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TOWN OF WABANA
Jan. 7, 2009
The last regular meeting was held on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 with the following in attendance:
Mayor Gosine Deputy Mayor Pendergast Councillor Kent Councillor Laurie Councillor McCarthy Consultant Ed Kent Accts Receivable Clerk Joe Donkers Arena Manager Gerald Bickford Town Clerk/Manager Diane Butler
Gallery: Reg King Rick Whelan Bill Lawrence John Whalen Harold Boone
The meeting was called to order at 7:35pm 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 McCarthy. Motion carried.
ARENA MANAGER’S REPORT
Some discussion took place on the report, but Councillor McCarthy felt we should have another meeting to discuss this in more detail. He felt that a quarterly meeting is due now to discuss the whole arena operation since it started up for this winter season. Agreed that the meeting would be held next Monday night at 7pm.
Mayor Gosine brought to council’s attention that the Recreation Hockey League is upset over the increase in their rental fees. However, it was agreed that the increase is justified and will remain as is, which is the same rate Junior and Senior Hockey leagues pay. This was covered in a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried.
Other issues mentioned were: Ø Family Skating Ø Advertising Ø Sign on Arena or Beach Hill (re hockey games, etc.)
Page 2 Mayor Gosine said that Mr. Bickford is doing a good job at the arena and commended him on his efforts.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CLERK’S REPORT (Joe Donkers):
Mr. Donkers presented his report which touched on the following topics:
(1) Bella Marine Fish Plant – A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent that the letter prepared by Mr. Donkers regarding the outstanding tax account of this company be forwarded to them. Motion carried.
(2) HRLE File – Mr. Donkers reported that quarterly payments are more on schedule now after several discussions and letters etc.
(3) Taxing Oil Companies – Agreed that Mr. Donkers would continue to research this issue with a view to collecting taxes from them.
(4) Auction Procedure – Mr. Donkers explained this procedure. Council agreed that he would proceed with this with a view to selling properties for taxes owing or as an effort to locate owners of properties.
(5) Co-op Bakery – Agreed that we would continue our efforts to collect arrears of taxes on this property.
(6) Delinquent Accounts Policy Proposal – A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent that Mr. Donkers continue his efforts to collect taxes through various means, i.e. water service disconnection, tax sales, legal action, etc. Motion carried. Also a motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent that interest be charged on outstanding accounts and would become part of the amount that might have to be collected through the courts etc.
MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR – adopted as circulated on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent. Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR NOV.- approved as presented.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT FOR NOV.- approved as presented.
APPLICATION – from Mr. Jeff Decker to build a house on Sixth St. Approved in principle on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Coucnillor McCarthy. Motion carried.
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CORRESPONDENCE:
(1) Email from Mr. Fred Drover, engineer, re Duck Pond, West Track. Mr. Drover’s recommendation was that the pond should be drained. However, it was agreed that we would defer doing any excavating for at least a month.
(2) Letter and tax schedule to be sent to taxpayers. Agreed that we defer this until the meeting scheduled for Monday night.
(3) Letter from the R.C. Episcopal Corp re land for water tank. We are still awaiting a reply from them regarding our proposal to buy this land.
(4) Letter from Minister Dianne Whalen re Northeast Avalon Regional Plan Review and the St. John’s Urban Region Regional Plan. Mr. Kent explained that a new municipal plan is needed but there is no penalty if it isn’t done – our plan is out of date and will have to be redone sometime in the near future.
(5) Letter from Town of Torbay regarding the Killick Coast Regional Kiosk. This was a copy of a letter which was sent to Mr. Walter Butt, Former Chair of the Killick Coast Tourism Association, and sent for our information as we are members of the Association.
CONCERNS
(1) Mr. Kent (Ed) informed council that it is looking good for capital funding for 2009-2010 re the arena, paving and water works.
(2) Councillor Kent (Brian) asked about the backhoe we are renting from Jim Kelloway. It was mentioned that we are renting it on an hourly basis for hours used.
(3) Councillor McCarthy asked about the proposals for soft drinks and beer products for the arena. It was decided that this will be discussed by a committee consisting of (Ed Kent, Councillor McCarthy, Councillor Craig, and the Town Manager) with a recommendation for council’s consideration. This to be done within the next 10 days.
(4) Mayor Gosine informed council that some of our local fisherman will be searching our shores for the two teenagers lost during Christmas in the Conception Bay area (ATV’s went over cliff).
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(5) Mayor Gosine gave a report on the Bell Island Family Fire Fund and the events concerning the fire and the terrible blow it was to the four families involved and the community in general. He mentioned that he is in the process of obtaining a housing unit (NLHC) for one of the families right now. and that the Bank Account is growing everyday with donations for the stricken families. He said that he has struck a committee to deal with the funds and to discuss how they should be allocated, etc. This meeting will be held next Wednesday evening at 6:15pm. He invited any councilors wishing to attend this meeting to do so.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30pm on a motion by Deputy Mayor Pendergast and seconded by Councillor Kent to reconvene again on Monday at 7pm. Motion carried.
________________________ Mayor
________________________ Town Clerk/Manager
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