A meeting of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at the Court House, Baddeck, on Monday, June 8, 1998, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Present were:

District #1 - Gerald Yetman

District #2 - Shane Toms, Deputy Warden

District #3 - Bruce Morrison

District #4 - John Graham MacInnes, Warden

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

CALL TO ORDER

Warden MacInnes called the meeting to order.

ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA

As Department of the Environment officials will be carrying out an inspection of the Baddeck Landfill on Friday, June 12, 1998, it was decided that an update on solid waste be delayed until after this time.

Councillor Yetman put forward a notice of motion that he would be bringing a resolution to the next meeting concerning Canada's Merchant Navy. He indicated he would distribute a copy of this resolution to all Councillors to peruse prior to the next meeting.

It was moved by Deputy Warden Toms, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that the agenda be adopted with the changes indicated. Motion carried.

SET TIME TO ADJOURN

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that 8:00 p.m. be set as the time for adjournment. Motion carried.

Page 2, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

DAN BANKS, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Courtesy of Council was extended to Dan Banks, Wildlife Biologist, Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Banks introduced Andrew Hanam, Crown Lands Forester for Inverness/Victoria - DNR, and Bevin Locke, Stora Port Hawkesbury.

Mr. Banks advised that the reason for their presence was to advise Council of the Integrated Resource Management Plan which will be developed, with the process starting in the near future. This plan will be put together in a sustainable manner looking at the environment, the public and the economy together.

Mr. Banks explained the Integrated Resource Management Plan process to Council. There is an established Management Team who will prepare an overview, identify issues, set regional goals and objectives, determine land use options, prepare a strategy for public comment, obtain final approval and implement, monitor and review the plan.

The area to be included in this Management Plan is the Eastern Region comprising of Antigonish, Guysborough, Pictou, Inverness, Richmond, Victoria and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Mr. Banks advised that Victoria County consists of 283,630 ha of land, of which 142,420 ha is crown land.

Mr. Banks indicated that they will be consulting client groups consisting of the general public, special interest groups, social/recreational, aboriginals, businesses, municipalities, government departments and the Department of Natural Resources.

Mr. Banks indicated that the plan will designate land into 1 of 3 categories:

Wide range resources uses - little conflict

Greater competing values - higher level of protection

Protected parks and places

Mr. Banks indicated that the Integrated Management Team will be going to the public in the early fall for input on developing the plan. Any areas of concern can be brought forward during this fall process and Mr. Banks indicated that faxed, written, e-mailed or any other form of submission will be accepted.

Discussion took place. It was indicated that Stora holds a lease on 95+% of crown lands in Victoria County. Mr. Hanam indicated that lands can be removed from the lease at any time either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Page 3, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

In conclusion, Mr. Banks indicated that he hoped that the public will come to the public meetings with their opinions when the fall process begins and he hoped the Management Team will be prepared to listen to the concerns. He thanked Council for the time allotted and Warden MacInnes extended a vote of thanks to the gentlemen for the information given.

BREAK

The Warden announced Council would take a five minute break.

FIRE OFFICERS

Courtesy of Council was extended to Keith Bain and Charlie Cook, representatives of the Victoria County Chief Officers Association.

Mr. Bain advised that the Chief Fire Officers held a meeting in March, 1998, at which time a motion was passed to request the Municipality of the County of Victoria to increase fire department funding by 20% annually for the next 5 years for all departments.

The demands on volunteer fire departments are ever increasing and the fire departments feel justified in asking for this increase.

The status of the Englishtown and Little Narrows Fire auxiliaries was discussed. Mr. Cook indicated that Englishtown was still an auxiliary of the Baddeck Department. Little Narrows is now building a building, however, to date have no equipment and it was felt they were still an auxiliary of the Iona department.

Council was advised that no individual fire departments can come to Council. All requests will be addressed through the Chief Officer Association.

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that the fire department funding request be submitted to budget talks for consideration. Motion carried.

Mr. Bain advised that Kelvin Hussey has resigned and is no longer a member of the Chief Officers Association. Nancy Smith is the new Chair and new representative of this association.

Page 4, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

Discussion took place on the release of ½ of the fire department funding prior to budgets being approved. There is a motion on the books that any department requesting same, be forwarded ½ of their last year's funding. A request was received to release funding for the Big Bras d'Or, North Shore & District and Baddeck Departments.

Mr. Bain thanked Council for their time and requested that they consider this request favorably. Mr. Cook and Mr. Bain left at this time.

April 27, 1998 - Victoria County Municipal Council

The minutes of the April 27, 1998, Council Session were presented for approval.

It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that the April 27, 1998, Council minutes be approved as presented. Motion carried.

Discussion took place on the status of representation on the Coastal Mapping Committee. Councillor Sampson indicated that it is almost 100% certainty that this project will be extended.

It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that Councillor Sampson continue as representative on the Coastal Mapping Committee and receive mileage and meals for his attendance at meetings. Motion carried.

In Camera

It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Deputy Warden Toms, that the meeting move In Camera. Motion carried.

Council returned to regular session.

MINUTES

It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that Brian Trask, and the Committee comprised of Bruce Morrison, David Donovan and Lawrence Barron, meet with Tom Wilson to draft a new job

Page 5, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

description for his position and bring these recommendations to Council. Motion carried.

Committee of the Whole - May 19, 1998

It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that the May 19, 1998, Committee of the Whole meeting be approved as presented. Motion carried.

Committee of the Whole - May 11, 1998

It was moved by Councillor MacLellan, seconded by Councillor Barron, that the May 11, 1998, Committee of the Whole minutes be approved. Motion carried.

The repairs to the wiring at the Neil's Harbour Enviro-Depot have not been completed.

At a previous meeting, Councillor Donovan requested that Council be held in his district. It was decided that the date for this meeting will be July 6, 1998, at the Neil's Harbour Parish Hall, Neil's Harbour, at 4:00 p.m.

The Councillors in the northern area are to advertise this meeting in the local church bulletins and Julie Collins, Cape Breton Post, will be contacted to advertise same in her column.

An appropriate recognition for Community Services Workers who left municipal employ to become provincial employees effective April 1, 1998, was discussed. A Council/Staff Lobster Party will be held on June 20, 1998, and appropriate gifts will be presented at that time.

Discussion took place on an EMO officer and plan for Victoria County.

It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that Councillors Donovan, Sampson and Barron meet with Emerson Kaiser and John Berk to discuss an emergency measures plan for Victoria County. Motion carried.

The Solicitor is now working on the turnover of the Shore Road Water Line extension to the Village.

It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that the May 25, 1998, Committee of the Whole minutes be approved as presented. Motion carried.

BREAK

Warden MacInnes advised that Council would recess for 10 minutes.

IN CAMERA

An update on CUPE Union negotiations was to be given and Bruce Morrison declared a conflict of interest as his wife is a municipal employee and left the meeting at this time.

It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Sampson, the meeting move In Camera. Motion carried.

Council then returned to regular session and Councillor Morrison re-entered the meeting.

HOME CARE

It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that it be recommended that a Home Support Services Committee be established and the Home Care Agency Director be given the authority to hire and discipline employees, as per County policy and/or past practice. Motion carried.

It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Deputy Warden Toms, that Councillor Yetman, Councillor Sampson and Councillor Barron be the representatives on the Home Support Services Committee. Motion carried.

EXCUSED

Councillor MacLellan was excused at this time.

Letter from Economic Development and Tourism advising that Victoria County's application for funding under the Nova Scotia Employment Program for Students 1998 Summer has not been approved for funding.

Page 7, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Barron, that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, with a copy to Kennie MacAskill, MLA and Bill Fraser, Job Developer, expressing Council's disappointed in not receiving funding for student grant positions. Motion carried.

Copy of a letter from the County of Antigonish re UNSM/Education Minister Agreement regarding "freeze" on municipal contributions and further 10% contribution by municipal units.

Brian Trask advised that notification was received today that Victoria County's education costs will increase by $157,000. Discussion took place.

It was moved by Deputy Warden Toms, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that Paul MacLellan and Doug Peach, Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board be requested to appear before Council. Motion carried.

Correspondence from Child Care Connection Nova Scotia advising that Child Care Awareness Days will be observed from August 23, 1998 to September 10, 1998. They are requesting Victoria County proclaim same.

It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Deputy Warden Toms, that August 23-September 10, 1998, be proclaimed Child Care Awareness Days in Victoria County. Motion carried.

Correspondence regarding the CBRM/Victoria County/Hunt boundary issue.

Councillor Sampson requested a copy of this correspondence.

Letter form the Cabot Trail Relay Association expressing appreciation for the County's support.

Letter from Inky Mark, MP, advising that on May 7, 1998, the official opposition released a draft of the New Canada Act which includes a section specific to municipal governments.

Letter from Sgt. Hoss MacKenzie, Baddeck Detachment, RCMP, extending an invitation to Council Members and their families to attend dockside at the Government Wharf, Baddeck, for an onboard tour of the RCMP Patrol Vessel "Simmonds" on June 26, 1998.

Page 8, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

Letter from the Neil's Harbour/New Haven Volunteer Fire Department requesting a $4,500 capital grant towards their lighthouse restoration project.

This matter is to be referred to budget talks.

District #7

Councillor Donovan advised that the Neil's Harbour/New Haven waterline is to be commissioned on June 30, 1998. There is still no worker in place and it is imperative this person be put in place as soon as possible. There are three applications on file for this position.

Councillor Donovan, Councillor Morrison and Councillor Sampson will interview the three individuals on June 16, 1998, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

The DNR/County land exchange is nearing completion and there is a great deal of interest for local residents to purchase lots. Councillor Donovan indicated that the surveying of lots should commence.

Expressions of interest are to be requested from the following Victoria County surveyors.

Jim Gunn

Athol Grant

Paul Harvey

Lester Tingley

Councillor Donovan expressed concern that Victoria Co-op Fisheries is still owed approximately $1,000 in Compass funding from a 1996 program. Bill Fraser, Job Developer, has been contacted on this matter on several occasions.

It was moved by Deputy Warden Toms, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that Brian Trask, CAO, meet with Bill Fraser to investigate and rectify this outstanding issue. Motion carried.

District #5

It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that the October 19, 1998, session of Victoria County Municipal Council be held in Boularderie. Motion carried.

Page 9, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

Councillor Sampson advised that Constable Al Toner, North Sydney RCMP, has developed tongue cancer and will be entering hospital tomorrow for surgery. Constable Toner has been very active in community policing in the Boularderie area.

It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that a letter be forwarded to Constable Al Toner, North Sydney Detachment of the RCMP, wishing him well and advising that we look forward to seeing him back on the job in the near future. Motion carried.

District #3

Councillor Morrison requested that a letter be forwarded to the Department of Transportation questioning on the status of the traffic study for a safety light at Bethune's Corner, Baddeck.

Councillor Morrison presented a request for $1,000 to provide a reception in conjunction with the Peter Gzowski Golf Tournament for Literacy to be held at Bell Bay Golf Course on June 15, 1998.

It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that this matter be referred to budget talks. Motion carried.

Councillor Morrison presented a copy of a letter received from Paul Burt, Building Inspector, regarding his position. The original of this letter was forwarded to John Bain, RCB District Planning Commission. This issue is to be held in abeyance until the Monday, June 15, 1998, Committee of the Whole meeting as a Planning Commission Board meeting will be held on Thursday, June 11, 1998.

District #1

Councillor Yetman advised that he met with Jamie Ross regarding the Crawford's easement request and advised of his findings. Councillor Yetman is to bring the plan to the next meeting to review same.

Councillor Yetman advised that he had the opportunity to speak with Premier MacLellan regarding ferry fees and the paving of the Southside Road and he is awaiting a reply on both issues.

Page 10, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, June 8, 1998

It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Sampson, to approve a borrowing resolution in the amount of $1,800,000.00. Motion carried.

CRESCENT GROVE WATER LINE

A letter was received from Richard Morykot, P. Eng., ADI Limited, regarding the Crescent Grove Water line project he understands it to be. He requested that if the County concurs, they sign a copy of this letter and return to ADI Limited.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that Bruce Fitzner and Charles MacDonald, Department of Transportation and Public Works, be requested to appear before Council to outline the department's priorities for Victoria County. Motion carried.

The gentlemen are to be provided with dates of the next few regular meetings to determine when they will be available to appear.

ADJOURN

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

John Graham MacInnes, Warden

Brian E. Trask, CAO