A meeting of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at the Boularderie Elementary School, Boularderie, on Monday, October 2, 2000, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Deputy Warden Gerald Yetman in the Chair.

 Present were:

District #1 – Gerald Yetman, Deputy Warden
District #2 – Shane Toms
District #3 – Bruce Morrison
District #5 – Gerald Sampson
District #6 – Lawrence Barron
District #7 – David Donovan
District #8 – Robert MacLellan

 Also present were:

Brian Trask, CAO
Heather MacLean, Recording Secretary
30+ Interested Citizens

 Absent was:

District #4 – John Graham MacInnes, Warden

CALL TO ORDER

 Deputy Warden Yetman called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone in attendance.  He extended congratulations to Councillor Sampson and Warden MacInnes who have been declared elected by acclamation in the upcoming municipal election.  He wished all remaining Councillors good luck at the polls.

AGENDA

 The agenda was presented for approval.  Councillor Sampson requested the following additions to the agenda:
? Report on the Boularderie Historical Society
? Turning lane at Seal Island
? RCMP update
? Advertisement for additional Home Support Workers
? Presentation by Dr. Jack Porter, Recreation Nova Scotia

Page 2, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that the agenda be approved with the noted additions.  Motion carried.

MINUTES

 The minutes of the September 18, 2000, Victoria County Municipal Council meeting were presented for approval.

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the September 18, 2000, Council minutes be approved as presented.  Motion carried.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

NSPI

 Brian Trask advised that he has contacted Gary Collins, EMC,  concerning the cutbacks to the Baddeck Field Office of the NSPI.  Mr. Collins has grave concerns and will provide his concerns for the meeting to be set up with representatives from NSPI.

Department of Justice

 Mr. Trask advised that a letter was forwarded to the Honourable Michael Baker, Minister of Justice, concerning the elimination of Court Sittings in Ingonish.  A meeting was requested with the Minister or his designate.

Water Projects

 Brian Trask advised that there are presently five water projects proposed for various areas in the Municipality.  The Utility and Review Board require conceptual cost estimates for all these projects.  Mr. Trask indicated that this could cost a considerable sum of money.

 Councillor Barron indicated that a water system for Ingonish is becoming a  necessity.  Recent water testing of 16 wells, showed that 12 were highly contaminated.  These 12 wells supply water to 40 to 50 families.

 Two water projects and the Baddeck Sewer System were submitted for funding under the FCM’s Green Municipal Investment  Fund and all were denied.
 

Page 3, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

 Councillor Morrison indicated that there is presently a motion on the books making the Baddeck Sewer Treatment Plant the #1 priority for infrastructure in Victoria County.  He indicated that the application for funding under the FCM’s Green Municipal Investment Fund has be adjusted and resubmitted for funding approval.

 Discussion took place on how to proceed with regard to the proposed water systems.  It was felt that a Committee should be set up to deal with this matter.

Kearns Disintegration Systems

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that a letter be forwarded to John Kearns, KDS Canada Ltd., requesting clarification on the costs associated with his test facility to be located at the Baddeck Landfill.  Motion carried.

Assessment Service Recovery Fees

 Brian Trask advised that a memorandum was received from the UNSM concerning assessment services recovery fees.  The estimated cost is $12,000,000.00, of which Victoria County’s cost will be $146,898.00.  The UNSM is requesting municipal units to review this report and provide feedback by October 20, 2000.

 Discussion took place on this matter and it was indicated that this matter was a topic of controversy at the recent UNSM Conference.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Toms, that a meeting be convened and invitations be extended to all other municipal units in Cape Breton, to discuss and come up with a unified position on the assessment services recovery fee issue.   Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

1. Letter from Gwen Shaw, Chairperson, Baddeck & Area Youth Centre, enclosing two tickets for their 3rd Annual Dinner & Auction to be held at the Inverary Inn, Baddeck, on October 15, 2000.

It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that the Municipality purchase the two tickets for the 3rd Annual Dinner & Auction in support of the Baddeck & Area Youth Centre at a cost of $100.  Motion carried.
Page 4, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

2. Correspondence from John Astephen, Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board, advising that the planning process has begun for the new Rankin Memorial School and requesting whether there is an interest in community enhancements to the new school.

Deputy Warden Yetman indicated he would meet with people in his community to determine if there is an interest in community enhancement for the new school.

3. Letter from Mike LeBlanc, Department of the Environment, regarding the requirements for composting.

The Environmental/Solid Waste Committee will meet to review and discuss the requirements.

4. Letter from the Honourable Michael Baker, Acting Minister of the Environment, offering support to the County for the initiative taken regarding the Baddeck Sewer System.

5. Notice from the Green Municipal Investment Fund advising that the Intent to Apply submission for the Baddeck Sewer System does not meet the mandatory criteria of the fund.

6. Letter from the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, advising that the Department, under the Provincial Capital Assistance Program, will provide 50% funding, to a maximum of $62,000, for the Baddeck Sewer System Upgrade.

7. Correspondence from Arthur Pickup, Municipal Solicitor, offering comments on the proposed Emergency Response Agreement.

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that Council meet with the Cape Breton Highlands National Park Superintendent and Warden, and area fire chiefs to come up with an agreement for firefighting in northern Victoria County.  Motion carried.

8. Request from Jack MacLeod, Chair, Ingonish Waterfront Development, for financial support in the amount of $1,000 towards the cost of their Master Plan.

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that $1,000 be approved from the District #6 budget for the Ingonish Waterfront Development Committee.  Motion carried.
Page 5, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

9. A request was received from the Village of Baddeck for the County to contribute $5,462.50 towards the cost of paving a sidewalk from Bethune’s Corner to the Silver Dart Lodge, Baddeck.

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Toms, that this request be referred to the first Council Session after the October 21, 2000, Municipal Election.  Motion carried.

RCMP UPDATE

 Councillor Sampson indicated that six responses were received to the Expression of Interest to provide rental housing for a resident RCMP Officer in Boularderie.  Representatives from the RCMP will be viewing the homes on Thursday, October 5, 2000, and presenting the Municipality with their preferences in this regard. After the residence is selected, this should facilitate the appointment of a resident officer to Boularderie.

Councillor Sampson indicated that Don Matheson, Cape Breton-Victoria District School Board, will be bringing the cost of renovations for the RCMP Community Office to be located at Boularderie Elementary School to senior management tomorrow and he anticipated a reply after this meeting.

PUBLIC  OPEN PERIOD

 Deputy Warden Yetman then opened the floor to questions and concerns from the public.

 One resident expressed concern with the Dog Controller position.  She has had ongoing problems with dogs on her property chasing her children and attacking her animals.  She has contacted the Dog Controller on several occasions in this regard.  He visited the site once and advised her in a later conversation that it was up to her to press charges against the owners of the dogs in question.   She felt that one Dog Controller located in Cape North was not adequate to service the County.

 Brian Trask, CAO, requested the resident to provide him with particulars after the meeting and he would make contact with the Dog Controller concerning this situation.

RECESS

 Deputy Warden Yetman advised that Council would recess for 10 minutes and invited the public to have coffee/tea with Council.
Page 6, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

911 CIVIC NUMBERING

 A resident brought a concern he had with regard to the 911 Civic Numbering process.

DR. JACK PORTER

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Dr. Jack Porter representing Recreation Nova Scotia.

 Councillor Sampson indicated that Dr. Porter’s presence was a result of a presentation given by Dawn Stegen, Executive Director, Recreation Nova Scotia, at the recent UNSM Conference.  Dr. Porter serves as a member of the Board of Recreation Nova Scotia.

 Dr. Porter brought with him a number of publications concerning funding programs and services offered by Recreation Nova Scotia, including:
? Go Green
? Liability Insurance Program
? Membership Forms – RNS
? Lucky Duck Lotto
? Special Event Insurance

These programs can be utilized to obtain funding for new playground equipment for the Boularderie Elementary School.

Councillor Sampson also advised that Sports Nova Scotia have programs also.  Colleen Chisholm, Sports Nova Scotia, is available to assist community organizations in making application for funding.  It was noted that the deadline for application to Sports Nova Scotia is February 1, 2001.

Dr. Porter was extended a vote of thanks for the information provided.

OPEN PERIOD/DISTRICT CONCERNS

District #5

 Councillor Sampson advised that handouts were available showing how Victoria County tax dollars were spent in 1999/2000.

 Councillor Sampson provided an update on the status of the right-hand turnoff lane to the Seal Island Campground.

Page 7, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

 Councillor Sampson updated those present on the status of the Boularderie Historical Society.  The local and senior managers of HRDC have recommended this project for funding approval and it is now at the ministerial approval stage.  This project will provide 6 jobs for 6 months, with the result being the development of a history of Boularderie Island.

District #6

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Toms, that $1,400.00 be approved for the Ingonish Beach Volunteer Fire Department from the District #6 budget.  Motion carried.

District #1

 Councillor Sampson assumed the Chair to allow Deputy Warden Yetman to bring forward his district concerns.

 Deputy Warden Yetman presented a resolution concerning opening the VIA Rail Service from Sydney to Halifax (copy attached).

 It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that this resolution be adopted.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Barron, that the remainder of the District #1 budget be equally divided between the following organizations:
? Barra Food Bank
? District #1 Cubs and Scouts
? Washabuck Community Centre
? Little Narrows Community Centre
Motion carried.

 Deputy Warden Yetman then reassumed the Chair.

District #8

 It was moved by Councillor MacLellan, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that $500 be approved for the Bay St. Lawrence Volunteer Fire Department from the District #8 budget.  Motion carried.

District #7
 

Page 8, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

 It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the remaining funds in the District #7 budget be approved for the Canadian Jamboree Fund 2001.  Motion carried.

 Councillor Donovan indicated that the South Harbour Channel is blocked and will have to be unblocked in the near future.  He requested the Administration Office to check on the status of the permit with Department of Natural Resources.

 It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that a letter be forwarded to Sgt. Pat Pembroke, Ingonish Beach Detachment RCMP, requesting more policing presence in the areas of Smelt Brook, White Point and Neil’s Harbour areas.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that a letter be forwarded to the Department of Transportation and Public Works requesting that the speed limit in the area of the Ingonish Omni to the school grounds be reviewed with the possibility of reducing the speed limit in this area.  Motion carried.

 Councillor Donovan expressed concern on the stand taken at the recent UNSM Conference concerning gas and oil exploration of the Sydney Byte area.  This is a serious issue to this area.   The fishing industry in the Sydney Byte area is in excess of $100,000,000.00 annually.  Oil and gas exploration will not only effect the fishery, but also the tourism industry.

 It was felt that a meeting should be convened with other Cape Breton Councils in this regard.  A common front on this issue will then be forwarded to the Executive of the UNSM.   This matter is the lay on the table until after the October 21, 2000, Municipal Election.

 Councillor Donovan requested that Brian Trask read a letter of concern provided by the staff at Buchanan Memorial Hospital.   This letter was forwarded to personnel within the Eastern Regional Community Health Board.

 It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the Municipality forward a letter supporting the concerns of the staff of Buchanan Memorial Hospital to the Honourable Jamie Muir, Minister of Health; John Higgins, CEO, ERCHB; John Malcom, CEO, Cape Breton Healthcare Complex; and Human Resources Personnel, ERCHB.   Motion carried.

District #3

Page 9, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that a letter be forwarded to the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, thanking him for the $62,000 approved under the Provincial Capital Assistance Program for the Baddeck Sewer System upgrade.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that a letter be forwarded to FCM President Monahan expressing Council’s disappointment and displeasure in denying our Intent to Apply applications under the Green Municipal Investment Fund.   Motion carried.

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Toms, that a letter be forwarded to Wendell MacGillvary, ECBC, advising of the Municipality’s intent to apply for funding under the Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Program for the Baddeck Sewage Treatment Plant.  Motion carried.

 Councillor Morrison expressed congratulations to Warden MacInnes, Councillors Barron and Toms on receiving their 15-year scroll of recognition from the UNSM.

District #2

 It was moved by Councillor Toms, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that $500 be approved for the Middle River Volunteer Fire Department from the District #2 budget.   Motion carried.

 Councillor Toms questioned whether a reply was received to the petition for road naming in Rare Earth Subdivision.  He was advised that approval was received from the Department of Transportation, however, a reply has not been received to date from the Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission.

 It was moved by Councillor Toms, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Transportation, with copies to Bruce Fitzner, Charlie MacDonald and Ken MacAskill, MLA, requesting that the Old Margaree (Swamp) Road be reconstructed and paved due to it being the only access route to Baddeck when the Trans Canada is blocked as occurred on Friday past as a result of the accident at Baddeck River Bridge on Highway 105 and the Red Bridge be inspected immediately for possible damage as a result of the transport truck traffic that occurred as a result of this accident.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC OPEN PERIOD
Page 10, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, October 2, 2000
 

 Councillor Sampson presented the following cheques to the appropriate representatives:
? For ice time for students from Boularderie School at the Sydney Mines Rink in the amount of $1,000
? To the Boularderie School for swings in the amount of $500
? To the Community Policing Office in the amount $200.

 Discussion took place on the changes to the civic addresses that has taken place in the Boularderie area recently and whether it was a possibility that this part of Victoria County would be annexed by CBRM.

 Concern was expressed on the cost of water testing that has been put on business owners.  This came about as a result of the water situation that arose in Walkerton, Ontario.  Any businesses that serve 25 people per day for 6 months of the year are obliged to take water samples of their establishment and send them to an accredited laboratory for testing.

 It was felt it would be beneficial to determine the number of accidents that have occurred on he highways since the VIA Rail was taken out of service between Sydney and Halifax to add extra clout to the resolution concerning same.

 Council was extended a vote of thanks for travelling outside of Baddeck and being accessible to the public.  Tonight’s meeting was easy to follow and the access granted to the public was appreciated.

ADJOURN

 There being no further business, on motion of Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Sampson, the meeting adjourned.
 
 
 

      B. E. Trask, CAO
 
 

      John G. MacInnes, Warden