The Annual Session of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at the Court House, Baddeck, on Monday, August 28, 2000, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Warden John Graham MacInnes in the Chair.

 Present were:

District #1 – Gerald Yetman, Deputy Warden
District #2 – Shane Toms
District #3 – Bruce Morrison
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 Annual Meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.

AGENDA

 The agenda was presented for approval.   Councillor Sampson indicated that he would like to add the following to the agenda:
? Report on Highlands Coastal Mapping
? Report on the meeting with the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
? Report on the CED Committee

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

FINANCIAL REPORT

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Dave Roach, C.A., and John Anderson, C.A., Roach Perry Anderson Chartered Accountants.

Page 2, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

 Mr. Roach presented the financial statements for the Municipality of the County of Victoria for the year ended March 31, 2000.  He reported that the Municipality ended the year with an accumulated surplus of $12,515.00, based on total revenues of $5,758,180.00 and total expenditures of $5,745,665.00.  Included in the total expenses is the accumulated deficit of $194,347.00 carried forward from the previous year.  This means that the County experienced a surplus from current year’s operations of $206,862.00 which resulted in the elimination of the accumulated deficit of the Municipality during the past year.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Deputy Warden Yetman, that congratulations be extended to Administration, Staff, and Council, under the guidance of Roach Perry Anderson, on a job well done.  Motion carried.

 It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Barron, that the external auditors report and financial statements be accepted as presented.  Motion carried.

A general discussion took place and the gentlemen answered questions and concerns addressed by Council.

A letter of recommendation for 2000/2001 was read by John Anderson.  The recommendations were as follows:

1. Encourage the Municipality to continue to operate in a fiscally responsible manner.

2. Continue aggressive collection policies for tax collection, including a detailed review of the rate roll to identify problem accounts and regular tax sales.

3. Recommend the accounting staff and tax office staff communicate on a more regular basis to ensure that all necessary adjustments are made on a timely basis and to ensure that all bank accounts and the taxes receivable sub-ledger are reconciled to the corresponding general ledger accounts on a monthly basis.

It was moved by Deputy Warden Yetman, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that Roach Perry Anderson’s management letter and recommendations be accepted.  Motion carried.
 
 

Page 3, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Barron, that Roach Perry Anderson Chartered Accountants be appointed Municipal Auditor’s for the upcoming year.   Motion carried.

Warden MacInnes extended a vote of thanks to Mr. Roach and Mr. Anderson for their report.

RECESS

 Warden MacInnes announced that Council would recess for 10minutes.

ARLENE MORRISON, ALDERWOOD REST HOME

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Arlene Morrison, Administrator, Alderwood Rest Home.

 Mrs. Morrison has been on the job as Administrator of Alderwood Rest Home for a period of two months and she updated Council on the happenings at Alderwood.

 She indicated that Alderwood, like several other homes in the province, requires major renovations.  There has been a shift in resident care from light care to heavy care in recent years and this can be attributed to the fact that seniors are remaining in their own homes with the assistance of such agencies as home care, until they reach the heavy care level.

 Deputy Warden Yetman, Chairman of the Alderwood Management Board, indicated that Alderwood has seen many new things in recent months – a new administrator, new bus and new parking lot.  He indicated that the Board is pleased with the operation of Alderwood.

 Alderwood realized a surplus of $45,000 for the fiscal year 1999-2000, for an accumulated surplus of $223,000.

 Mrs. Morrison explained the single entry system that will take effect in Cape Breton on October 1, 2000.  This is a pilot project introduced by the province for Cape Breton and Antigonish.  You will contact a 1-800 number for application for admission to a home and from there an assessment and placement will take place.

 Discussion took place and Mrs. Morrison answered various questions of Council.
Page 5, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

 Mrs. Morrison was extended a vote of thanks for her report.

 Brian Trask advised that Donna Rideout, Administrator of Highland Manor, was contacted but was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.  She will be invited to attend a future meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS

UNSM

 Brian Trask advised that the UNSM Resolution Package is available for Council Members to review prior to the UNSM Conference.

 Information is also available for review on Municipal Charters.

FINE OPTION PROGRAM

 Changes are being made in the administration of the Fine Option Program and Dave Bungay, Department of Justice, is to be invited to a future meeting of Council to explain the changes.

KEARNS DISINTEGRATION SYSTEM

 John Kearns wishes to appear before Council regarding his waste management proposal.  He is requesting 45 minutes on a future agenda.  Robert Dauphinee, Regional Waste Coordinator, and a representative from the  Department of Environment are to be advised of Mr. Kearns presentation to Council so they may attend.

NORTH ATLANTIC ISLANDS PROGRAM

 The North Atlantic Islands Program Conference, Phase II, will be held at Marble Mountain, Corner Brook, Newfoundland, from September 24-27, 2000.  Deputy Warden Yetman attended the first conference at UCCB last year and felt it would beneficial  for someone to attend.

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that Deputy Warden Yetman attend the North Atlantic Islands Program Conference in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.  Motion carried.

 Councillor Sampson presented information on an upcoming workshop through the Atlantic CED Institute to be held in Tatamagouche from September 14-15, 2000.
Page 5, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

CANADIAN WASTE SOLUTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 At the last Environmental/Solid Waste Committee a recommendation was made to send two representatives to the upcoming conference – Canadian Waste Solutions and Opportunities - co-sponsored by the Nova Scotia Environmental Industry Association and the Canadian Environmental Association.

 It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that David Donovan and Jim MacLean attend this conference.  Motion carried.

WHITE POINT LOTS

 Brian Trask reported on a meeting held with NSPI representatives and landowners of the White Point Lots.  A proposal was suggested at that time whereby the landowners would pay $1,000 each and the Municipality would guarantee the remaining $14,752, and the rebate received from NSPI as the customers connect be forwarded to the Municipality until the loan is paid in full.  Mr. Trask anticipated full recovery within a 1 to 2 year period.

 It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that the proposal for the White Point Lots be accepted and a letter be provided from the Municipality to NSPI guaranteeing $14,752.00.   Motion carried.

HIGHLAND COASTAL MAPPING

 Councillor Sampson reported on a recent meeting of the Highlands Coastal Mapping.  They are requesting the Municipality to provide $2,000 to upgrade their computer.  The Municipality of Inverness has provided $2,000.  Councillor Morrison indicated that he attended this meeting also and after seeing the product would recommend support for this request.

 It was  moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that $2,000 be provided to Highlands Coastal Mapping for their new computer.  Motion carried.

VILLAGE OF BADDECK

 Courtesy of Council was extended to Eddie Keeling, Chairman, and Lisa MacKinnon, Clerk, Village of Baddeck.
 

Page 6, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

 Mr. Keeling advised Council on some of the projects undertaken by the Village during the past year.

 Mr. Keeling indicated that the Village would like to see a four-way stop at the Jones St./Chebucto St. Area.  He requested Council to forward a letter of support for this request to the Department of Transportation.

 Mr. Keeling also advised that at their annual meeting, a motion was passed to work with the Municipality to have the Village assume ownership of the sewer system.

 Warden MacInnes extended congratulations to Lisa MacKinnon who was hired as the Clerk of the Village, replacing Arlene Morrison.

 Discussion took place on the Baddeck Wharf and the long term plans regarding same.

 Councillor Morrison indicated that he, along with Eddie Keeling and John Bain, met with the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, on Tuesday past concerning the sewer system and the Minister indicated that he would re-visit the request for financial assistance.

 Eddie Keeling indicated that it was a pleasure for the Village to work with Council and he wished all Councillors re-offering in the upcoming election the best of luck.

 It was moved by Warden MacInnes, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that Chairman Keeling and the Village Commissioners and staff be commended to their excellent work.  Motion carried.

 Deputy Warden Yetman felt it would be beneficial to hold regular quarterly meetings with the Village to keep an open line of commuication between the two bodies.

 Mr. Keeling and Ms. MacKinnon were extended a vote of thanks and excused at this time.

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Deputy Warden Yetman, that a letter be forwarded to Selma Rudderham, ECC, requesting that the FRAM coverage area for financing be expanded to include all of the Municipality of the County of Victoria.  Motion carried.
Page 7, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

 This letter is to be forwarded prior to August 30, 2000.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Toms, that the two County representatives on the SHRDA Board be Brian Fitzgerald (business representative) and Gary Collins (community representative).  Motion carried.

DISTRICT #4

 Warden MacInnes indicated he was contacted by Martin Fitzgerald  concerning the waste collection contract.  He is to advise Mr. Fitzgerald to contact Brian Trask for clarification on this matter.

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that $100 be approved for the Baddeck Navy League and $500 for the Heritage Memorial at North River from the District #4 budget.  Motion carried.

 Warden MacInnes requested Deputy Warden Sampson to assume the Chair as he had to attend a meeting in Whycocomagh.

DISTRICT #5

 Councillor Sampson provided Council with a contact number for Joanna LaTulippe-Rochon, Coordinator of Growing Together for Northside-Victoria.  Her number is 562-5616 and this program is a pilot project for children ages 0 to 6.  Upwards of 6 people will be employed under this program and it may be a chance to employ residents of Victoria County for 6 months to 1 year.

 Councillor Sampson requested that streetlighting be again reconsidered as he is receiving several requests for same.

 Councillor Sampson requested Councillors Toms and Morrison to provide $100 from each of their district budgets for the recent roadside cleanup conducted by two students from Councillor Sampson’s district.

 Councillor Sampson requested the CAO to draw up a chart of the budget categories and expenditures for the October 2, 2000, meeting in Boularderie.

DISTRICT #2
 
 

Page 8, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

 Councillor Toms indicated that he was contacted by a resident concerning work at the landfill and that one contractor seems to get the majority of the work done at the site.

 Brian Trask will check on this matter with the Landfill Operator.

 Councillor Toms presented road name changes requested by residents of his area.  This request will be forwarded to the Department of Transportation and the Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission.

 Councillor Toms brought a concern from a business owner concerning the composting site at the landfill.  Brian Trask will contact Jim MacLean to look at purchasing bio-degradable bags which can be purchased for use in the compost site.

 It was moved by Councillor Toms, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that $100 be approved for the District #5 Action Committee from the District #2 budget.   Motion carried.

DISTRICT #3

 Councillor Morrison indicated that the government have put a hold on their plans to privatize the Department of Transportation operation in Baddeck.  The Department of Transportation Depot’s operation in Baddeck will remain as it is at present.

It was moved by Councillor Toms, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that $100 be approved for the District #5 Action Committee from the District #3 budget.   Motion carried.

 Charlie MacDonald and Bruce Fitzner are to be contacted again concerning an informal meeting with Council.

DISTRICT #6

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that an application be made to the FCM through their Green Fund for an engineering and feasibility study for Ingonish Water and a Committee be established comprising of Councillors Barron, Donovan and Brian Trask to investigate this matter.  Motion carried.
 
 

Page 9, VICTORIA COUNTY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, August 28, 2000
 

 It was moved by Councillor Barron, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that a letter be forwarded to the Department of Transportation requesting they carry out asphalt patching in the Ingonish Beach area.  Motion carried.

DISTRICT #8

 It was moved by Councillor MacLellan, seconded by Councillor Morrison,  that $1,500 be approved for the Bay St. Lawrence Volunteer Fire Department from the District #8 budget.  Motion carried.

DISTRICT #1

 It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that $200 be approved for the Iona Swim Program and $200 for Wagmatcook from the District #1 budget.  Motion carried.

THANK YOU

 A note of thanks is to be forwarded to the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, for meeting with Council and listening to our concerns.

ADJOURN

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

      B.E. Trask, CAO
 

      John G. MacInnes, Warden