May 29, 2007

REGULAR MEETING

Present:
Mayor Gosine
Deputy Mayor Pendergast
Councillor Craig
Councillor Kent
Councillor Laurie
Councillor McCarthy
Councillor Somerton
Town Manager, Mr. Mercer
Town Clerk, Mrs. Butler

Also present were:
Employees Bill Lawrence, Reg King, John Whalen, and Gerry Sweeney.
Boyd Merrill
Const. Pike – RCMP
Const. Strong – RCMP
Eddie Curnew
Walt Lahey – contractor

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gosine at 8:10 pm.
The minutes of the last regular meeting were adopted as circulated on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor Somerton. Motion carried.
Mayor Gosine welcomed the new Town Manager to his first official meeting, and he also welcomed the new RCMP officer, Robert Strong, to the meeting and to the island in general.

BOYD MERRILL – PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO BELL ISLAND SPORTS FIELD

Corp. Merrill presented a plan for improvements to the sports field, which consisted of:
 Town Council Approval.
 Assessment of the area.
 Funding research.
 Ownership by Bell Islanders

After a discussion a motion was made by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Somerton that this proposed plan be approved by council. Motion carried.






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RCMP

 Snow Clearing Regulations – Const. Pike distributed copies of an “Areas of Concern” form which the members of the RCMP will use to identify areas or streets which are posing risk to public safety due to snow accumulation.

 Road Signs – Const. Pike said traffic signs, directional signs and street signs are needed in various areas throughout the town. This to be given some attention this summer.

 Lighting – Const. Pike felt it would be a good idea to have a light erected near the area around the dugouts at the sports field. This to be checked into.

 ATV’s – Const. Pike said a new method was being put in place to help cut down on the use of ATV’s. He said with some support from the community in reporting those who are driving ATV’s and causing problems for residents to report them to the RCMP so that warnings tickets can be issued to them.

 Wood Cutting – Agreed that if we know of anyone cutting wood, it is to be reported to the RCMP and/or the Dept. of Forestry.

 Drugs – Mayor Gosine said that the matter of drugs is a big issue here on the island, and that something has to be done about it. Const Pike said that with some help from the community it would be a lot easier to catch those people who are trafficking drugs here. Eddie Curnew, who works at the detachment, said that it is very difficult to get the cooperation of the public in having things reported to the RCMP.

ARISING OUT OF THE MINTUES

(1) Accordion Idol – Mayor Gosine gave an update on the proposed event for July 28, 2007.

(2) Water System Upgrades – Still waiting for word from government on this project.

(3) Classic Molding – Mr. Mercer said that Mr. Brian Clarke wanted council to sign a personal guarantee that his company will not be held responsible for any debts it may owe us during the life of the business. It was felt that council would not sign this personal guarantee, as this would take a liability off them in the event of them owing us money or damages or whatever. It was felt that Mr. Clarke and his business be treated like our other tenants in the building, and that the lease agreement be signed and perhaps post-dated cheques received for rentals. Furthermore it was decided that if he

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does not bring his account up to date that the locks would be changed on his doors without delay.

(4) Lucina Murphy and Joyce Skanes – agreed that e check into a curb stop for Mrs. Skanes’, and that it was agreed to see what is required at Ms. Murphy’s residence regarding her water system upgrade.

(5) Flag pole – Mayor Gosine presented a certificate of appreciation from the Principal and Staff of St. Augustine’s School to our employees who made a flag pole and had it erected on the school grounds for them.

(6) Pallets – Marilyn Sheppard – agreed that we contact her one more time advising that legal action will be taken against her if the pallets are not removed.

FINANCIAL REPORT

A few questions were asked re the report, and were answered by the Town Clerk.

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

(1) Wind Power proposal – agreed that we invite Mr. Jerry Skinner to a meeting to discuss his proposal.
(2) Land Fill Site – it was agreed that a letter be forward to Mr. George Hutchings who continues to scavenge at the land fill site despite repeated verbal warnings.
(3) Other items touched on were: old bricks and concrete blocks, swimming pool building, 40-week work project, salt and sand delivery for next year, grievance re use of town equipment by employees.

ARENA REPORT

Not available. Agreed that we check with Mr. Gillingham to see why we do not have a report for May month.

At this point, a motion was made by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Councillor Somerton that Mr. Gillingham be laid off for the summer months. Motion carried.

GARBAGE CONTRACT

Before we discussed the two bids that were received, Councillor McCarthy made a motion that we start a pilot project whereas we will look after collecting garbage with our own resources for three to six months, and see if we will save any money this way. There was no seconder for the motion.
Councillor Kent said this topic should have been discussed before we went to tender for the garbage collection.

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Bids received:
(1) William Hunt - $33,500 per year for three years.
(2) Walter Lahey - $28,169. per year for three years.

A motion was made by Councillor Craig and seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast that we accept the lower bid of $28,169 per year for three years from Mr. Walt Lahey. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

(1) Letter from the Dept. of Transportation and Works re summer maintenance program. It was felt that after the second ferry comes back on, the summer maintenance will start.

(2) Letter from the Minister of Natural Resources re Hydro Generating Station, this letter was in response to our recent letter to the minister supporting the Town of Holyrood re emissions from the plant.

(3) Letter from the Town of CBS re their annual walk-a-mile. Anyone wishing to get involved in this to let the Town Clerk know.

(4) Letter from the federation of municipalities re workshop on sustainable planning and development for small communities on June 14, 2007. Councillor McCarthy said he would be attending as well as the Town Manager, Mr. Mercer.

(5) Letter from Mr. Gerry Skinner, Labrador Coastal Equipment re wind turbine system. Agreed that we set up a meeting with him to discuss his proposal.

(6) Letter from Mr. Brian Fagan re RCMP check points and commending them on a job well done.

(7) Letter from the federation consulting lawyer, re pension for former Town Manager. This issue was dealt with in a privileged meeting.

(8) Letter from Mr. Norm Newman re ride-for-sight. Agreed that this event be mentioned in the next newsletter and anyone wishing to donate can do so.

APPLICATIONS

(1) From Mr. Ron Baker to build a new house on Gourtho Street. This was approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor Laurie. Motion carried.

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(2) From Gary Durdle to build a new house on Quigley’s Line. This was approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Somerton and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried.

(3) From Mr. Jimmy Kelloway to relocate a building from Theater Ave to Hunt’s Street, and renovated into a dwelling house. This was approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried.

CONCERNS

(1) Mr. Mercer reported that Mr. Don Boone visited the office and informed him that his property and basement were flooded due to a back-up of water in this area. Agreed that we have our plumber check into this and report back to Mr. Mercer.

(2) Mrs. Butler informed council that the new Town Manager is being received very well by the public, and in her opinion is carrying out his duties in a very competent manner.

(3) Councillor Kent spoke on the following topics:
> Mr. Ken Byrne – farm on Ten Commandments Range – Mr. Mercer advised that the inspector from the Dept. of Government Services has been here to visit the area and informed us that new guidelines allow for many more units of animals than before, and Mr. Byrne appears to be living within those guidelines.

 Car wrecks and dilapidated houses – these issues will be taken care of during the summer months.
 Summer students – Councillor Kent felt that all councillors should let their concerns be known to our MP’s office re the shortage of student projects this summer.

(4) Councillor Somerton expressed thanks to the Mayor for his work in helping the Wabana Boys and Girls Club get their student application approved.

(5) Councillor Craig spoke on the following topics:
 NEAJC recent meeting-re Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy,
Taxation of Satellite Television Revenue, and Youth Criminal Justice Act
Amendments.
 Appreciation Day – He suggested council consider having an Appreciation Day for our employees, to show our support and thanks for all the work they do.

(6) Councillor McCarthy spoke on the following topics:
 Provincial Grant towards new Town Manager’s salary – he was informed that
the grant has been approved and will be forthcoming.

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 Fire site (Churchill’s property) – agreed that Mr. Churchill be contacted to have this site cleaned up

(7) Councillor Laurie said she would be willing to serve on the new committee for the development of the sports field. The Mayor said he would serve on this committee, as well as Councillors McCarthy, Kent, and Somerton.

(8) Mayor Gosine spoke on the following topics:
 Motocross site – RCMP to investigate the stealing of recently erected posts
on the site.
 Fitzgerald’s Lane – Mayor Gosine said that a resident of this area requested that a CAUTION sign be erected in this area, as the lane is very narrow.
 Legion Roof – he advised that a contract has been awarded for the new roof and
Council should make sure that a permit is obtained for this work.
 Long Harry Road – advised that there was fire in the woods there recently, and
said that visitors should be made aware that open fires are not permitted
 Irving Group of Companies – the Mayor said that this company would be erecting a Welcome sign at the beach, via the Kiwanis Club, and that Mr. Granville Hunt has donated a load of white rock for this location
Welcome sign at the beach, via the Kiwanis Club, and that Mr. Granville Hunt
has donated a load of white rock for this location.
 Leak Detector – Mayor Gosine felt we should look into the possibility of obtaining
a leak detector to help with the problem with leaks, he suggested we contact Mr. Tom Kendell, who is in this line of work, and perhaps can suggest where we may obtain a good used leak detector.
 Step Fiddlers/choir – the Mayor said this group well be performing at
St. Augustine’s school this week and encouraged councillors to attend this
. event.
 Bike Rodeo – this to take place on Saturday at the arena.
 Arena – Bob Bowdring and Paul Martin to check the plant at the arena.
 Ferry – Mayor Gosine advised that the second ferry should be back in service next week.
 Heart and Stroke Foundation Walk – Mayor Gosine said he would be taking part in the walk – a – thon in memory of Frankie Pendergast and Melissa Hurley.
 Ferry – it was moved by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Councillor Kent
that all 16-intra-provincial ferry services in the province be deemed essential services and receive strike free status designation. Motion carried. This resolution to be forwarded to the federation to be considered at the annual convention.




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There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 11pm, on a motion by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried.

_____________________
Gary Gosine, Mayor

_____________________
Diane Butler, Town Clerk

Next meeting Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at 8pm.