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July 25, 2006 The last regular meeting was held in the Town Chamber on Tuesday, July 25th with the following in attendance: Mayor Gosine Also Present: Mayor Gosine called the meeting to order at 4:35pm. THE BLACK AND WHITE LOUNGE Mayor Gosine explained the situation whereas a resident of Fourth St. have been complaining about noise coming from the lounge and thus interrupting her sleep and causing depression. A letter was also read from this person’s doctor stating this to be the facts. Ms. Ash said that she and her partner, Joan Snow, has done everything humanly possible to cut down on the noise, but now feels this lady is harassing her and not being reasonable. She said she has contacted her lawyer, who will be sending a letter to this lady. Members of council wished the lounge owners well, and that they hoped the problem with the neighbour would be ironed out soon. FINANCIAL REPORT Accepted as presented. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Accepted as presented. CORRESPONDENCE (1) Letter from NLFM re Intra-Provincial Ferry Users Committee – Mayor Gosine said that the government is slow on moving on the deal for new ferries, etc., but he said Mr. Edward Kent is working diligently on our behalf to keep this item in the forefront. (2) Letter from Aliant re EAS (Extended Area Service) – informing us that if the EAS fees were to be dropped, than we would have to pay long distance charges again. (3) Letter from the Dept. of Municipal Affairs re land at lighthouse – agreed that we check with Tract Consultants to see if they have any information regarding this. (4) Letter from Blaine Galway to convert his convenience store into a residential dwelling. This was approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried. (5) Letters from Ms. Shelly Abby and Mrs. Margaret Drowns re poison ivy on a vacant lot next to them that is causing problems for them and their children. It was suggested we check with our Health Inspector for some advice. CONCERNS (1) Councillor Craig suggested we place a ban on water consumption for uses other than domestic uses to try to alleviate the problems we are experiencing with supply and demand at the present time. After a discussion a motion was made by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Councillor Craig that a ban be put in place between the hours of 6am and 6pm until further notice. Motion carried. Also it was decided that this ban be announced on the radio and in the next newsletter. (2) Councillor Laurie said that signs should be placed on Main St. at the
bottom of Fancy Hill warning people to slow down, this area is dangerous and
the risk of drivers losing control and maybe smashing into nearby houses is
very real. (3) Councillor Kent asked about out Emergency Plan – he was informed that a meeting will be held when the Town Manager returns from holidays. (4) Councillor Kent said that old wrecks are still around, two in particular at Ed Newell’s and Pat Carbage’s. Agreed that we notify these people to have them removed. (4) Councillor Kent suggested we get the Fountain on Town Square cleaned up and the grass cut, as well as the valve box on Bennett St. (5) Councillor Kent mentioned that a grade 11 student got hired for the student program while several grade 12 students didn’t. Mayor Gosine explained that this was an error, and that we be more careful in future. (6) Councillor Craig suggested that in future a committee look at the resumes before hiring students. He also suggested that we go back to the umbrella option next year when students are being hired. (7) Councillor Somerton asked where he might find a Bell Island flag, as he will need it when he attends the Regional Games soon. (8) Councillor Craig said that people have been dumping garbage on Gouthro St. and other areas of the town, instead of using the dumpsite. It was agreed that “No Dumping” signs be erected in these areas, and also a notice put in the newsletter asking people to cease this practice. (9) Councillor Craig said that there should be a “Do Not Enter” sign at the intersection of Bennett St. and Town Square. (10) Councillor Craig asked that a load of shale be placed over the buck ore which is presently on the road near the section close to Riv Ford’s. This to be taken care of. (11) Councillor Craig informed council that the Needs Assessment (Health) has been completed now and that a meeting will be held with the Minister of Health and our MHA to discuss the assessment. Also he said the council and the schools will be presented with copies of this assessment. (12) Mayor Gosine said he accompanied the Tidy Towns officials on their annual assessment of the cleanliness of our town. He said he thinks we might win this year, as he escorted these people to many beautiful areas of our town, and avoided the less attractive areas. (13) Mayor Gosine said that the Bell Island Day celebrations were a huge success, despite it having to be moved into the stadium. (14) Mayor Gosine said a “Yield” sign should be placed at the top of Cemetery Road and Memorial St. (15) Mayor Gosine reported on some vandalism recently in our town:
Home-made bomb thrown into Nick Brown’s house at Lance Cove; and red paint
had been thrown on St. Michael’s church. (16) Mayor Gosine informed council that Rogers Cable (Summer Breeze program) were here on the island the other day to view the Grebes Nest, and to have a picnic catered by a professional chef. Mayor Gosine said he could not attend and couldn’t reach any council member to attend so asked Brian Burke to represent us. He said he did a really good job on our behalf and a letter of thanks should be sent to him. (17) Motorcross races will be going ahead here on July 30th, and that some upgrading of the road is required. (18) Mayor Gosine mentioned that the Town Manager is presently on vacation and when he returns the Finance Committee will have to meet to discuss his upcoming retirement, etc. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:05pm on a motion by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Councillor Somerton. Motion carried. CONFIRMED _______________________ _______________________
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