A meeting of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at the Court House, Baddeck, on Monday, January 31, 2000, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Present were:
District #1 - Gerald Yetman, Deputy Warden
District #2 - Shane Toms
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.
AGENDA
The agenda was presented for approval. Councillor Sampson indicated that he wished to give a brief verbal report on District Planning and the transporting of dangerous goods. Deputy Warden Yetman also indicated he wished to provide a report on meetings he has attended lately.
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that the agenda be approved with the noted additions. Motion carried.
SGT. MACKENZIE, BADDECK DETACHMENT - RCMP
Courtesy of Council was extended to Sgt. Hoss MacKenzie, Baddeck Detachment, RCMP.
Sgt. MacKenzie presented each Council Member with a copy of the
publication “On Parade”.
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Sgt. MacKenzie explained how the recent decision of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to go with the Cape Breton Regional Police Force would effect Victoria County. Victoria County will benefit from this change as 5, possibly 6, additional members will work out of the Baddeck Detachment to carry out highway patrol duties.
Sgt. MacKenzie indicated that the signing agreements have not be put forward to the province as yet and nothing is etched in stone at this point. There are a number of options being considered.
The RCMP have one year to vacate the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, however, it is anticipated this will happen faster. There are 90 positions that will have to be relocated, etc.
Sgt. MacKenzie suggested that at this point it is just a matter of waiting to see what happens.
Councillor Sampson brought up the matter of having a resident member locate in the Boularderie area and also the possibility of a community office. Sgt. MacKenzie indicated that he submitted a request to have the community office trailer located in CBRM, relocated to the Boularderie area.
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that Sgt. MacKenzie’s report be received as progress and he be advised that any assistance the County can provide with the impending changes, we will be happy to do so when contacted. Motion carried.
Sgt. MacKenzie indicated that he will again be attending Council Sessions on a regular basis to provide a brief report.
Sgt. MacKenzie was extended a vote of thanks and excused at this time.
RECESS
Warden MacInnes announced that Council would recess for 10 minutes.
CATHERINE ANN FULLER
Courtesy of Council was extended to Catherine Ann Fuller, Community
Development Officer, Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency.
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Mrs. Fuller advised that she was contacted by Alice Almon, HRDC, today regarding the location of a HRDC Job Kiosk in Baddeck. She is requesting that the Municipality serve as the host and provide the space for the Job Kiosk in the Court House. If the County agrees to act as host, the machine will be ordered and should be installed within 2 to 3 weeks.
It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that the Clerk and Warden be authorized to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the HRDC to act as hosts for an HRDC Job Kiosk to be located in the Court House at a location and with the approval of the Building Inspector. Motion carried.
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Toms, that a letter of condolence be forwarded to the Family of the Late Staff Sgt. Dale King and a donation be made in his memory to the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia in the amount of $100. Motion carried.
PROPOSED MEETING SCHEDULE
Brian Trask presented the proposed meeting schedule for the month of February, 2000. Committee of the Whole will be held on February 7, 2000 and Council on February 21, 2000.
RCMP
It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that a letter be forwarded to A/Comm. Dwight Bishop, C.O. “H” Division, RCMP, requesting an RCMP presence in Boularderie by locating a resident officer and a community office in the area. Motion carried.
A copy of this letter is to be forwarded to Inspector Darrell LaFosse and Sgt. Hoss MacKenzie.
MINUTES
The following minutes were presented for approval.
Victoria County Municipal Council - November 22, 1999
Committee of the Whole - December 6, 1999
Committee of the Whole - January 10, 2000
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Corporate Services Committee - January 12, 2000
Environmental/Solid Waste Committee - January 18, 2000
Environmental/Solid Waste Committee - January 28, 2000
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that the minutes be adopted as circulated. Motion carried.
With the approval of the minutes, the following motions were approved:
? To approve the auditor’s recommendation for the interim rate structure for the Neil’s Harbour/New Haven Water Utility, effective April 1, 2000, at an annual cost of $461.00 per household.
? The operating grants from the County for the Neil’s Harbour/New Haven Water Utility, Dingwall Water Utility and Little Narrows Water Utility be $17,000 annually
? To transfer back to Mr. Alan J. MacKinnon, the land which he donated for the construction of Highland Consolidated School, Bay St. Lawrence. All legal and survey costs will be borne by Mr. MacKinnon.
? The Victoria County Emergency Measures Plan be approved.
? That we proceed with the monitoring program at the Baddeck Landfill as proposed by ADI Ltd.
IN CAMERA
The Warden announced Council would move In Camera to deal with the minutes of the Corporate Services Committee of January 31, 2000.
Council then returned to the regular meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Letter from the Honourable Ronald Russell, Minister of the
Environment, advising that his department is unable to recommend funding
for the Baddeck Sewer Treatment Plant Study, however, are offering technical
advice from department staff.
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2. Letter from the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, regarding amendments to the Municipal Elections Act to permit the use of provincial voters lists.
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Toms, that an enumeration be carried out for the 2000 Municipal Election. Motion carried.
Discussion took place on a Returning Officer for the upcoming election. It was felt this position should be advertised.
4. Correspondence was received from the Utility and Review Board regarding the County’s application regarding municipal boundaries and polling districts. They have set February 28, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. as the date for a hearing on this matter.
5. Letter from FCM regarding resolutions for consideration by the FCM National Board of Directors or the FCM Annual Conference in June, 2000.
Discussion took place on the June, 2000, FCM Conference to be held in London, Ontario. Whether representation would be sent to this conference was discussed.
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that this matter lay on the table until more information is received, and it be dealt with at a later date. Motion carried.
6. Letter from Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate, acknowledging Council’s letter concerning the Cape Breton Development Corporation.
7. Letter from Joyce MacDougall, Manager, Business and Consumer Services, regarding Council’s request for transaction services in Northern Victoria County. There are no plans to increase the number of transaction offices currently available.
8. Letter from J. Duthie, Office of the Prime Minister, in response to Council’s letter of October 26, 1999, regarding the Cape Breton Development Corporation.
9. Letter acknowledging Council’s support for legislation to tax
non-resident property owners was received from the following:
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? Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
? Premier John Hamm’s Office
10. Correspondence from Duart MacAulay, President - UNSM, regarding a rural officials meeting to be held at the UNSM Spring Workshop and enclosing a copy of a letter to the Minister of Environment addressing the concerns of the municipalities regarding the release of the survey of testing results re THM in water supplies.
11. Letter from Ronald Russell, Minister of the Environment, regarding the proposed Water Resource Management Strategy for Nova Scotia.
12. Correspondence form the UNSM regarding the proposed Water Resource Management Strategy for Nova Scotia and the administrative fees that will be applied to all users.
Brian Trask advised how these administrative fees would apply to Victoria County. Each water utility would be subject to the administration fees.
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that a letter be forwarded to the UNSM indicating Victoria County’s opposition to the administrative fees included in the Water Resource Management Strategy for Nova Scotia. Motion carried.
13. Letter from Alderwood Rest Home requesting a letter of support from the Municipality for their efforts to obtain a new bus for residents.
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that a letter of support be provided to Alderwood Rest Home. Motion carried.
14. Letter from BABTA requesting daily access to the Baddeck Landfill between May 1 and October 31.
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Toms, that this matter be referred to the Environmental/Solid Waste Committee. Motion carried.
15. Request to proclaim February 13-19, 2000, as Family Violence Prevention Week in Victoria County.
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It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Deputy Warden Yetman, that February 13-19, 2000 be proclaimed “Family Violence Prevention Week” in Victoria County. Motion carried.
16. Brian Trask indicated that he was contacted by Keith Bain, School Board member, and advised that he, Dr. Hayes MacNeil and Liz MacPhee, School Board Chair, would like to meet with Council.
This meeting will be arranged for our next council session.
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the correspondence be received and placed on file. Motion carried.
PLANNING
Councillor Sampson provided Council with an update on the information addressed at the last Board meeting of the Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission.
UPDATES - DEPUTY WARDEN YETMAN
Deputy Warden Yetman reported on following meetings he attended:
? Minister of Economic Development
? North Atlantic Islands Program at UCCB
? Community Economic Development Meetings
? School Board Boundary Panel Hearing
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that these reports be received as progress. Motion carried.
OPEN PERIOD/DISTRICT CONCERNS
District #1
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Barron, that a letter be forwarded to NSPI requesting that the look at the facilities at their substation at Little Narrows and the lines going into the Little Narrows Gypsum Plant. Motion carried.
It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Morrison,
that a request be made to the Department of Transportation to
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meet with representatives from Little Narrows Gypsum to discuss the Main Road and the Cain’s Mountain Road. Motion carried.
District #2
It was moved by Councillor Toms, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that a letter be forwarded to the Department of Transportation requesting the guardrail be installed on a section of the Big Farm Road. Motion carried.
District #3
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Toms, that $100 be awarded to the Baddeck 4-H Club from each of the Districts #2, #3 and #4 budgets. Motion carried.
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Deputy Warden Yetman, that the Warden write a letter to the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, concerning the replacement/upgrading of the Baddeck Sewage Treatment Plant, including a copy of the document forwarded to the Cape Breton Island Economic Adjustment Fund. Motion carried.
Councillor Morrison reported on a meeting he, Councillor Toms and two representatives from the Village of Baddeck, attended with Minister MacIsaac concerning the Baddeck Sewage issue.
Councillor Morrison requested the Warden include a reference to the $7,000,000 in development that is being held up as a result of the sewage situation, as well as the numerous jobs and taxes which would come as a result of this development.
District #5
Councillor Sampson expressed his displeasure with the action taken with regard to the Council’s resolution concerning the transportation of dangerous goods on our highways.
Councillor Sampson also expressed a concern regarding the dog controller and that nothing was done with regard to a complaint he had filed for a resident of his area.
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It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Deputy Warden Yetman, that $200 be approved for the Grade 6 Class of Boularderie School from the District #5 budget. Motion carried.
Councillor Sampson brought up the request for child care expenses for a couple presently enrolled in a literacy course. Inquiries are to be made with HRDC in this regard, and if not successful, it be referred to Bill Fraser, Department of Community Services.
District #7
Councillor Donovan questioned whether information was received from Steve Wheller regarding the Neil’s Harbour Water Plant. Brian Trask advised that he had received an e-mail today, however, did not review same as yet.
Councillor Donovan indicated that Rollie Donovan, Garbage Contractor, dropped off a load of cardboard at the Enviro-Depot last week during dinner hour when the depot was closed. The cardboard was ruined as it was a rainy day and he has been unsuccessful in contacting Rollie Donovan to address this matter.
It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that a letter be forwarded to Donald MacDonald, Small Crafts and Harbours, that any support, other than financial, that the County can provide regarding Neil’s Harbour and Kings Point Wharves, will be provided by the County if requested. Motion carried.
It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that the parties responsible for the Victoria County section in the 2000 Doers and Dreamers Guide be congratulated for a job well done. Motion carried.
The Neil’s Harbour Development Association are presently working on a project to develop a walking trail from Neil’s Harbour to White Point. This project has a total budget of $208,000. There is a property owned by the county which the association may request access over. At this point, Councillor Donovan requested a letter of support in principle for this project.
It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor MacLellan,
that a letter of support in principle be provided to the Neil’s Harbour
Development Association. Motion carried.
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It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor Barron, that the Neil’s Harbour Development Association’s request for financial assistance in the amount of $10,000 for 2000/2001 be referred to budget considerations. Motion carried.
District #6
Councillor Barron presented a letter from Jill Humphries concerning a twinning program between Ingonish and Kingussey, Scotland. The Ingonish group is presently undertaking measures to form a legal society, Ingonish Twinning Society, and are requesting a letter of support from the County.
It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that the County provide Jill Humphries with a letter of support for the formation of the society, Ingonish Twinning Society. Motion carried.
Councillor Barron questioned on whether further testing had been done on the Dingwall Water Utility regarding Trihalomethanes. The results of any testing, following the initial testing, were unknown at this time.
District #8
Councillor MacLellan questioned on the funds resulting from involvement in the Fine Options Program. At present, the Bay St. Lawrence Volunteer Fire Department, are coordinating 7 fine options placements, and he felt that the funds resulting from same should go to the fire department.
Brian Trask will contact the Department of Justice concerning this matter.
District #4
It was moved by Warden MacInnes, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that approval be granted for a change in road name for Private Road #5429(P) to MacInnes Lane and for a portion of the West Tarbot Road to be named the Tarbotvale Road. Motion carried.
ASSESSMENT
Brian Trask advised that he received correspondence from Sandy
McNabb, Coordinator of Client Service, concerning changes in the taxable
status of properties in the County. All exemptions by by-law now
fall under the Municipal Government Act and the legislation governing
such by-laws is found in Section 71
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of the Act. These types of exemptions have been removed from Section 5 of the Assessment Act and will now show as taxable for assessment purposes on the assessment notice. Council retains the authority to continue to exempt these properties from the payment of taxes.
Brian Trask advised how this matter will effect the Municipality and indicated that this is another form of back door downloading by the Province.
GORDON MACIVER, VICTORIA COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD
Warden MacInnes extended the courtesy of Council to Gordon MacIver, Chairman of the Victoria County Community Health Board.
Mr. MacIver extended thanks to Council for allowing him the opportunity to appear. He was in attendance regarding a serious issue that is presently taking place at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil’s Harbour. He presented Council members with an information package on this matter.
Mr. MacIver also presented a document - Future Director of the Health Care System . . . establishing District Health Authorities to Council.
Mr. MacIver indicated that 38% of all health care budgets is for buildings. He feels that at Buchanan Memorial, allowances were not made for increases in power bills, etc. and as a result cuts are being made to services. There is a concern with the cleanliness as there is only 1 janitor to clean the 34,000 sq. ft. This cannot be accomplished by one person and safety and cleanliness will suffer. Also the nursing staff are being cut - now only 1 RN and I LPN on all shifts. The staff are run of their feet already and further decreases are unacceptable.
It is anticipated that come April 1, 2000, there will be further cuts and Mr. MacIver indicated that he and the Community Health Board have grave concerns.
Mr. MacIver indicated that John Higgins, CEO, Eastern Regional Health Board, will be attending a meeting at Buchanan Memorial Hospital tomorrow and he is going to request to appear at this meeting.
Further discussion took place on this matter and Mr. MacIver explained the makeup and distribution of the proposed new District Health Authority.
It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Deputy Warden
Yetman, that a letter be forwarded to John Higgins, CEO, Eastern Regional
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Health Board, with a copy to the Premier and Minister of Health, that all health care cuts cease immediately as they are endangering the safety, health and welfare of the residents of the catchment area north of Smokey. Motion carried.
Mr. MacIver will be provided with this letter to take to tomorrow’s meeting with Mr. Higgins.
Mr. MacIver was extended a vote of thanks and invited back to the next meeting to report further on this serious issue.
A copy of this letter should also be forwarded to the UNSM.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, on motion of Councillor Sampson,
the meeting adjourned.
John G. MacInnes, Warden
Brian E. Trask, CAO