Minutes - Town of Wabana Regular Council Meeting February 03, 2010

Attendance:
Mayor Gary Gosine
Deputy Mayor Kay Crane
Councillor Stan MacDonald
Councillor Dave Foley
Councillor Brian Kent

Staff:
Town Manager/Clerk Ben Noseworthy
Town Consultant Ed Kent
Account Receivable Officer Joseph Donkers
Recreation Manager Hollie Neary

Councillor Foley and Councillor Kent opened the meeting at 7:32pm.

Continuation of the January 20, 2010 agenda with additions.

Business Arising from the Minutes
d) Abatement application, supporting documents, and research discussed.

Councillor MacDonald motioned, seconded by Councillor Kent that the application for abatement by Ronald Normore for Disability be denied, all in favour, carried. (2010-02-01)

e) NEAJC – A/R Officer to attend and represent the Town.
Staff to send a letter explaining conflict with our regularly schedule Council meetings.

Committee Reports

A/R Report
Councillor Kent cautioned on moving ahead with dilapidated buildings given Mayor Coombs current hotel problems.
A/R Officer to seek written permission to enter properties for inspection, clearly stating intentions to owners.
Move to next steps.

The Clerk noted to Council that workloads in the office must be prioritized at this time and that these files under discussion currently have a lower priority status until the tax bills and system implementation are substantially complete.

Review of wreck list and auction activities.
Council expressed a 'Good Job' to the A/R Officer for his tremendous work on the auction file.

ICSP – some concern expressed about the survey content.
Noted first meeting is this Saturday.

Councillor MacDonald motioned, second by Councillor Foley, that Max Harvey be granted a 4 year tax abatement for the Belle of the Bay taxes, in 2010 his tax will equal his 2009 amount, and in each of the three following years it will increase one quarter of the 2010 increase, demonstrating that this Town supports Max 100%, all in favour, carried. (2010-02-02)

Council also noted that the Bed and Breakfast issue needs to be considered by the Tax sub-committee.

Recreation Addition to the agenda
Councillor Kent motioned, second by Deputy Mayor Crane, that Bob be 'hired' part-time at the arena to enable transferring of his skills and knowledge, which are invaluable to the arena operations, to new staff, all in favour, carried. (2010-02-03)

Correspondence
d) Councillor MacDonald motioned, second by Councillor Kent, that Council renew it's FCM membership, all in favour, carried. (2010-02-04)

e) Staff to ensure that Council has an opportunity to discuss Auditor appointment in May.
David Clark (Municipal Affairs) will provide a list of auditors who are experienced (729-6168)

f) The Clerk assured Council that the Town will meet it's obligations for the last round of gas tax funding. (4 criteria listed)

j) TARGA – communications is key!
Staff to contact Bob or Scott Ganou to discuss changing the route this year.
Council suggests that TARGA hold a public meeting prior to the event.

Resolution
Councillor Kent motioned, second by Councillor Foley, that Council amend previous approvals to borrow, to reflect the latest updated approvals for 2 of the Town's ongoing projects, with additional loan amounts noted, # 9131- Arena phase 2/3-additional $111,500, and #20671- Water Tower /Supply additional $ 30,000, approval to borrow from Scotiabank is sought for the above specified amounts, all in favour, carried. (2010-02-05)

Other Business
Review of Union final offer, Council confirms committee mandate.

TidyTown deadline is March 31, 2010.

PMA conference in St. John's this April.

Student Employment deadline this month.

Reminder to councillors to turn in their receipts for training expenses last Saturday for re-reimbursement by the province.

AE Group Waste Management update from Councillor MacDonald, check your email.
Next WM committee meeting February 23, 2010.

Discussion of water issues – need to direct after hours calls appropriately.

Staff to draft letter to Bell Aliant (based on correspondence of a few years ago) to have the extended area charge dropped.

Staff to contact MNL for Councillor cards.

Staff to investigate purchasing a power sewer auger.

Discussion of slippery roads and the need to call out two workers.

Mayor Gosine noted that he had an opportunity to present his concerns to the Provincial Minister of the Environment and that we should be receiving a response soon.

Adjournment:
Councillor Kent motioned, second by Deputy Mayor Crane for adjournment, all in favour at 9:55pm. (2010-02-06)

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Mayor

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Town Clerk