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TOWN OF WABANA The last regular meeting of the Town Council of Wabana was held on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, with the following in attendance: Mayor Gosine RCMP – Corp. O’Keefe Gallery The meeting was called to order at 8:00pm by Mayor Gosine. 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. ANN JACKMAN-JONES Ms. Jackman-Jones wished to speak about an error the Town Manager/Town Clerk had made in some information she had given her about sewer connection fees. Mayor Gosine said that this issue has already been cleared up with the Town Manager/Town Clerk correcting the error. Ms. Jackman-Jones tried on several occasions to bring personal matters into the meeting, but Mayor Gosine would not allow this kind of a debate. Before leaving the meeting Mrs. Jackman-Jones left a letter for Mayor Gosine. WALT LAHEY Mr. Lahey said that he would like for his Garbage Collection Contract to be reopened and re-tendered, as the price of gas is causing him to lose money with his present contract. It was felt that we could not re-tender once a contract is awarded, but Mr. Lahey was informed that we could check the tendering act and let him know if such a procedure is acceptable, and if council will decide to re-tender. He was not given any commitment that the contract would be re-tendered at this time. RCMP The following topics were discussed: (1) The on-going problem of ATV’s. ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES As Mrs. Butler had prepared an “Action Taken” report from the minutes, there was no need of going over the minutes step by step. FINANCIAL REPORT Approved as presented. Mrs. Butler informed council that we are not in a real good financial position but managing to operate with having to use our line of credit whenever necessary. It was decided that a Finance Committee meeting be held soon so that further steps can be taken to collect tax arrears. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Mayor Gosine informed council that 35 students will be hired on the island this year, plus a few more under the SWASP program for summer employment. Mrs. Butler informed council that we are still having problems with Classic Moldings, and that she has informed him that his locks will be changed tomorrow if rent is not forthcoming. A discussion took place regarding the removal of topsoil, etc. from the island, also rock, and fill being removed by local contractors without permits from council. It was felt that proper permits should be in place and the number of loads monitored. It was agreed that we meet with the local contractors to discuss this issue in more detail. Copies of daily report forms which are now being completed every day for all employees were tabled. Council felt this was a good idea, and a way to keep track of where each employee is working, and what work is being carried out. ARENA REPORT The report was approved as presented. APPLICATIONS (1) Wayne Boone to construct a new house at Scotia # l approved in principle on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor Somerton. Motion carried. (2) Carl Layden to hold a Model Aerobatics Contest at our Airstrip on Aug. 23rd. This was approved on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried. (3) Pat Hurley for approval to have his garage designated a general licensed inspection station. This was approved on a motion by Councillor Kent and seconded by Councillor Somerton. Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE (1) Letter from Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (Mayor Graham Letto) re crown lands, and Resolution # 3-2007 – which is that the Provincial Government consider the transfer of crown lands within municipal boundaries to the municipality free of charge. Agreed that we would complete the questionnaire that accompanied the letter. (2) Copy of letter which was sent to Mr. Gary Jenkins from the Dept. of Natural Resources recommending that approval of his request to cut stakes and rails within the Bell Island Pasture to be used for the repair to the fences of the Pasture – it was mentioned that Mr. Jenkins has cut out huge sections of the area according to the RCMP. The RCMP will be making a report to the Dept. of Natural Resources and to Council. (3) Information from MNL re the annual convention (Corner Brook) – Councillors to let the Town Mgr/Clerk know before the end of this week if they are attending the convention so that registration forms could be submitted. (4) Letter from the Minister of Transportation and Works re road repairs – ordered placed on file. (5) Letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding the petition received from residents of No. 2 Road and other areas concerning problems with the sewer system. The letter informed us that funding could be sought from the capital works cost/shared programs. (6) Draft letter for Minister Dianne Whalen re having energy audits carried out at the Wabana Complex and the Arena. Agreed that this letter be sent to her. This was approved on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast. Motion carried. (7) Letter from the Dept. of Municipal Affairs re our 2008 Municipal Capital Works Program. (8) Letter from Lori Hann, Social Worker with Alternative Measures Program wishing to partner with council and the Wabana Boys and Girls Club to clean up our community. This was felt to be a good idea and we will notify Ms. Hann of council’s support. EDWARD KENT – TOWN CONSULTANT Mr. Kent informed us that the Provincial Government will be paving the areas around the ferry terminals, and also the parking lots at the Wabana Complex. Mr. Kent informed council that we now must engage Newfoundland and Labrador Consulting Engineers to carry out the necessary design work for our capital works programs. The motion was made by Councillor Craig and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried. *Resolution on Municipal Paving: *Resolution of Wabana Town Council-June 17, 2008 meeting. a. GAS TAX FUNDS EARMARKED FOR ROAD WORKS Federal gas tax fund entitlements in the amount of $341,000 to be paid
The road funds totaling $341,000 are to be specifically used to upgrade
Further on site discussions are to be held by the Mayor and Town Manager
b.ENGAGEMENT OF ENGINEERS APPROVED Newfoundland and Labrador Consulting Engineers Ltd are approved to be Senior officials are directed to submit the required CIP-(capital c. INTERIM FINANCING TO BE SOUGHT-APPROVAL TO BORROW Interim financing in the amount of $165,000 is authorized to be secured
The loan term is to run from the first 2008 draw down to the receipt Interest costs are to be paid from the Capital Gas Tax Capital Bank d. AUTHORITY TO TENDER ETC As soon as all necessary approvals and financing are in place authority
e. USE OF TOWN'S RESOURCES -PRE-PROJECT PREPARATION Authority is hereby given to engage Council's own equipment and work CONCERNS (1) Mr. Kent (Ed) suggested we write Minister Whalen with a view to obtaining a grant to carry out some brush cutting. (2) Mr. Kent asked about the insurance company and the amount which we may claim for the missing funds at the Arena. It was felt that our accountant be contacted with a view to firming up the amount which we can claim. (3) Mr. Kent suggested we have a finance committee meeting perhaps next week to discuss tax collections, etc. (4) Councillor Laurie said that she had been contacted by Mr. Riv Ford who would like for council to do some road work on the West Track. (5) Deputy Mayor Pendergast said that the old theatre belonging to Mr. Tom Keloway is an eyesore and a fire hazard. It was felt that our fire inspector should inspect this building, and make a report to council. (6) Councillor Kent said that there are many dilapidated buildings on the island and we must start taking steps once again to have some or all of them removed. (7) Deputy Mayor Pendergast asked about the status of Gerald Murphy’s application. He was informed that Mr. Murphy had not completed the necessary applications forms for the Fire Commissioner, and other necessary departments. When those applications are received, we will have them submitted to the necessary departments for consideration. (8) Councillor Kent suggested we implement a water conservation program for the summer as we know there will be a shortage in several areas of the island. (9) Councillor Somerton said that the old Carbage house on The Green is in very poor condition and should be taken down as soon as possible. (10) Mayor Gosine said that he would be involved in Bell Island Day, with several others who have agreed to assist him. Councillor Somerton said he would organize the events, etc. He suggested the activities take place on the Wabana Complex grounds, and the fireworks at No. six. This was felt to be an excellent suggestion. (11) Mayor Gosine said that since the capital works water projects will be late starting and may not be completed until next year, he said that something has to be done to help the residents of the Front with the sever water problems in that area. He said this is an emergency situation and something must be done to alleviate it. Mention was made that the proposed well for Steve Neary Blvd be sunk and operational as quickly as possible, otherwise it will be a very ‘dry’ summer in the front area of our island. (12) Councillor Kent said we have to start patching some large potholes real soon, as our roads are in very poor condition. (13) Councillor Somerton asked if there was a noise by-law in effect. He was told there is a noise by-law, and that after 11pm people can be charged for violating this by-law. (14) Councillor Craig said that some serious action should be taken to deal with people who will not have car wrecks removed from their properties, and that we should appeal to the Provincial Government to help us deal with offenders in this respect. He said that the Municipalities Act needs to be amended to deal directly with car wrecks, rather than just noxious substances, as the act now reads. (15) Councillor Craig said council should start very soon to advertise for a new Town Manager, Town Clerk and Arena Manager as time is slipping away, and soon we will have to fill those positions. (16) Councillor Craig suggested we look into having a 911 emergency response line for Bell Island, and perhaps we can contact our MHA regarding this important matter. (17) Mayor Gosine informed council that he attended the funeral of the late Jack Byrne, a former Minister of Municipal Affairs recently. He said he was an honourable man and one who will not easily be replaced. (18) Mayor Gosine said that Corp. O’Keefe will be taking over the newsletters in a few months time, and having them published once again. (19) Mayor Gosine informed council that he will be taking part in the Mayor’s Walk sponsored by the Heart and Stroke Association and asked that as many councillors and employees support him and/or walk with him, and obtain sponsors as well. The walk will be June 29th. (20) There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 11pm on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Somerton. Motion carried. CONFIRMED ________________________Mayor ______________________Town Mgr/Town Clerk
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