A meeting of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at the Court House, Baddeck, on Monday, January 25, 1999, at 5:00 p.m. with Warden John MacInnes in the Chair.

Present were:

District #1 - Gerald Yetman

District #2 - Shane Toms

District #3 - Bruce Morrison

District #4 - John Graham MacInnes, Warden

District #5 - Gerald Sampson, Deputy Warden

District #6 - Lawrence Barron

District #7 - David Donovan

District #8 - Robert MacLellan

Also present were:

Brian Trask, CAO

Heather MacLean, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER/AGENDA

Warden MacInnes called the meeting to order. The agenda was presented for approval. A brief report on the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency's Board Meeting held at the Inverary Inn and the Community Economic Development Seminar are to be added to the agenda.

TOM WILSON, RECREATION AND TOURISM REPORT

Courtesy of Council was extended to Tom Wilson, Recreation and Tourism Director.

Mr. Wilson presented Council Members with information and a copy of the proposal for funding for the Cape Breton Island Millennium Project - Together 2000. This proposal is forwarded to ECBC for the actual development of Together 2000. In the proposal, the County will be asked to contribute $5,000 in

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1999-2000 and $5,000 in 2000-2001. This funding goes towards marketing, product development and regional events/activities.

Mr. Wilson indicated that the Cape Breton Millennium Committee is requesting a letter of support and commitment to the project.

It was moved by Deputy Warden Sampson, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that the Municipality support the Cape Breton Millennium Committee in their Millennium Project - Together 2000, and express interest in continuing to be involved in this project. Motion carried.

Mr. Wilson advised that he attended a presentation recently by Dr. Teresa MacNeil regarding "SMART COMMUNITY". The Strait region and SENCEN are working on an application for SMART COMMUNITY. This program wants to assist businesses to remain competitive, provide lifelong learning opportunities, access to government programs and to bring Canadians closer together.

The 2 CAP Sites in Victoria formed the Victoria County CAP Sites Association and forwarded a letter to SENCEN indicating that the association wanted to be included in the SMART COMMUNITY concept. Victoria County is not a part of SENCEN, however has always been included in meetings, etc. Mr. Wilson indicated that Victoria County needs to be involved in technology to assist communities with viability in the present and future, as well as access to government programs and services.

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that Victoria County Municipal Council support the SMART COMMUNITY concept and request Victoria County be included in the application with SENCEN. Motion carried.

Mr. Wilson indicated that this letter should be forwarded to Mr. Wilf MacNeil, Chairman, SENCEN, with a copy to Dori Delaney, Secretary of the Victoria County CAP Sites Association.

Mr. Wilson also presented Council members with a copy of the CAP Sites Newsletter.

Mr. Wilson was extended a vote of thanks and he left at this time.

MINUTES

Brian Trask presented the following minutes for approval.

Victoria County Municipal Council - January 18, 1999

Councillor Morrison indicated that a correction was required in the January 11, 1999, minutes - Page 7, Paragraph 3, add the word "was" - should read - Councillor Morrison was advised that this matter was addressed in the In Camera meeting.

John Kearns

Deputy Warden Sampson brought up the topic of John Kearn's request to conduct compliance testing on his equipment at the Baddeck Landfill. Brian Trask advised that he recently spoke with Mr. Kearns and advised that Mr. Kearns has no problem with Council's action and is working with the Department of the Environment in this regard.

Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency

Councillor Yetman advised he, along with Councillors MacLellan and Barron, attended the Strait Regional Development Agency's Board meeting at the Inverary Inn on Thursday past. There is a proposed increase in the budget and the funding requested from the Municipality. A proposed re-organization of the whole structure of the RDA was also presented at this meeting.

Councillor Yetman felt that the information presented at the RDA Board meeting should be provided to each Council member for review. The proposal is to be put on the agenda for the next meeting, after Council members have had an opportunity to review same.

Brian Trask advised that Susan Matheson, SOVICTA Development Officer, has been located in the Judge's Office for the duration of her employment.

Councillor Donovan indicated that at a previous meeting he brought up the topic of NOSEDA not being permitted to use office space rented by Victoria

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County in Ingonish. He advised that on checking, he found that a formal request was never made for the use of this office space.

Sanding - Alexander Drive

Prices were invited from local contractors for the sanding of Alexander Drive, Baddeck. Two prices were received:

Barra Construction - $60/trip

Baddeck Construction - $60/trip

It was moved by Councillor Toms, seconded by Deputy Warden Sampson, that Baddeck Construction be awarded the sanding of Alexander Drive, Baddeck, pending clarification from the Department of Transportation and Public Works. Motion carried.

Proposed Meeting Schedule

Brian Trask presented Council with a schedule of proposed meetings for the remainder of January, February and March, 1999.

Mr. Trask advised that he spoke with Jerome Paris, RRF, and advised of the beer bottle problems in the Ingonish area. Mr. Paris understands the potential problem and will work with the County in this regard. Councillor Donovan updated Council on information he received in this regard.

There will be a meeting of the Solid Waste Committee held on Tuesday, February 2, 1999, at 5:00 p.m.

Discussion took place on the EMO Action Plan. Expressions of interest for and EMO Coordinator have been called for and the closing date for same is February 9, 1999. The Committee is to interview and provided a recommendation for Council on February 22, 1999. A meeting of the EMO Committee will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 1999, at 5:30 p.m.

Little Narrows Water Extension

A letter was received from Marvin MacDonald, Infrastructure Works Program, advising that a maximum of $12,000 will be approved for the purchase of water mains, valves, and other supplies and equipment required for the water extension. These supplies must be purchased by March 31, 1999, and the completion date for the project is August 31, 1999.

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Discussion took place on this matter and the fact that only 3 homes would be serviced by the extension. Brian Trask is to contact Ron McIntyre to determine the supplies and equipment needed and this topic will be put on a future agenda for discussion.

Crescent Grove Water Extension

An extension was requested for the Crescent Grove Water System project. The request for the extension has been forwarded to the Federal Minister, however, no reply has been received. Peter Mancini, MP, is to be contacted and requested to check on the status of our request for the extension.

Tires

Jerome Paris, RRF, called regarding the stockpile of tires at the Cape North Transfer Station. He advised that municipalities are receiving priority in having tires collected and this should be addressed in the near future.

Dingwall Water Utility

Ricky Fraser advised that the reason for the water discoloration was due to him carrying out the backwashing procedure on the system. This is not a permanent situation.

A new piece of equipment is necessary (approximate cost $500) and this will be obtained. Mr. Fraser does not feel that a complete overall of the system is necessary at this time.

Brian Trask reported that the disconnection of the unpaid accounts will be dealt with as soon as weather permits.

Residential Garbage Pickup - Parks Canada

Brian Trask advised that solid waste collection must be provided to residential properties with the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A cost of $30/week for the pickup at these 13 residences was received from contractor, Rollie Donovan.

Neil's Harbour/New Haven Water Supply

Letters were received from the contractor in response to problems associated with the water system. The contractor denies any responsibility of liability for these problems.

Brian Trask is to forward the letter to Art Pickup, Municipal Solicitor, for his investigation and recommendations as to the proper way to proceed.

Job Creation

The $2,000 per district approved at a previous meeting for job creation was discussed.

If unused in the Winter Works Program, the money can be carried over and used for summer student grants.

Certificate in Community Economic Development

Brian Trask questioned on the expenses for the 3 Council Members taking the Certificate in Community Economic Development.

A budget of $2,600 was established for expenses. Accommodation costs and meal costs will be provided. Mileage will be provided from home to Baddeck for all participants and mileage for one vehicle from Baddeck to the course location. A question was raised on whether the $100 daily allowance would be provided, and Brian Trask was requested to check the training budget to see if funds would be available.

Councillor Barron advised that the Ingonish Development Society will be submitting a proposal to take over the school property at Ingonish. He indicated that a study will be conducted taking in the three aspects - ski hill, waterfront development and acquiring the school property - with a view to determining the management structure, etc. for these facilities.

District #7

Councillor Donovan questioned on the listing of roads. He was advised that the Department of Transportation put a moratorium on road listing several years ago.

Both the Neil's Harbour Co-op and Victoria County Co-op Fisheries have expressed their interest in obtaining the Neil's Harbour School property.

Councillor Donovan indicated that the harbour authorities in the northern area met a couple of weeks ago with officials from Small Craft Harbours and it appears from this meeting that there is a desire to work together towards a common goal.

Fred Williams, Council representative on the Cape Breton Regional Library Board, will be sending in a request to proclaim "Library Awareness Week". This matter will be addressed when the request is received.

Councillor Donovan requested on the status of the land exchange with the province. Jane Latremouille advised that the trade should be finalized by the end of January, 1999. A decision will have to be made on the cost and how lots are to be sold. Councillor Donovan advised that he has investigated prices for extending the waterline 1 km to service the new lots.

It was moved by Deputy Warden Sampson, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that $200 be approved from the District #5 budget for the Boularderie School. Motion carried.

District #3

Councillor Morrison advised that John Bain, Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission, wishes to appear before Council in February.

It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Toms, that a letter be forwarded to Honourable Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development, supporting the Victoria Highland Curling Club in their efforts to obtain funding for a new curling rink in Baddeck. Motion carried.

District #1

Councillor Yetman presented a resolution regarding Baddeck be presented as a site for the establishments of a phone call centre (copy attached).

It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Deputy Warden Sampson, that this resolution be adopted and forwarded to the Premier, Ministers of Tourism and Economic Development and our local MLA. Motion carried.

Councillor Yetman updated Council on a water supply for MacKinnon's Harbour/Ottawa Brook.

Councillor Yetman advised Council on the meeting held in his district regarding the ferry fees.

Councillor Yetman brought up the matter of expenses for Board Members at Alderwood. This item would have to be included in Alderwood's budget.

MEETING WITH MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS

Council will meet with the new Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Honourable Ray White, on Friday, February 5, 1999, at 11:30 a.m. Council are to meet prior to this meeting at 9:00 a.m.

MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

Deputy Warden Sampson advised that the Cape Breton Regional/Victoria County boundary issue will be going before the Utility and Review Board on February 16, 1999. The only opportunity for public input will be on this date at 7:00 p.m. and he requested the support of all Councillors at this hearing.

ADJOURN

There being no further business, on motion of Councillor Barron, seconded by Deputy Warden Sampson, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

John G. MacInnes, Warden