TOWN OF WABANA
Apr. 21, 2009

Regular Meeting
Present:
Mayor Gosine
Deputy Mayor Pendergast
Councillor Craig
Councillor Kent
Councillor McCarthy
Councillor Somerton
Consultant, Ed Kent
Accounts Receivable Officer, Joe Donkers
Town Manager, Diane Butler
Arena Manager, Gerald Bickford

Mr. John Reynolds, Wildlife Division

Spectators:
Wayne Durdle
Stan McDonald
Mary Murphy
Hollie Neary

The meeting was called to order at 8pm by Mayor Gosine. The minutes of the following meetings were adopted as presented on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried:

• Regular meeting held Mar. 10th.
• Special meeting held Mar. 27th.
• Special meeting held Mar. 31st.
• Special meeting held Apr. 7th.

FOXES

Council explained to Mr. Reynolds that foxes have become a problem in our town especially for small animal owners. Mr. Reynolds said that it is not the policy of his department to eliminate any species of animals but that individuals can obtain trapper’s licenses if they are having problems with foxes. He suggested that we might get more feedback by contacting a conservation officer. Mayor Gosine thanked Mr. Reynolds for attending the meeting.

ARENA REPORT

Reports for Feb. and Mar. were presented which showed that revenues and expenses were in line, and that there is some money left in the account for the start up of next season. It was agreed that we would meet in a private session to discuss whether the Arena Manager will be kept on during the summer months. This meeting to be held in the next week or sooner.

ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

(1) Agreed that we check to see what a leak detection device would cost.
(2) Agreed that we obtain three quotes for hydro seeding for the fields. This was covered in a motion by Councillor Somerton and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried with three voting for and two voting against.
(3) Restructuring of office staff – this to be discussed at a private meeting.
(4) Tangible Assets – Derek Ryan has been asked to have a look at what is involved in undertaking this process. Mr. Stan McDonald who was in the gallery said he would volunteer to assist Mr. Ryan if his services are required.
(5) Mr. Jerry Skinner (wind mills) – agreed that we would meet with him and his associates as soon as possible.
(6) Landlords – a meeting will be held as soon as we receive the legal advice we have sought from the Federation lawyers.

REPORTS

Financial report – approved as presented.
Town Manager’s report – approved as presented.
Accounts Receivable Officer’s report – approved as presented.
Consultant’s report – approved as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE

(1) From the Dept. of Finance re pre-budget submission – ordered placed on file.
(2) From Fire and Emergency Services re Provincial Government Public Education Initiative – we will be contacted by the MHA for the Bay of Island, Terry Loder, in the next week or so to compile inventory of current practices, etc.
(3) Killick Coast region – tourism planning session. Agreed that if any council members cannot attend, that Joe Donkers would represent council.
(4) Daffodil Place – as a donation was made from Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador on behalf of all municipal councils it was decided not to donate at this time.
(5) Dept. of Municipal Affairs re minimum property tax – this to be discussed at a private meeting.
(6) Dept. of Municipal Affairs re Fish Processing License (Bella Marine) – it was felt that the license should be kept on Bell Island. Minister Whalen said in her letter that she will consider this when the decision is being made regarding such licenses.
(7) Letter of understanding re employees – this was approved on a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Deputy Mayor Pendergast. Motion carried.
(8) MNL – Cougar Helicopters Flight 491 – re letter of condolence for the families and friends of those lost in the helicopter crash.
(9) Wabana Energy Audit – to be discussed in a private meeting.
(10) Iron Isle Energy Inc. The motion made at the special meeting held
Apr. 8th was ratified in a motion by Councillor Craig and seconded
by Deputy Mayor Pendergast. Motion carried.
(11) Application from Terry Parsons (Beacon Point) to build a school of
music on his property at the beach was approved in principle on a
motion by Councillor Craig and seconded by Deputy Mayor
Pendergast. Motion carried.
(12) Letter from Minister Whalen re closure of landfills – this has started. Our landfill is slated to close next year.
(13) Letter from the Legion re the Steve Neary Mural and the repairs need to it. Agreed that we get some quotes to see what is involved in having it restored. Also it was suggested that the Heritage Society be approached to see if they are willing to contribute anything towards this memorial.
(14) Energy audit for our stadium – this to be discussed in a private meeting.
(15) Scotia Road well – Mr. Kent informed council that on the advice of our engineers a second auxiliary pump should be drilled alongside the new recently dug well, as a extra source of water, and will compensate for the fracture at a certain level in the new well. This was agreed and covered in a motion by Councillor McCarthy and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried.

CONCERNS

(1) Councillor Kent asked about the problems with the pump at East End. These problems have since been corrected by our plumbers.
(2) Councillor Craig asked when Bell Island Day would be. He was informed that it is always the third Sunday in July.
(3) Councillor Craig suggested we send a letter of support to Search and Rescue, for a permanent station in Newfoundland.
(4) Councillor McCarthy asked on behalf of Mr. Jim Roberts, that a culvert be placed at the end of his driveway.
(5) Deputy Mayor Pendergast said that Mr. William Newman, The Valley, said that a problem exists in his area due to cracks in the new pavement. This to be investigated.
(6) Deputy Mayor Pendergast asked about brush cutting for Long Harry and around the Lighthouse area. This will be considered if we obtain another Brush Cutting Grant.
(7) Mayor Gosine brought to council’s attention the recent meeting of St. Michael’s School Council where drugs among students was a very big topic.
(8) Mayor Gosine said he was upset the RCMP were not represented here tonight, especially in light of all the problems with breakins, fires, drugs, etc. He said a meeting with the RCMP will be called for tomorrow to discuss these and other issues.
(9) Councillor McCarthy said new recruits are needed here, and perhaps we should even think about inquiring about having the RNC here.
(10) Ed Kent spoke of various issues: storm sewer at the back of the
Island, waste management, new fire truck, new compactor,
clean up of old dilapidated buildings and car wrecks, and other
issues which were discussed in his report.

Those in the gallery were given an opportunity to speak:

(1) Hollie Neary – she said that a meeting is desperately needed to discuss the increasing drug issue among young people.
(2) Mary Murphy – she was very concerned about young offenders and what can we do about them, and/or the law, which is very, very lenient towards them.
(3) Stan McDonald – said he would gladly assist Derek Ryan with the inventory of all council tangible assets (on a volunteer basis).

Agreed that a special meeting be held on Monday, Apr. 27th. to discuss the restructuring of the office administration, the arena, and other topics mentioned in this meeting.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast, and seconded by Councillor Craig. Motion carried.

CONFIRMED

________________________
Mayor

________________________
Town Manager