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TOWN OF WABANA The last regular meeting was held on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2006, with the following in attendance: Mayor Gosine In the gallery: Gerry Sweeney Bren Keough The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm. The minutes of the last regular meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried. Bren Keough/Bill Cahill They were present to express their dissatisfaction at the rates the Arena Manager intends to charge for curling nights. After a discussion it was felt that a meeting with the Recreation Committee would be in order, but it was generally felt that the Arena Manager should make the decision to retain those rates or reduce them. He will be asked to discuss it with the curlers again too. Arising out of the minutes Equipment – Deputy Mayor Pendergast said that the issue regarding employees using council equipment was discussed at the convention. He said he had no problem with the practice, but if our employees are entitled to the equipment so should be the public, that was what was discussed at the convention. Councillor Craig said if we had a code of ethics in place this topic could be covered there. A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent that the practice of employees using council equipment for their own use would be stopped immediately. Motion carried. It was noted that the town grader could be rented to anyone needing it as it is the only grader on the island. Salt and Sand – Councillor Craig said that since we have such a small crew of workers we should consider tendering out the delivery of the salt and sand to our depot. This was agreed by all and covered in a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried. (Note: During the discussion on the delivery of salt and sand, the Mayor declared himself in a conflict of interest situation and did not talk on this issue). Fire Fees – Councillor Craig said that fire fees should become part of our Tax Schedule, as well as fees for the use of our landfill. This to be discussed further with the Finance Committee. FINANCIAL REPORT – approved as presented. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT - approved as presented. Other things mentioned in the Town Manager’s report were: CORRESPONDENCE (1) Letter from Mayor Steve Kent, Mount Pearl re Regional Waste Management – Councillor Craig said that all communities affected will be sending letters to the committee outlining their displeasure at St. John’s wanting 50% plus one vote on the Waste Management Committee. Also that those communities will not serve on such a committee. (2) NEAJC – re Greater Avalon Waste Management – it was felt that an education program is needed for recycling and waste management. (3) Torbay Environmental and Trails Committee – re their annual fundraiser being held on Dec. 3, 2006, seeking a donation towards this cause. (4) NLHC – re community partnership – reply stating our agreement with their plans. (5) Heritage Foundation re Historic Places – reply stating that we are interested in them having a workshop here regarding possible heritage designations for old buildings, etc. (6) RCMP re Drug Awareness Program – reply advising that we would be interested in having a presentation carried out on Bell Island as to the dangers of using non prescription drugs. (7) Bell Island Junior Blues – agreed that we would support them again this year with a $100.00 Jersey Sponsorship. (8) Municipal Assessment Agency – re fees. It was mentioned that presently a study is being undertaken as to “owner unknown land”, with a view to having the fees reduced for those properties. (9) ACOA – press release re infrastructure program – agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to ACOA for approving our application. (10) Tidy Towns – Questionaire to be completed re having a workshop on the Island re how to improve and clean up your properties. (11) Infonote NLFM – re various subjects – ordered placed on file. (12) Christmas Party with Hospital staff, etc. Notice to be posted in depot. (13) RCMP re updating information for the Avalon East District. CONCERNS (1) Mr. Kent advised that a request has been received from Mr. Alex Newell, Nish Jackman Drive, for a street light. This to be checked into. (2) Councillor Kent said that we should get together soon to discuss the Budget and Tax Schedule, etc. for 2007. (3) Councillor Kent asked about brush cutting, garbage contract, and the expected revenue from gasoline tax. (4) Councillor Craig said that we should send a letter of congratulations and encouragement to Allen Hawco, a young local actor who has played in several movies on TV and elsewhere. (5) Councillor Craig said we should meet with the SPCA to discuss regulations and other issues concerning animal control. (6) Councillor Craig said the work on the town roads this year is great, even though some areas are a bit rough. He said the roads are very much improved. (7) Councillor Kent said that the new electricity rates should be considered when we prepare our budget for 2007. (8) Councillor Kent mentioned that the washrooms on the Flanders are in a terrible condition and should be improved and properly repaired. (9) Councillor Kent said that council should get paid if they clean up debris left from fires; he said there is allocation for such clean up in the insurance policies of property owners. (10) Deputy Mayor Pendergast suggested we obtain quotations for the purchase of an excavator. Reg King, an employee, said that tires are badly needed for the Front End
Loader. (11) Mayor Gosine said that we should try to obtain the name of Gord Shea’s insurance company with a view to obtaining funds to have the area of the burned out building filled in. (12) Mayor Gosine said that three street lights are badly needed on the Beach Hill area. This to be checked into. (13) Mayor Gosine said that there will be pre-budget consultations on Dec. 8th. for the provincial government. He said he will not be able to attend this year, but some representative of council should be there. (14) Mayor Gosine asked that our Dec. 12th. council meeting be changed to Dec. 14th. Councillor Craig wanted it to be recorded that his meeting on the 14th. will be the first council meeting he will not be able to attend, due to being away during that time. It was duty recorded. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at
9:05pm on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor
Kent. Motion carried. _____________________ _____________________
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