excavator - Mr. Kent informed council that Mr. Gerald Kitchen, a
heavy equipment technician, carried out an inspection on the excavator
at Harbour Construction which we were considering purchasing. Mr.
Kitchen reported that it would cost council approximately $10,000 to
have this excavator brought up to an acceptable standard. It was
decided that we would not purchase this excavator. Then Mr. Kent
informed council that we could purchase a 1999 John Dere from OnTrac for
$80,000 plus tax, which would cost us about $2200 per month for 48
months. After a discussion it was agreed that we rent out this piece of
equipment for a month to see if it suits our needs, and how it works,
etc. also we will have Mr. Kitchen carry out an inspection on it, and
then a decision could be made whether we will purchase it or not. This
was covered in a motion by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor
Pitts. Motion carried.
(7) Gerald Fowler - It was suggested by Councillor Squires that we
would give Mr. Fowler a certificate of recognition for his attempts to
clean up the Green area, if he does not receive an award from the
Environmental people.
(8) Garbage Contract - Councillor Kent asked about the garbage contact
being up the end of this month. Mr. Kent said we can continue with the
present contract on a month to month basis. It was felt that we would
wait until after the municipal elections to deal with this issue.
(9) Incinerator - Councillor Squires felt that the old incinerator
should be removed as it is an eyesore for the eastern end of the island.
FINANCIAL REPORT - accepted as presented.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT - accepted as presented.
ARENA REPORT - accepted as presented.
APPLICATIONS
(1) Sidney Rees to build a house at Searle's Lane approved on a motion
by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried.
(2) Dave Fitzgerald to start a screen door/window repair business (The
Screen Man). This was approved on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast
and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried.
(3) William Burke to build a cabin at Lance Cove, this was approved on
a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Squires. Motion
carried.
(4) Don Crane to build a patio deck unto his club on West Mines Road.
Agreed that we check with the immediate neighbours and if there are no
objections approval would be granted. This was covered in a motion by
Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
(1) Information from NLAMA re adoption of a Harrassment Policy. This was
approved and covered in a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by
Councillor Wade. Motion carried.
(2) Information from a company who mades keychains, and other such
souviner type articiles, agreed that we pass this information to the
Come Home Year committee.
(3) Copy of letter to Margaret Skehans from Minister Shelly - ordered
placed on file.
(4) Copy of letter to Minister Shelly from Margaret Skehans - ordered
placed on file.
(5) Letter from Margaret Skehans re the establishment of a business
association. Agreed that this was a good idea and it was council's hope
that she will be successful in having such an association established.
(6) Letter from Canada Heritage re a $500 grant for Canada Day
activities. It was agreed that council would provide another $500 so
that fireworks can be provided for a little celebration of Canada Day to
be held at the Wabana Complex grounds.
(7) Letter from the Town of Torbay regarding establishing a chamber of
commerce for all businesses in the North East Avalon area. This was
felt to be a great idea, and it was also mentioned that this information
could be passed to Margaret Skehans in an effort to help with her
business association plans.
CONCERNS
(1) Mayor Gosine asked Councillor Pitts if she would once again lay the
wreath at the war memorial on July 1st. Councillor Pitts agreed to do
this.
(2) Mayor Gosine said that some groups wanted to use the arena for Come
Home Year dances free of charge. It was felt that we would stay with
the rental of $700 per event.
(3) Mr. Kent informed council that approval has finally come through
for the construction of washrooms at Lance Cove Beach. A motion was
therefore made by Councillor Wade and seconded by Deputy Mayor
Pendergast that council's approval be granted for those washrooms.
Motion carried.
(4) Mayor Gosine said that council should made an effort to make some
washrooms or have some provided for Bell Island Day. It was agreed that
we get a copy of the specifications from the Lance Cove Beach Committee.
(5) Mr. Kent informed council that Reid's Construction would put the
mural which is presently outside the Wabana Complex on the west side of
the fire hall and also repair the siding. It was mentioned that Gerald
Tremblett wanted to have this mural erected on his garage, and Ketih
Quigley wanted to have it erected on one of his cottages. It was felt
that the Fire Hall would be the best location. A motion was made by
Councillor Wade and seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast that the mural
be placed on the Fire Hall by Reid's Construction for a fee of $1400.
Motion carried.
(6) Mr. Kent explained the situation regarding the old house belonging
to the late Mrs. Elizabeth Crane and that several family members have
been in despute over it. A motion was made by Councillor Wade and
seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast that letters be sent to the family
members granting Raymond Crane permission to remove the old house, and
that the members of the family give their approval by signing the letter
and returning it to council. Motion carried.
(7) Mr. Kent informed council that Mr. Dan Craig has filed an appeal
against council's decision for him to remove the old buildings from his
property on Gouthro St.
(8) Mr. Kent informed council that an order was issued to Michael
McGrath Jr. to have his old house at St. Pat's Lane removed within 21
days, and that Mr. McGrath came to the office to inform us that the
house is legally owned by Michelle Mercer, and that he understood she
was going to have it repaired. Agreed that we keep a close check on
this.
(9) Deputy Mayor Pendergast asked that proper signage be erected for
the Grebes Nest, and other areas of interest, and that steel pipe be
used for posts instead of wood to maintain them.
(10) Deputy Mayor Pendergast said that the wharf at Lance Cove Beach is
tilted and should be repaired. This to be brought to the proper
authorities.
(11) Agreed that we check with Mines and Energy regarding the mess at
West Dam where Hunt's Construction has a quarry area.
(12) Mayor Gosine felt that we should be able to get some sort of deal
for road construction in light of the fact that we are unable to make
any money from our white rock resource.
(13) Mayor Gosine said that Bob Hammond has a big contract for white
rock, and so does Omega Construction. Councillor Squires said
contractors should not be allowed to destroy areas of the island and
leave things in this manner. He said the West Dam area is an example of
this, he said the area is disgraceful.
(14) Councillor Pitts asked about the two houses behind Murphy's Garage
and the condition they are in. She was informed that one of them is
occupied and in good condition, the other needs to be addressed though.
(15) Councillor Pitts suggested we forward a letter of congratulations
to former councillor John Cole on his becoming a deacon.
(16) Councillor Squires suggested that the dump site be fenced, and
that the areas around Matt Youngs and the Carroll boys be cleaned up, he
said these areas are disgraceful to the island. Mr. Kent to check into
this.
(17) Councillor Kent asked if there was any word yet on funding for
brush cutting. Mr. Kent informed him that he checks almost every day,
and nothing has been approved for here yet.
(18) Councillor Kent asked if Bill Lawrence was charged a Business Tax
for removing old wrecks, etc. and hauling them to the dump site, and
this appears as if he is operating a business. This to be checked into.
(19) Councillor Kent said that the watchman at the dumpsite, Mr.
Sweeney, leaves his post every day long before he should. The Town
Manager said he would check into this.
(20) Councillor Kent informed council that Mr. Sweeney takes possession
of all scrap metal at the dumpsite, and claims he owns it. He said he
feels this is an illegal activity and should be investigated.
(21) Councillor Kent suggested we purchase a small pump for pumping out
basements, etc. He said such a pump is less than $400.
(22) Mayor Gosine said the mess near our old depot should be cleaned up,
as it certainly does not look very appealing to residents and visitors.
Agreed that we try to do something there soon.
(23) Mayor Gosine said that while the highroads people are still here
we make a plea to have ditches cleaned out and roads upgrade.
(24) Councillor Pitts asked that the fountain at Town Square be dressed
up with flowers and made presentable.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7pm
on a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by Councillor Kent.
Motion carried.
CONFIRMED
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Mayor
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Town Clerk
Next meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 4pm
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