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Jan. 31, 2007
Regular meeting
Present:
Mayor Gosine Councillor Craig Councillor Kent Councillor Laurie Councillor McCarthy Councillor Somerton Town Manager, Mr. Kent Town Clerk, Mrs. Butler
Guests:
Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works. Mr. R. Stapleton, Assistant to Minister Hickey. Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services. Mr. M. Vokey, Assistant to Minister Whalen.
The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm my Mayor Gosine, who welcomed the guests to the meeting.
Discussions took place on the following topics:
(1) Wabana Complex – Councillor Craig asked about the future of the Wabana Complex, and the steps we are taking to keep it functional. Minister Hickey said that an engineer’s assessment is required on the building, and then perhaps renovations carried out. He indicated that maybe the town would be interested in taking over the building. Councillor Craig said that if the building was brought up to standard, perhaps it could be taken over by the town.
(2) Road upgrading and paving – Mayor Gosine said that some roads, need major repairs and upgrading, and he mentioned that the airstrip should be repaved as well. Minister Hickey said he would be looking into those issues on our behalf.
(3) Water/Sewer – The plan prepared by our consulting engineers was presented, and it was felt that ACOA funding or Gas Tax dollars are needed to see that this proposal becomes a reality. Councillor McCarthy was of the
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opinion that Lance Cove Pond could be used as our main water supply, thus cutting out the cost of maintaining artesian wells. Minister Whalen suggested we look seriously at capital funding for improvements to our water and sewer systems.
(4) Provincial Park – Councillor McCarthy suggested that a feasibility study be undertaken into the possibility of the establishment of a provincial or municipal park for Bell Island.
Mayor Gosine thanked the ministers for meeting with us.
The minutes of the following minutes were adopted as follows on a motion by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Councillor Laurie. Motion carried.
(1) Minutes of the regular meeting held Dec. 14, 2006 – adopted as circulated. (2) Minutes of the regular meeting held Dec. 19, 2006 – adopted as amended – Councillor McCarthy wanted it recorded that he voted against the budget and tax schedule, because he felt with the increase in property values, the mill rate should have been lowered by at last ˝ mill, he said for council to not lower the mill rate in light of the increased property values was a “back door” approach to raising taxes. (3) Minutes of the special meeting held Jan. 10, 2007 – adopted as amended – Councillor Kent’s name to be added to the attendance list, as it was left off in error. (4) Minutes of the special meeting held Jan. 11, 2007 – adopted as circulated. (5) Minutes of the special meeting held Jan. 16, 2007 – adopted as circulated. (6) Minutes of the committee meeting held Jan. 18, 2007 – adopted as circulated.
ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES:
(1) Use of Council Equipment by employees – agreed that we get a ruling from the Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding this issue.
(2) Gateway Project – Mayor Gosine said that five agencies would be involved with this project, and that council’s input would be $74,000 over three years.
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(3) Webpage – Agreed that we would check into M-Ron for some comparable fees, etc. But for now we would continue with Reg Durdle, who is currently upgrading our webpage, and that we would pay him the usual fee. This was covered in a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor McCarthy. Motion carried. While on this topic Councillor Craig said he had been approached by NLFM to help with a web page for them.
(4) Applications for Town Manager – it was mentioned that the deadline for applications is Feb. 9th. and that we need a plan in place to deal with the applications and applicants. It was felt that the council as a whole serve as the hiring committee, and that Mr. Bert Meadus, our consultant, be asked to attend as well.
(5) Cave Diving – Mayor Gosine said that the dinner for the divers, government officials, the Heritage Society, and council would be held next Wednesday at St. Michael’s Parish Hall, and that our cost towards this dinner would be approximately $300.00.
(6) Annual Audit – Councillor McCarthy felt that in future we should go to public tender for our annual audit, and was of the opinion that we are in violation of the public tendering act by not tendering. This to be checked into.
FINANCIAL REPORT – accepted as circulated.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT (1) Vehicle accident Hollie O’Neill and Reg King – a report was made to the Town Manager, but there has not been any further information received from Ms. O’Neill. As this accident happened on the dump site, Councillor McCarthy felt that with a full time worker on the dump this should not have happened, he said having a worker there is a scam apparently.
(2) Enhancement Program – Councillor McCarthy asked if we were getting any work done during the winter months through this program. Mr. Kent said that these workers have carried out many jobs since being hired, including some brush cutting, painting, maintenance, helping with the water system, etc. Councillor Kent felt we should have the workers make some new street signs to replace those that are missing on our streets.
(3) New Gate at Arena – Councillor Craig reported that the new barrier gates at the arena are first class and enhances the entrance greatly. Page 4
(4) Street lights: Requests were received for the following areas: 1. Kavanagh’s Lane near Tyrone Neary – Councillor Kent said he checked this area and it does require a street light. 2. Beach Hill – Councillor Kent said a light is also needed in this area. 3. McCarthy Street – Councillor Kent said he would check into this area to see if a light is warranted. 4. Sports Field – this to be checked as well to determine if one is required and where it should be erected.
ARENA REPORT – accepted as presented
Councillor McCarthy said he is sorry the Arena Manager is not here tonight as he has many questions to ask him about his report. He said also that the Arena Manager had called his house some time ago and verbally assaulted himself and his wife.
Councillor McCarthy asked why Mr. Gillingham is so sensitive about financial questions, and he also asked who checks the clock for the Arena Manager. He mentioned that miscellaneous expenses were far too high, and reiterated that Mr. Gillingham should be here to answer his questions.
Councillor McCarthy also talked about the fact that Mr. Gillingham does not live on Bell Island, and he is concerned that he is not spending enough time here.
Mayor Gosine said that Mr. Gillingham works in excess of 60 hours per week, and is doing a good job, with no complaints coming to him or council.
It was felt that some comparative figures be prepared for the years 2004, 2005 and 20006.
CORRESPONDENCE
(1) Minutes of the NEAFC meeting held Dec. 13, 2006, were presented for council’s information. (2) Letter from the Capital Coast seeking a financial contribution towards their proposal to prepare community profiles. Agreed that we would consider a small contribution, perhaps $300.00. (4) Letter from the Dept. of Transportation and Works re Ferry Committee and the hope that the ferry service will be declared an essential service.
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(5) Info note from NLFM re various topics – ordered placed on file. (6) Letter from Northeast Avalon CAD-Community Action Network – Mr. Kent reported that Brad Lawrence is presently working with this group and has the title of action facilitator. Mr. Lawrence will be employed for one year. It was felt that he be invited to our next council meeting, so that he will have some idea of municipal government in operation. (7) Letter from Mr. DeWayne Fry the new owner of Rychrist Inn – it was agreed that it is very good to see this building remain open. (8) Letter from Mr. Lester Hawco re poor lighting at the Arena parking lot – reply to Mr. Hawco’s letter thanking him for his interest and advising that an extra light will be erected there. (9) Letter and plans from Newfoundland and Labrador Consulting Engineers regarding the proposed improvements to our water and sewer system, and road paving system. A meeting will be arranged for next Thursday to discuss this with the engineers. Also that we would have a priority list for road improvements, the Valley was mentioned as an area where major improvements are warranted. It was felt that perhaps some of our Federal Gas Tax funding could go towards improvements to our water and sewer systems.
CONCERNS
(1) Councillor Kent reiterated that new street signs should be made and erected. (2) Councillor Kent asked if a permit had been obtained to remove the burned out house belonging to Isabel Brazil. A permit was not obtained. (3) Councillor Kent asked about the water pressure problems at Quigley’s Line – Mr. Kent informed council that there is trouble with the booster pump, and the plumbers are checking for leaks, etc. (4) Councillor Kent mentioned the car on the road near Gordon Stoyles', impeding snow clearing operations. Mr. Kent said the vehicle has been moved and reported the incident which took place before this vehicle was actually moved. (5) Councillor Kent suggested again that markers be put on our fire hydrants so they can be detected during stormy weather. (6) Councillor Kent asked when Classic Moldings would be ready to start operations. Mr. Kent said they are still getting the building ready. (7) Councillor McCarthy suggested that our employees James Pendergast and Gerry Sweeney attend the meeting next week with our consultants. (8) Councillor McCarthy said he was not pleased with motions being made after some issues are already completed, and that all decisions made by council should be carried out. Mr. Kent said that all decisions are carried Page 6
out, and if motions are carried out after the fact, it is because of an emergency type situation. (9) Councillor Craig asked that we arrange a meeting with the SPCA to discuss animals which are roaming during winter months, this he said is very cruel and should not be allowed. (10) Councillor Craig felt it would be a good idea to give a scholarship to St. Michael’s High School, especially in light of all the negative things that have been discussed about the school recently, but are now being addressed. (11) Councillor Craig asked if there was a snow-clearing plan, and if we rotate starting points after each storm. Mr. Kent said that a rotation method is used. (12) Councillor Craig informed council of a picture sent to him of a helicopter which had landed on the “clapper” and that he was given permission to post this on our webpage, as long as the owner of the picture is mentioned as having rights to it. (13) Mayor Gosine said that quads are once again becoming a real problem for Bell Island, and this of course will be reported to the RCMP. (14) Mayor Gosine said that a letter of thanks should be sent to Mrs. Tracy Merrill for her input in having the Old Town Hall renovated for the Touch of Class workers. (15) Mayor Gosine said that there is a fund at St. Michael’s School which provides some small bursaries to students who do well. It was felt that in lieu of a scholarship, we could perhaps contribute to this fund.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10pm on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor Somerton. Motion carried.
CONFIRMED
____________________ Gary Gosine, Mayor
____________________ Diane C. Butler, Town Clerk
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