Grand Falls-Windsor Town Council s1

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Grand Falls-Windsor Town Council s1

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MEETING #410

MINUTES OF MEETING

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL

HELD IN THE TOWN HALL

7:00 P.M., TUESDAY, MARCH 19 TH , 2013

PRESENT: Mayor: Allan Hawkins Deputy Mayor: Anne Blackmore Councillors: Jean Buffet-Mercer, Amy Coady-Davis, Darren Finn, Bruce Moores Staff: M. Pinsent, Town Manager\Clerk J. Saunders, Director of Engineering & Works D. Nichols, Director of Parks & Recreation B. Griffin, Director of Finance G. Hennessey, Economic Development Officer

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and asked for any errors or omissions to the Minutes of Meeting #409 of Tuesday, February 26th, 2013. It was noted on page 9 “net income” should be “net profit”.

Motion Coady-Davis\Finn

Be it resolved that the Minutes of Meeting #409 of Tuesday, February 26th, 2013 would be adopted as circulated with the noted change. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.

Motion Moores\Finn

Be it resolved that the Salmon Festival Committee Report be removed from the agenda. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0. 2

BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

None

DISBURSEMENT REPORT

Councillor Finn presented the disbursement report in the amount of $193,181.42.

Motion Finn\Buffet-Mercer

Be it resolved that the disbursement report in the amount of $193,181.42 would be adopted as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.

Councillor Finn also presented the disbursement report in the amount of $204,632.57 for the Exploits Regional Service Board.

Motion Finn\Blackmore

Be it resolved that the disbursement report in the amount of $204,632.57 would be adopted as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Parks, Recreation and Special Events

The following report was presented by Councillor Coady-Davis.

Soccer Clubhouse Capital

The Director informed the Committee that staff have met with the Executive of the Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Soccer Association to finalize the plans for the new Soccer Clubhouse. The Director presented the final plans to the Committee for approval. The Minor Soccer Association Executive approves the plans and they are excited about the new Clubhouse. 3

The Committee recommends that the presented plans be approved and staff meet with Exploits Engineering Consultants Ltd. to proceed with the project.

BMX\Skateboard Park Capital

The Committee discussed the proposed BMX\Skateboard Park Capital Project in detail. The Director presented a customized BMX\Skateboard Park design for Grand Falls-Windsor. The Director and staff have met with representatives from the local BMX\Skateboarders group and the group is very pleased and excited about the presented plans. The group stated that the proposed design addresses all of their needs and they look forward to an excellent BMX\Skateboard facility. The proposed location for the BMX\Skateboard Park will be at the Centennial Field Complex close to the Beach Volleyballs Courts. The group supports that location and indicated that the area was their number one choice of location. The Committee recommends that the proposed BMX\Skateboard Park design and location at the Centennial Park Complex be approved. The Committee also recommends that staff proceed with the Public Tender of this Project.

Splash Pad Capital

The Director presented information and a splash pad design for discussion. In order to implement the proper water conservation recirculation system the cost estimate for the Splash Pad Project will be approximately $301,000. The approved capital amount for the project is $175,000. The Committee recommends that a request for an additional $125,000 to complete this project in full be referred to the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration.

YMCA Pool Capital

The Director informed the Committee that staff have been in contact with Atlantic Design Consultants Inc. A company representative will be in Town within the next few week to begin the design and engineering review of the YMCA Pool. 4

Dog Park Capital

The Committee discussed several proposed locations to establish a new Dog Park. The Committee directed staff to prepare a list of possible locations and an analysis of each location for discussion at the next Committee Meeting.

Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball Association Presentation Discussion

The Committee discussed issues presented at the previous Committee Meeting by the Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball Association. The Association had presented several immediate and long-term requests in several areas. These areas included structure upgrade, field maintenance and care, training facility and Goodyear Avenue proposal. The Committee noted that no capital funding has been allocated for these requests in the 2013 Budget. The Committee directed the Director to perform some minor repairs and plumbing upgrades to the Goodyear Avenue Clubhouse and to continue with regular field maintenance and care. The Committee also recommends that staff meet with Minor Baseball Association representatives to make the necessary operational arrangements for the upcoming season programs and tournaments.

Correspondence – Sple’tk First Nation Inc.

The Committee discussed correspondence received from the Sple’tk First Nation Inc. regarding Louie John Hill. The Committee recommends that this correspondence be referred to the Committee of the Whole.

Correspondence – Atom Hockey Tournament

The Committee discussed correspondence received from a representative of the Provincial Atom Mega Hockey Tournament for a donation towards the Tournaments operation. The Committee recommends that a donation of $100.00 be granted to assist with the Provincial Atom Mega Hockey Tournament. 5

Winterlude 2013 Review

The Committee reviewed the 2013 Winterlude. This year’s activities were well attended. The exceptional weather on Saturday contributed to record attendance at several of the Saturday’s events. The Committee would like to thank all the groups and individuals who participated in the organization and operation of the events. The Committee noted that next year the fireworks will be scheduled after the outdoor rink skating on Monday night to conclude Winterlude activities.

Community Enhancement Employment Program Update

The Director informed the Committee that the Community Enhancement Employment Program at the Scott Avenue Cross Country Ski Trails will conclude on Friday, March 15th, 2013. This Program Grant has helped with trail clearing, ski hut operation and provided assistance to the Cross Country Ski Club.

Exploits Valley Cross Country Ski Club

The Director updated the Committee on the activities of the Exploits Valley Cross Country Ski Club. The Club currently has just under eighty (80) members which is double the number from last season. The Club has held many events including the Winterlude scavenger hunt, moonlight skiing, geocaching and Tuesday night skiing. The Club has twenty-two (22) participants in the Jack Rabbit and Bunny Rabbits Program from ages three (3) to eleven (11) years. The Town has sponsored the registration costs for the participants in both these Children’s Programs. The Committee extends congratulations to the Exploits Valley Cross Country Ski Club on a very successful season.

I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.

Motion Coady-Davis\Moores

Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0. 6

Economic Development and Tourism

The following report was presented by Councillor Buffet-Mercer.

Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Urban Summit – St. John’s March 1-2, 2013

The Mayor, Town Manager\Clerk and Economic Development Officer represented the Town at this Summit hosted by Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Twenty (20) of the largest communities in the Province were represented at this two (2) day conference. The main theme was Regional Economic Development. There were several speakers including our own Mayor Hawkins. Several presenters mentioned Grand Falls-Windsor and acknowledged the fact that we were well prepared and bounced back very quickly from the mill closure in 2009.

Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador Conference – February 21-22, 2013 Report

The Chair of Economic Development and the Economic Development Officer attended this Conference\Trade Show in St. John’s recently. It was hosted by Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador. They attended several presentations on tourism related topics and used the opportunity to network with other communities and tourism and accommodations operators.

Newcomer’s Information Fair

The Town, in partnership with the Department of Advanced Education & Skills, Central Health, Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Exploits Valley Community Coalition and the Women’s International Group is hosting a “Newcomer’s Information Fair” on Monday, March 18th. The purpose of this Fair is to introduce newcomers to our region to various services that will assist them in settling into our communities. Such groups as representatives of day cares, service clubs, sports associations and other groups that are of interest to newcomers are being invited to participate in this event. In addition, traditional food samples from various nationalities will be available as 7 well as traditional music. The intention of this event is to bridge the gap for newcomers and make them feel more at home in our communities.

Lesley Oake School of Dance Funding Request

The Town has received a request from Lesley Oake to help support one of their events in April. Council instructed the Economic Development Officer to ask Ms. Oake to supply a detailed budget of the activity for them to review first.

EXCITE Minutes – February 6 th , 2013

The EXCITE Minutes of the February 6th meeting were presented and reviewed. They were adopted as read.

I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.

Motion Buffet-Mercer

Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.

Public Works and Planning

The following report was presented by Councillor Moores.

57 Grenfell Heights – Home Based Business Application

The Committee reviewed the request for a home based business permit at 57 Grenfell Heights. This is for administration only. The Committee recommends it be approved.

267 Grenfell Heights – Business Plan

The Committee reviewed the correspondence from Mr. Tuck on his proposed farming activities at 267 Grenfell Heights. 8

The Committee recommends that staff meet with Mr. Tuck to discuss his access requirements before any final decision is made.

457 Grenfell Heights – Discretionary Use

The Committee reviewed the request for keeping two (2) horses at 457 Grenfell Heights. This property is for sale and a potential buyer made this application. The Committee reviewed the information provided by our Town Planner (attached) and recommends that this request be denied.

36 Southcott Drive – Discretionary Use, Home Based Business Application

The Committee discussed the request for a preschool at 36 Southcott Drive. A notice was mailed out to adjacent property owners and it was advertised in the local newspaper. The Engineering Department did not receive any objections. The Committee recommends this application be approved.

44 Beaumont Avenue – Home Based Business (Mobile) Administration

The Committee reviewed a request for a mobile carpet and upholstery cleaning business at 44 Beaumont Avenue. The property will be used for administration only. The Committee recommends this application be approved.

Correspondence – Heritage Designation Regulations

In 2004 the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador introduced a Municipal Outreach Program. At the time, the Foundation understood that the Town need only designate a property as a motion of Council under Section 200 (1) of the Municipalities Act. This is not the case and the Town must first make Heritage Regulations under Section 414 (2) (dd) of the Municipalities Act. When these Regulations are complete they have to be adopted and any properties we have designated in the past would have to be included as schedules to the Regulation. The Committee recommends that staff draft appropriate Regulations for review and recommendation by the Committee. 9

Civic Numbering Regulations

The Committee discussed issues raised by our Fire Chief concerning civic numbering. The Committee recommends that staff draft appropriate Regulations for review and recommendation.

Crown Land – Consent to Assignment – Claude Janes, Cabin in Watershed Area

The Committee reviewed the request by Mr. Janes for permission to transfer ownership of his cabin in the watershed area to his uncle. The Committee recommends this transfer be approved but the new owner will have to accept and agree to all conditions that are assigned to having a cabin in this area.

Regional Inspectors Meeting – Minutes, Environment Assessment for Demolition

The Committee reviewed the Minutes for the Inspectors Meeting held last fall. Most issues we have in our community exist elsewhere and are common. Environmental assessments for properties being demolished is becoming more important and has an impact on demolition costs. The Committee recommends that a condition be noted with the permit, informing the applicant that an environmental assessment must be completed and all hazardous waste must be removed and disposed of properly, prior to any demolition work.

Correspondence – Exploits Welding Shop

The Committee discussed the correspondence from Exploits Welding requesting an extension to an offer to purchase land adjacent to their building on Queensway. The Committee recommends the extension be approved. 10

Correspondence – Martin Racine – Affordable Housing

The Committee discussed correspondence from Mr. Racine concerning affordable housing. The Committee recommends that staff meet with Mr. Racine to discuss his proposal.

Correspondence – Jill Oldford, Street Name

The Committee reviewed the request from Ms. Oldford to include her father’s name, Thomas Quilliam, on the list for street names. The Committee recommends this be added to the list for further consideration.

Land Request – Rear of Medical Clinic, Pinsent Drive

The Committee reviewed a request for back land for the Medical Clinic on Pinsent Drive. The Committee recommends this be sold as per policy ($1.00\square ft. plus legal, survey and HST).

Permit Summary

The Committee reviewed the permits statistics up to the end of February. The number of permits issued has increased by 100% and the value has increased from $94,000 to $1,000,000. The Committee is pleased with these statistics and recommends the report be approved.

Correspondence – Friendly 50 Plus Club, Main Street

The Committee reviewed the correspondence from the Friendly 50 Plus Club concerning land at the rear of their building they wish to acquire for parking. Unfortunately, this land was sold last year in a tax sale and therefore is not available. 11

The Committee recommends that staff inform the Friendly 50 Plus Club of this situation and determine whether there are other options to assist the Club with parking.

Correspondence – Central Auto Glass

The Committee discussed a request from Central Auto Glass for land at the rear of their property at 7 and 9 Bayley Street. This will be used for self-storage units. The Committee recommends this request be approved.

Correspondence – Town of Point Leamington

The Committee discussed correspondence from the Town of Point Leamington requesting transfer of our old Fire Emergency Vehicle to their Fire Department. The Committee recommends this request be approved.

I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.

Motion Moores\Blackmore

Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.

Public Works and Planning

The following report was also presented by Councillor Moores.

Home Based Business Application – 2 Aspen Heights

The Committee discussed a home based business application for painting and odd jobs at 2 Aspen Heights. The property is used for administration only. The Committee recommends the application be approved.

I move the recommendation and report of this Committee. 12

Motion Moores\Finn

Be it resolved that these recommendation and report would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 5-0. It was noted that Councillor Coady-Davis declared herself in conflict of interest for these Minutes and was excused from the meeting for the presentation and voting on these Minutes.

NOTICE OF MOTION

Councillor Moores gave notice of a new regulation at the next meeting to regulate the mandatory display of civic numbers for residences and businesses to assist the general public and emergency response agencies.

OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor Coady-Davis advised that she represented Council at the opening of the 2013 Kiwanis Music Festival. Councillor Buffet-Mercer thanked all the volunteers who work to make the Music Festival such a success.

Motion Moores\Coady-Davis

Be it resolved that the meeting of the Grand Falls-Windsor Town Council would be adjourned until the next regular scheduled meeting of 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 9th, 2013. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M.

Allan Hawkins M. Pinsent Mayor Town Manager\Clerk

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