Mar. 29, 2005

The last regular meeting was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, Mar. 29th with the following in attendance:
Deputy Mayor Pendergast
Councillor Laurie
Councillor Kent
Councillor Pitts
Councillor Wade
Town Manager, Mr. Kent
Town Clerk, Mrs. Butler
Economic Development Officer, Mr. Connors
Guests: Mr. Ray Crane
Mr. Chris Lahey

The meeting was called to order at 4:05pm by Deputy Mayor Pendergast. The minutes of the last regular meeting and the last special meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion by Councillor Laurie and seconded by Councillor Wade. Motion carried.

RAY CRANE AND JASON LAHEY
A discussion took place regarding the application of Mr. Ray Crane to open a teen centre in the old Diamond Club building. Mr. Crane said he would abide by the guidelines set out by council, and that he would endeavour to work with the RCMP to ensure the dances, etc. are well controlled. He said he would have adult supervision there at all times. Mr. Crane was informed that if he did not abide by the rules set out by council, we would have his establishment closed down. A motion was made by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Laurie that the application be approved with the stipulations mentioned. Motion carried.

BELL ISLAND WEBSITE
Mr. Paul Connors, our Economic Development Officer, explained the enhanced website which Mr.Reg Durdle will be designing for the island, and said that the $2000 figure is very reasonable for the amount of work required. Council agreed to go with this new website and to pay Mr. Durdle the $2000 required. This was approved on a motion by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried.

ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

(1) Florence Pynn/Dave Boland building - presently being dismantled by Mr. Jimmy Kelloway. Agreed that we contact Mr. Boland to determine what his plans are for the foundation of the building.

(2) Road Work - Councillor Kent was concerned about road paving for the upcoming summer season. The Town Manager said that a list of our road priorities have been submitted to our MHA (for provincial roads). As to municipal roads, all of these programs are cost shared 50/50. Mr.Kent said that our road program is set out in our five-year capital works budget.

(3) Emergency Plan - Agreed that a meeting be held next week to update the plan.

(4) FCM - Agreed that four members of council and the Town Manager will attend.

(5) Bella Marine - Agreed that we write a letter to them expressing concern over the water supply when their facility is in operation, and that we suggest they utilize a storage tank system for their water supply.

(6) Lighthouse/ACOA - Application has been sent to ACOA, and it is going through the system.

(7) Rod Mercer - He advised that the iron content has been upgraded to the required 50%, or better, but they were not able to lower the contaminant elements, in particular silica and aluminum to the required levels. He said he is presently seeking markets for the ore either as is or in upgraded condition.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Accepted after a few minor questions were answered regarding the expenditures.

TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
A discussion took place regarding the recent tender call for the delivery of extra salt and sand to the island.
Councillor Kent said that the fact that all three bids came in exactly alike was a little more than a mere coincidence, he said it was more like collusion, and that in future we should truck the materials with our own work crew and equipment. He made a motion to this effect, which was seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried.

Report was accepted.

ARENA REPORT
A discussion took place concerning the retirement of the Arena Manager and finding a replacement for him. It was felt that the four people who applied for the job be interviewed by the hiring committee and Mr. Ford. This was covered in a motion by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Laurie. Motion carried.
Councillor Kent suggested we look at the possibility of hiring a MUN graduate student, to manage the arena, and who can have his salary cost shared by government.

Report was accepted.

APPLICATIONS

(1) Keith Quigley to operated cottages at East End Road - approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried.

(2) Dave Barrett to use land near pier area for a driving range. It was felt that Mr. Barrett obtain approval from the various government agencies that are required, before council can consider this application.

CORRESPONDENCE

(1) From the coach of the Stella Maris Hockey team apologizing for remarks made by some hockey players while on Bell Island. Agreed that we accept the apology and reply to this letter, with copies to Mr. John Hurley who organized the event, and to the Arena Manager.

(2) From our MHA Dianne Whalen, in response to our second letter to her re the termination of the Drive Examinations for Bell Island.

(3) From Islander's Volleyball Club seeking a donation to help with their travel plans. Agreed on a motion by Councillor Pitts and seconded by Councillor Wade that we donate $200.00. Motion carried.

(4) From NLFM regarding the Avalon Director's meeting scheduled for Apr. 13th. Anyone wishing to attend can do so.

(5) From MUN re celebrating the accomplishments of Memorial's outstanding alumni. Ordered placed on file.

(6) From St. John's District Labour Council re annual wreath laying ceremony observing the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured in the workplace, Apr. 28th. Anyone wishing to attend can do so.

(7) From the Dept. of Environment re Environmental Awards Program - agreed that we nominate Mr. Gerald Fowler, once again, for this award.

(8) From the Killick Coast advising that their next meeting will be Thursday, April 7th at Bauline. Anyone wishing to attend can do so.

COUNCILLORS' CONCERNS

(1) Councillor Kent was concerned that wood cutting is becoming a real issue here on the island and if it continues on such a large scale it will drastically affect our water supply. It was felt that we make our concerns know to the public via the RCMP newsletter.

(2) Councillor Kent said that garbage is being dumped at various places around the island and should also be brought to the attention of the public to immediately stop this practice. Agreed that this matter also be published in the newsletter.

(3) Councillor Kent said he heard that some houses would be built here through the Habitat for Humanity group. Council has no knowledge of this to date.

(4) Councillor Kent reiterated that the salt and sand for next year be transported here by our own workers.

(5) Councillor Pitts said that a letter of commendation be sent to an elderly gentleman, Elias Tuma, in Corner Brook who has been in business for over 80 years.

(6) The Town Clerk said that she had to revise the 2005 Budget by $30,000 and asked for approval to have this sent to government. This was approved on a motion by Councillor Wade and seconded by Councillor Pitts. Motion carried.

(7) Deputy Mayor Pendergast suggested some recognition be given to Bill Ford, on his retirement, perhaps during the Come Home Year activities.

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

_________________________ Mayor

_________________________ Town Clerk

Next regular meeting Apr. 26, 2005