A meeting of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at the Court House, Baddeck, on Monday, December 4, 2000, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

 Present were:

District #1 – Dan E. MacNeil
District #2 – Shane Toms (Late Arrival)
District #3 – Bruce Morrison, Deputy Warden
District #4 – John G. MacInnes
District #5 – Gerald Sampson, Warden
District #6 – Lawrence Barron
District #7 – Wayne Budge
District #8 – Robert MacLellan

 Also present were:

Brian Trask, CAO
Heather MacLean, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER/APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 Warden Sampson called the meeting to order and presented the agenda for approval.

 Warden Sampson requested an addition to the agenda to allow Duncan Gillis to give a brief presentation regarding a property matter.

 It was moved by Councillor MacInnes, seconded by Deputy Warden Morrison, that the agenda be approved as amended.   Motion carried.

DUNCAN GILLIS

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Duncan Gillis.  Mr. Gillis was in attendance with regard to obtaining a clear title to lands known as the “Lakeview Subdivision” and also to ask the Municipality not to oppose his application to the Courts for tax sale surplus from the 1999 tax sale.  The surplus is in the vicinity of $35,000 to $37,000.

 He provided Council with background information on the property matter, as well as background on his business interests and plans for development.

 It was felt that Mr. Gillis should meet with the Corporate Services Committee to further address this matter.
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 It was moved by Councillor MacInnes, seconded by Councillor MacNeil, that this matter be referred to the Corporate Services Committee.  Motion carried.

 A meeting is to be set up within the next week and Mr. Gillis will be advised of the date and time.

 Mr. Gillis thanked Council for granting him time on the agenda and he left at this time.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE VOLUNTEER

 Warden Sampson indicated that he received a request from the Volunteer Resource Centre to proclaim 2001 as the “International Year of the Volunteer”.  He indicated he signed this proclamation prior to the meeting.

MINUTES

 The minutes of the November 14, 2000, and November 20, 2000, Victoria County Municipal Council meetings were presented for approval.

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the Council minutes of November 14, 2000, and November 20, 2000, be approved as presented.  Motion carried.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

Warden & Deputy Warden Policy

 A draft Warden and Deputy Warden Policy was presented for Council to review and approval of this policy will be brought to a future meeting.

EMO

 Discussion took place on the status of the Emergency Measures Office set up in northern Victoria to deal with the Disaster Financial Assistance Claims.

 Gary Collins, EMC, was in attendance and presented Council with background on the dates and levels of the storm damage in northern Victoria, which led to the set up of the office.  To date, 11 applications have been received at this office.
 
 EMO Nova Scotia now wishes to close this office and Mr. Collins indicated that Kennie MacAskill, MLA, has been requested to contact the Minister Responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization, to determine if this is his stand in this matter.
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 Further discussion took place on this matter.  It was indicated that the CBRM have established 5 offices to deal with claims and have received 37 applications in total.

 It was moved by Councillor MacInnes, seconded by Deputy Warden Morrison, that a letter be forwarded to EMO Nova Scotia indicating that Council feel a great need to continue to operate the Emergency Measures Office in northern Victoria until all damage claims are processed and once completed, a bill be submitted to EMO Nova Scotia for reimbursement of the costs associated with same.  Motion carried.

Highland Consolidated School

 Brian Trask advised that liability insurance has been placed on the Highland Consolidated School building and the property is to be surveyed by Harvey Surveys tomorrow.

Kearns Disintegrations Systems

 A letter has been forwarded to John Kearns in regard to his request at the last Council meeting.

Solid Waste Collection

 Jim MacLean, Baddeck Landfill Operator/Manager, was in attendance with regard to solid waste matters.

 Brian Trask advised that the blue bags are being kept separately on both trucks used for collection by Tri-Can Container Services Ltd.  He presented a picture of the truck in question showing the area where blue bags are placed.

 In regards to salvaging at the Baddeck Landfill, Council was assured that there is no salvaging taking place and under no circumstances are staff taking anything out of the site, as was alleged at the last meeting.

 The fly ash will begin being delivered tomorrow to construct the compost pad.

 Jim MacLean advised that Boularderie collection days fall on Christmas Day and New Years Day and it is being proposed, and the contractor has agreed, to collect in the Boularderie area on Saturday, December 23, 2000, and Saturday, December 30, 2000.

 A request has been received from the contractor who collects solid waste from Alderwood Rest Home and Victoria County Memorial Hospital, to have a key to allow him access to the landfill site on days when the site is not in operation.  Council felt that
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in the winter, this solid waste could remain on his truck until the site was open and this request will be revisited in the spring.

 Jim MacLean expressed thanks to Council for allowing him to attend the Compost Facility Management Course.  He gained valuable information at this course.

NSPI

 Representatives from NSPI will be meeting with the Warden, Deputy Warden, EMC, and the Chairman of the Village on Friday, December 8, 2000, at 10:00 a.m. in the Court House, Baddeck.

Iona Legion – Solid Waste

 Discussion took place on the collection of solid waste from the Iona Legion.  Brian Trask advised that the current contractor is required to collect five bags weekly from the roadside; however, the garbage box is located off the road, adjacent to the Legion building.  Councillor MacNeil will contact the contractor to discuss this matter.

PAULINE DAVIS – TAX ARREARS REPORT

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Pauline Davis, Tax Records Administrator.  Mrs. Davis was in attendance to provide Council with an update on tax arrears and the tax sale.

 Mrs. Davis provided Council with comparative statistics concerning property tax receivables in the years 1998, 1999 and 2000.  In 1998, tax arrears as of December were $443,999.48, compared to $266,019.05 in December, 2000.  She also presented a printout of tax receivables by district.

 Warden Sampson indicated that he felt it would be beneficial to provide Council with a monthly update on tax receivables.  Mrs. Davis indicated that she would provide a preliminary list for tax sale at the next meeting.

 Mrs. Davis provided Council with a recommendation regarding policy on tax sale procedure re preliminary notice.  The present policy contained in the Municipal Government Act regarding preliminary notice is that tax sale procedures will be commenced and costs expended unless the arrears are paid within fourteen days of the date of preliminary notice.  The recommendation is to increase the fourteen days to thirty days, as many of the tax accounts are non-resident accounts and the present fourteen days does not allow enough time for mail to be received and returned.
 

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 Also discussion took place on a setting a policy establishing a minimum amount owing before placing a property on tax sale.

 It was moved by Deputy Warden Morrison, seconded by Councillor Toms, that a policy be established that $300 be the minimum owing before placing on tax sale and that a policy be set increasing the fourteen days to thirty days with regard to preliminary tax sale notice as recommended.  Motion carried.

 Mrs. Davis also indicated that people request that property be placed on tax sale for title purposes and there is no policy in effect concerning the minimum amount of years.

 It was moved by Councillor MacInnes, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the minimum amount of years owing for properties put on tax sale for title purposes be set at 2 years.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Councillor MacInnes, seconded by Councillor Barron, that Pauline Davis and the Tax Office staff be commended for their effective tax collection procedures in the last couple of years.  Motion carried.

 Mrs. Davis indicated that Norma Fletcher works with her in the Tax Office and she is an excellent employee.

COMMITTEES – APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMEN

 Warden Sampson advised that Council would recess briefly to allow committees to meet and select their Chairmen.

 Council reconvened and indicated that the following would serve as Chairman for:

Environmental/Solid Waste Committee – Shane Toms
Corporate Services Committee – Bruce Morrison
Water Committee – Lawrence Barron
Alderwood Management Board – Dan E. MacNeil
Highland Manor Board – Wayne Budge

 Deputy Warden Morrison is at present the Chairman of the Victoria County Community Economic Development Committee, however, he is suggesting that the Chairmanship of this Committee revert to Warden Gerald Sampson.  The Committee will decide on this matter at their next meeting.
 

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 Brian Trask will set the dates for the initial committee meetings.  Corporate Services Committee and the Water Committee will meet within the next week.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

 The Municipality is to establish a priority list of capital projects for the next six years.  The Baddeck Sewage Treatment Plant was set as the number one priority some time ago and Brian Trask advised that he received a call from the Department of the Environment indicating that the Dingwall Water Utility requires upgrading as the THM levels remain above the acceptable limit and must be addressed.

 Councillor MacInnes questioned on whether the County would sponsor projects for community organizations, such as fire departments, provided the organization covered the 1/3 cost.

 It was moved by Councillor MacInnes, seconded by Councillor Toms, that the County sponsor projects for community organizations provided the community organization covers the 1/3 cost under the Infrastructure Program.  Motion carried.

 It was indicated that the Victoria County Strategic Plan identified some capital projects within the municipality.  Councillor Barron indicated that a water system for District #6 is an important project also.

 It was felt that a meeting should be held to deal with a priority list for capital projects and it was agreed that this topic be placed on the December 18, 2000, Committee of the Whole meeting agenda.

CED COMMITTEE

 The Victoria County Community Economic Development Committee met recently and referred a couple of matters to Council for consideration.   The following members of the CED Committee were in attendance:
Brian Fitzgerald
George Maher
Gary Collins
Jim Morrow
Bruce Morrison
Gerald Sampson
Tom Wilson

The first matter was whether the Municipality was going to continue their involvement with the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency for the year 2001-2002.  The second matter was whether to request the RDA for Catherine Ann Fuller’s continued involvement with the CED Committee and the County’s Strategic Plan.
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 Each Council Member received a handout in their binders providing three options:
? Option A – To stay with the RDA
? Option B – Discontinue membership in the RDA and do nothing in economic development
? Option C – Discontinue membership in the RDA and replace it with some other entity

Discussion took place on the options.  Whether the province will continue RDA funding was questioned.  A letter addressed to Phil MacDonald, SHRDA, from Chris Bryant, Department of Economic Development, indicated that no guarantees could be made about core funding for RDA’s for 2001-2002.

It was felt that Council should provide the RDA with direction on what they want and expect from the RDA.  It was felt it would be important for Council to set perimeters and performance indicators regarding economic development in the County.  Now that a strategic plan is in place, it was indicated that the CED Committee should be providing Council with recommendations in this regard.

Further discussion took place on how the Municipality should proceed with regard to economic development.

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that Victoria County continue its membership in the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency while current provincial and federal funding remains in place.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Deputy Warden Morrison, that the Victoria County Community Economic Development Committee be charged with setting up perimeters and performance indicators with regard to economic development in Victoria County.  Motion carried.

BREAK

 Warden Sampson announced that Council would recess for 5 minutes.

NEW AND OTHER BUSINESS

 A letter of congratulations is to be forwarded to the Cabot High Division IV Boys Volleyball Team who won the provincial championships this past weekend.

District #1

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 Councillor MacNeil questioned on the grant for Nova Scotia Highland Village for 2000/2001.  It was indicated that this grant was not included in the list of grant approvals.

 It was moved by Councillor MacNeil, seconded by Councillor Toms, that $200 be approved for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 from the District #1 budget.  Motion carried.

District #2

 Councillor Toms questioned on the status of the approval of the road names at Baddeck Inlet.  Approval has been received from the Department of Transportation; however, a reply has not been received from the Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission to date.

District #3

 Deputy Warden Morrison distributed copies of the proposed Sewer Connection By-Law, Sewer Service Charges By-Law and Sewer Discharges By-Law for Council’s review.  He advised that ADL Engineering will be holding a public presentation regarding the treatment technology for the Baddeck Sewage Treatment Plant on December 7, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. at the Court House, Baddeck.

 It was moved by Deputy Warden Morrison, seconded by Councillor MacInnes, that a letter be forwarded to Eddie Keeling, Chairman of the Village, congratulating the Village of their decorating efforts in the Village of Baddeck for the holiday season.    Motion carried.

 Deputy Warden Morrison brought up the request from the Victoria Highland Civic Centre concerning funding for urgent repairs.   This matter is to be referred to the Corporate Services Committee.

District #7

 Councillor Budge questioned on whether anything had come through regarding a Winter Works Program.  No reply has been received to date, however, Councillor Budge was advised to contact Bill Fraser, Department of Community Services, in this regard.

 Councillor Budge advised that after the last storm in northern Victoria, 3 different sections of armour stone were damaged in the Neil’s Harbour/New Haven area.

 It was moved by Councillor Budge, seconded by Deputy Warden Morrison, that a letter be forwarded to the Department of Transportation requesting that they place armour stone in the areas effected by the October 29, 2000, storm in Neil’s Harbour/New Haven area.  Motion carried.
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District #6

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that $150 be approved from the District #6 budget for Ski Cape Smokey Society.   Motion carried.

District #5

 Deputy Warden Morrison assumed the Chair.

 It was moved by Warden Sampson, seconded by Councillor MacInnes, that a letter be forwarded to Premier John Hamm opposing the closure of the Two Rivers Wildlife Park.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Warden Sampson, seconded by Councillor MacNeil, that permission be granted for the Municipality to enter a five-year lease, with an option for five more years, for a residence in the Boularderie area, which in turn will be sub-leased to the RCMP for a resident officer in the Boularderie area.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Warden Sampson, seconded by Councillor MacInnes, that the Victoria County CAP Association be given permission to use the County’s computer system as a server once the proper lines are in place.  Motion carried.

CONTAMINATED SOIL

 Brian Trask advised on a situation that recently arose concerning contaminated soil and his conversation with Lawrence MacDonald, Department of the Environment, regarding same.

 It was moved by Councillor MacInnes, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that a letter be forwarded to Lawrence MacDonald, Department of the Environment questioning on the proper protocol for disposal of contaminated soils and where such materials should be placed.  Motion carried.

MEETINGS

 Brian Trask will set the initial meetings for the Corporate Services Committee, Water Committee and Environmental/Solid Waste Committee.

 The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on December 18, 2000, at 5:00 p.m. at which time there will be two presentations and the remainder of the meeting will deal with the priority list for capital projects.
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ADJOURN

 There being no further business, on motion of Councillor Toms, the meeting adjourned.
 
 

       Brian E. Trask, CAO
 
 

       Gerald E. Sampson, Warden