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TOWN OF WABANA Dec. 14, 2006 The last regular meeting was held on Dec. 14, 2006 with the following in attendance: Mayor Gosine RCMP – Corp. B. Merrill Council employees in gallery as spectators. Deputy Mayor Pendergast opened the meeting at 4:05pm (Mayor was a little late arriving), the minutes were adopted as circulated on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried. ARENA REPORT – Councillor Craig commended the Arena Manager on a very good comprehensive report, and that portions of it will be placed in the newsletter. Mr. Gillingham reported that things were going well at the arena with all programs including the curling program. Councillor McCarthy commended the Arena Manager on the new format for the canteen with breakfast food being served there now. RCMP Corp. Merrill reported that this will probably be his last council meeting with us as he will be taking up a new post in St. John’s with Crime Stoppers. He did say that he intends to maintain a home here and to stay in active contact with the various groups and organizations that he is currently in involved in here on Bell Island. All members wished Corp. Merrill well on his new position. ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES (1) Salt and Sand Delivery – Councillor McCarthy felt that council should have stayed with their original decision to have the delivery of salt and sand delivered by our own work crew. He said he was shocked to see that at the last meeting it was changed to having it placed on public tender. He said the Mayor should have left the room while this issue was being discussed, and that the Mayor could not vote on this motion, furthermore, we did not have a quorum at the last meeting to pass this motion. Mayor Gosine said he did not talk on the issue or the motion, and had indeed asked the councilors if he was in a conflict of interest situation, and they agreed that he was not. Since the issue is already resolved, and the contract was awarded to Harold Gosine Ltd., and the salt and sand has already been delivered here, it was decided that another motion be made to insure the legality of this matter. This motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried with Councillor McCarthy voting against the motion. (2) Council equipment used for personal use – after a discussion and in light of the fact that we had received a grievance from the union, it was decided that a copy of the letter received from Mr. John Moore, at the Dept. of Municipal Affairs, be copied to the Union Representative, and to the employees. And discussed again in the new year if necessary. At this point Councillor Craig wished everyone a Merry Christmas and
excused himself as he had to leave early to prepare for a trip. (3) Street Light near Alex Newell – Councillor Kent said he would have another look at this area, as the nearest pole is up further on the hill. He said he would check to see if a recommendation for a light on the nearest pole would illuminate the area in question. (4) Pre Budget Consultations – It was reported that Councillor Craig appeared on behalf of council to present a brief at the hearing. FINANCIAL REPORT A few questions were asked concerning the report; it was then accepted as
presented. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT (1) John Galway – Mr. Kent reported that he had written Mr. Galway advising that a lift pump could be provided to him, but he has not heard back from Mr. or Mrs. Galway on this matter. (2) EAS – Mr. Kent reported that he asked the federation’s lawyer (William Goodridge) for an estimate of costs for an opinion on the EAS issue, and that it would be $1500.00. Agreed that we could perhaps discuss this issue again in the new year. CORRESPONDENCE (1) Letter from Mr. John Moore, Dept. of Municipal Affairs re use of council equipment for personal use – this issue had been discussed earlier in the meeting. (2) Memo from the NLFM concerning some of their services. This was for information purposes. (3) Letter from David Rees re land at Lance Cove Beach, agreed that we set up a meeting with him in the new year. (4) Letter from Gail Doyle re scholarships – St. Michael’s High School. No decision made at this time regarding granting a scholarship this year. (5) Application from Heather Blanchard to open a bed and breakfast at Lance Cove Road. This was approved in principle on a motion by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast. Motion carried. (6) Copy of letter to Minister John Hickey, Minister of Transportation
and Works and Minister Dianne Whalen, MHA Bell Island-Conception Bay East –
the subject of this letter concerned the concept plan for new ferry terminal
buildings and/or improvements to existing terminals for the Bell
Island-Portugal Cove Ferry service. And road work improvements. In this
letter Mayor Gosine suggests that both towns (Wabana and Portugal Cove-St.
Philips) introduce those concerns in the form of a proposal to Minister
Whelan and her departmental staff, and also that both towns maybe able to
make a commitment for funding of the core items, with a view to going
forward with Provincial and Federal Government agencies to plan and fund (8) Draft report from Mr. Bert Meadus concerning the Human Resources and Management Structure of the town. It was felt that after the councilors have a chance to read this report a meeting be held next Tuesday at 4:30pm to discuss it. (9) Budget and Tax Schedule – to be discussed at the special meeting on Tuesday. CONCERNS (1) Councillor Kent suggested that our fire hydrants should have markers so that they won’t become damaged by snow clearing equipment. Also he said some of our street signs need to be replaced. (2) Councillor Kent mentioned the Community Enhancement Program – The Town Manager said we have just received approval for a $20,000 grant for six workers for eight weeks. Councillor Kent said this program should include some much needed brush cutting. (3) Councillor Kent asked that an Emergency Plan meeting be held early in the new year with all people involved in it. (4) Councillor Somerton informed council that Mr. Don Hibbs had some flooding problems in his area. Mr. Kent said he would look into this. (5) Councillor McCarthy made a motion that we would have two meetings per month, the first meeting to deal with reports, etc, and the second one to deal with committees, delegations, and other issues that may come up which require a meeting. He made a motion to this effect, which was seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried. (6) Councillor McCarthy and other councilors wished each other a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:30pm on a motion by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast. Motion carried. _______________Mayor ____________________ Town Clerk
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