A meeting of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at the Court House, Baddeck, on Tuesday, May 23, 2000, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

 Present were:

District #1 - Gerald Yetman, Deputy Warden
District #3 - Bruce Morrison
District #4 - John Graham MacInnes, Warden  (Late Arrival)
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/APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 Chairman Yetman called the meeting to order and presented the proposed agenda for approval.

 The following items were added to the agenda.
 Resolutions - UNSM
 CAP  Sites
 Deputy Warden’s Report
 Transportation
 Cabot Trail Relay
 Cape Breton-Victoria District School Board Hearing

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

DANGEROUS AND UNSIGHTLY PREMISES

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Paul Burt, Building Inspector, who was in attendance regarding a dangerous and unsightly premises owned by Duncan Beaton, located at Baddeck, Victoria County.

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 Councillor Morrison indicated that he wished to be excused as Mr. Beaton was his neighbour.

 Mr. Burt indicated that Mr. Beaton was given the time of 5:15 p.m. to appear, and as it was not as yet this time, and Mr. Beaton was not in attendance, he wished to wait until this time to begin.

PAT STINSON, SENIOR ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITEE

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Pat Stinson, Senior Accommodations Committee.

 Mrs Stinson indicated that a group of people in the Margarees have decided to address the problem of inadequate housing for seniors.  The Committee have met with a builder who is interested in constructing a multi-level complex and are seeking support for their endeavour.

 Mrs. Stinson indicated that at a recent meeting in Baddeck, she had an opportunity to network with others and it was realized that there are similar problems in the area of accommodation in Victoria County.  It was felt that by working together, it may be easier to attain the goal of a multi-level complex.

 Mrs. Stinson advised that the builder who is interested in constructing the building is Joe Shannon, who has similar accredited facilities in operation  in various locations in Cape Breton.

 Councillor Barron expressed concern on supporting such a facility outside our County and felt Victoria County residents would not use same.  Discussion took place.

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that this matter lay on the table until further information is obtained.  Motion carried.

 Mrs. Stinson indicated they hope to hear back from Mr. Shannon in the next couple of weeks and will provide the County with further information when it becomes available.

 Mrs. Stinson was extended a vote of thanks and was excused at this time.

DANGEROUS AND UNSIGHTLY PREMISES

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 Courtesy of Council was extended to Paul Burt, Building Inspector, regarding a dangerous and unsightly premises matter.   Mr. Burt indicated that Duncan Beaton, the owner of the property in question, was also in attendance at this time.

 Mr. Burt indicated that this situation has been an ongoing issue and as a result of several complaints to his office, he has acted on same and is recommending that an order be issued to Duncan Beaton indicating that his property situate at Baddeck, is dangerous and unsightly within the meaning of the Municipal Government Act, Chapter 18 of the Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1998, Section XV.  The order will request that he remedy this situation within 30 days.  Failure to do so will result in the Municipality undertaking to have this situation remedied and relaying the charges for the clean up to Mr. Beaton.

 Mr. Beaton indicated that as of this evening all the derelict vehicles on the property are gone.  The bulldozer remains, but will be removed when repairs are complete.

 Mr. Burt agreed that a significant clean up has taken place, however, by issuing the order it will ensure that this matter comes to a conclusion.  Further discussion took place.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the Municipality issue an order to Duncan Beaton indicating that his property situate at Baddeck, Victoria County, is dangerous and unsightly within the meaning of the Municipal Government Act, Chapter 18 of the Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1998, Section XV,  and ordering that he remedy this situation within 30 days.  Motion carried.

STRAIT-HIGHLANDS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Phil MacDonald, Executive Director, and Catherine Ann Fuller, Development Officer - Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency.

 Mr. MacDonald introduced Joyce Rankin who has recently been hired by the SHRDA as a Communications Person.  Ms. Rankin is available to assist the municipality with any type of communications matter.

 Councillor Sampson, on behalf of Council, congratulated Catherine Ann Fuller on receiving the Governor General’s Medal, at the recent UCCB graduation

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ceremonies, for achieving the highest standing in the Masters of Business Administration in Community Economic Development.

 Mrs. Fuller presented the RDA report to Council (copy attached).  Discussion took place on the report.  Phil MacDonald indicated that the RDA are seeking clear direction and input from Council as to how Council would like things done.

 After further discussion, the representatives from the SHRDA were extended a vote of thanks.

BREAK

 Deputy Warden Yetman advised that Council would break for 10 minutes.

 IN CAMERA

 Council moved In Camera to deal with a confidential matter.

 Council returned to regular session.

REPORT OF OFFICERS/COMMITTEES

Homecare

 Councillor Sampson advised that the Victoria County Homemakers Agency are looking for additional office space in the Court House building.

 Councillor Morrison declared conflict and left at this time.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that this matter be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer.  Motion carried.

 Councillor Morrison returned to the meeting.

Elementary Schools - North of Smokey

 The deeds are being prepared for the four schools North of Smokey and the Committee met to review submissions and recommend to Council on who will obtain these buildings.

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 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that the Ingonish Beach School be turned over to Seamount Developments; the Neil’s Harbour School be turned over to the Neil’s Harbour/New Haven Development Association; and Alex Dunphy be awarded a contract to demolish, salvage, remove all debris and restore the property to a safe condition at the site of the Dingwall School.  Motion carried.

 Councillor MacLellan will check on the interest for the Highland Consolidated School, Bay St. Lawrence.

Environmental/Solid Waste

 A Environmental/Solid Waste Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2000, at 5:00 p.m. at the Cabot Fire Hall, Cape North.

Privatization

 The Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission possible privatization was discussed.  Deputy Warden Yetman presented a resolution on this issue for submission to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities for their annual conference in September.(copy attached)

 At this time, courtesy of Council was extended to Lincoln MacLeod, an employee of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission at Baddeck.  Mr.MacLeod was in attendance representing Union 470D to raise opposition against the proposed privatization of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission. Mr. MacLeod indicated that their are 8 good paying jobs at the Baddeck store and 7 at the Ingonish store.  The employees of these outlets are promoting opposition to the proposed privatization by distributing handouts and circulating petitions in their communities.

It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Barron, that this resolution be adopted and forwarded to the UNSM and a copy of the resolution and letter of support opposing privatization be forwarded to the Honourable Rodney MacDonald, Minister Responsible for the nova Scotia Liquor Commission, and to the Office of the Premier.  Motion carried.

 Councillor Morrison will ensure that Lincoln MacLeod receives a copy of this letter.

Infrastructure Resolution
 

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 Deputy Warden Yetman presented a resolution concerning cost-sharing for the Infrastructure Program (copy attached).

 It was moved by Warden MacInnes, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that this resolution be adopted and forwarded to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.   Motion carried.

Non-resident Land Ownership

 It was moved by Warden MacInnes, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that a letter be forwarded to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities questioning on the considerations and providing us with direction on implementing a higher level of taxation on non-resident land owners.  Motion carried.

DISTRICT CONCERNS

District #6

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Warden MacInnes, that the previously adopted resolution regarding the elimination of Court Sittings in Ingonish be forwarded to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. Motion carried.

 Deputy Warden Yetman indicated that a hearing on the boundaries of and member representation on the Cape Breton-Victoria District School Board will be held on Friday, May 26, 2000, and as today was the deadline for submissions, the County sent in opposition concerning the number of members.  The proposal is for one member for Victoria County and it was felt that we should have 2 members on this Board.   Council concurred with the opposition forwarded to the Utility and Review Board and if required, representation will be made at the public hearing.

District #7

 Councillor Donovan questioned on the date for the June Council meeting in Neil’s Harbour.  It was decided that Committee of the Whole be held on June 12, 2000, at 5:00 p.m. at the Court House and Council be held on June 19, 2000, at 6:00 p.m. in Neil’s Harbour.

District #5
 

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 Councillor Sampson questioned on the possibility of having online Council Sessions at some point in the future.  At present the infrastructure is not in place to allow for same.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Warden MacInnes, that contact be made with MTT and Eastlink Cable indicating Council’s interest in having Council meetings online in rural areas of the County.  Motion carried.

District #5

 Discussion took place on the RCMP’s IWAN system and the fact that it does not cover Victoria County.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that Deputy Warden Yetman and Councillor Sampson formulate a resolution expressing concern that the IWAN system does not provide coverage in Victoria County and it be forwarded to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that $200 be approved for the Cape Breton Bible Camp from the District #5 budget.  Motion carried.

District #3

 Councillor Morrison indicated that as the County is a major sponsor of the Cabot Trail Relay, each Council Member is invited to attend the banquet on Sunday and will receive a long sleeve tee-shirt.

District #1

 Deputy Warden Yetman presented Council with a report on meetings he attended representing the Warden:
 Dinner in honour of Gordon MacAulay
 Mayors and Wardens Meeting in Sydney
 Grand Narrows & District Board of Trade annual meeting

District #4

 Warden MacInnes indicated that as Victoria County is now in the process of adopting a strategic plan, he wondered whether the one year notice of
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withdrawal should be provided to the RDA.  This would serve as protection for the Municipality should they wish to withdraw and proceed on their own.

 It was moved by Warden MacInnes, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that the Municipality serve notice on the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency of their intention to withdraw from the RDA.  Motion carried.

PROPOSED MUSSEL FARM

 All Councillors received a letter from Skip Clifford regarding the proposed mussel farm.  The County Administration Office did not receive a copy of this letter.

 Warden MacInnes indicated that he was very impressed with the visit to the Dockendorf’s mussel operation in Morell, PEI.

ADJOURN

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

      John G. MacInnes, Warden
 
 

      Brian E. Trask, CAO