Town of Wolfville Town Council Tuesday, July 23, 2013
ATTENDING Mayor Jeff Cantwell, Councillor Dan Sparkman, Councillor Mercedes Brian, Councillor Wendy Donovan, Interim Chief Administrative Officer Brian Smith, Town Clerk Michael MacLean and Recording Secretary Lorraine Jones
LATE ARRIVAL Councillor Hugh Simpson
ABSENT WITH REGRET Deputy Mayor David Mangle and Councillor Carl Oldham
ALSO ATTENDING Inspector Chris MacNaughton, Officer in Charge, Kings District RCMP, Sgt. Stephen Power, Director of Public Works Kevin Kerr, John MacKay, Chair of Audit Committee, Heather Hill, Vice Chair of Audit Committee, Honourable Ramona Jennex, MLA, Nancy Stewart, Population Health Promoter, Public Health and other interested persons
1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. AGENDA APPROVAL 01-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED AS CIRCULATED. CARRIED.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 9, 2013 02-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 9, 2013 MEETING BE APPROVED AS AMENDED. CARRIED.
4. INTRODUCTION OF INSPECTOR CHRIS MACNAUGHTON, OFFICER IN CHARGE, KINGS DISTRICT RCMP Inspector MacNaughton introduced herself and provided her background information, noting that she has chosen to live in Wolfville and may even retire here.
5. PRESENTATION BY HONOURABLE RAMONA JENNEX, KINGS SOUTH MLA Ms. Jennex provided her MLA Update with emphasis on two issues – the Wolfville school renovation and the paving and maintenance of highways.
The school renovation proposal is in the process of being analyzed by a professional consultant following which it will be presented to the five person Treasury Board who will make the decision on projects to be undertaken. She is a member of the Treasury Board and is committed to seeing the renovations take place.
With regards to paving she noted that all roads in Nova Scotia had been scanned and a Five Year Improvement Plan put forward for highways. Now that the Province has its own paving plant they are able to do more paving with the same budget.
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Other Wolfville related items brought forward included Magic Winery bus Rebranding New website The Bloom Celebration Wolfville’s Farmers Market Select NS; buy local Sports and cultural events such as Deep Roots Inclusion of everyone in the community L’Arche community The list of Wolfville firsts - Banning of uranium - Banning smoking in cars with children present - Banning use of cosmetic pesticides Student Employee Program and Graduate Employment Program - John Read development of Colibri Software Refitting of the Acadia University Physical Plant to enable use of natural gas
General discussion took place.
6. PRESENTATION BY ANNAPOLIS VALLEY POVERTY COALITION – NANCY STEWART Ms. Stewart presented on behalf of the Annapolis Valley Poverty Coalition. It is hoped that a resolution could be presented to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities at its fall conference.
MOTION OF SUPPORT 03-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT COUNCIL SUPPORT THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY POVERTY COALITION OF KINGS AND ANNAPOLIS COUNTIES BY PARTNERING WITH OTHER UNITS TO HAVE A RESOLUTION PRESENTED TO THE UNION OF NOVA SCOTIA MUNICIPALITIES ENTITLED PROMOTING A PROVINCIAL DIALOGUE ON POVERTY IN RURAL SETTINGS. CARRIED.
7. DECISIONS a. AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – REQUEST FOR DECISION NO. 036-2013 John MacKay, Chair of the Audit Committee, provided background on the newly formed committee which is made up of Council members and members of the public. A meeting had been held with the auditors last Thursday out of which had come a couple recommendations.
Heather Hill, Vice Chair of the Audit Committee, noted that this is the first time non Council members have been appointed to the Audit Committee. Wolfville is the first municipal unit to have such a committee.
Mr. MacKay reported that the Committee had gone in camera with the auditors and Chief Administrative Officer. There were two motions out of the July 18 meeting; recommendations will come back to the September meeting.
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04-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT COUNCIL APPROVE THE MARCH 31, 2013 TOWN OF WOLFVILLE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. CARRIED. b. FIRE PROTECTION AREA RATE – REQUEST FOR DECISION NO. 033-2013 The Director of Financial Services presented the request which is something that the Town deals with annually in July.
05-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT PURSUANT TO SECTION 80 OF THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT AND TOWN POLICY NUMBER 1222-26, THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF WOLFVILLE APPROVES THE LEVYING AND COLLECTION OF A FIRE PROTECTION RATE OF 6.3 CENTS ON EACH $100.00 OF RESIDENTIAL, RESOURCE, COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL EXEMPT, RESOURCE EXEMPT AND COMMERCIAL EXEMPT ASSESSMENT ASSESSED IN THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; FURTHER, THAT THE LEVY BE APPLIED TO FIRE PROTECTION (HYDRANT AREA) CHARGES OF $378,170 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013-14; FURTHER, THAT TAX BILLS BE ISSUED AUGUST 31, 2013 LESS ANY AND ALL AMOUNTS BILLED BY INSTALLMENTS (INTERIM TAX BILLING); FURTHER, THAT A DUE DATE BE ESTABLISHED AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AFTER WHICH INTEREST SHALL BE CHARGED ACCORDING TO THE RATE ESTABLISHED FOR PROPERTY TAX BILLS. CARRIED.
8. INFORMATION a. CLOSURE OF UPPER UNIVERSITY AVENUE – INFORMATION REPORT The Director of Public Works presented an Information Report on the subject and noted that if Council decides to go ahead with the proposed closure, a public hearing would be necessary.
Councillors’ comments/questions/concerns included A traffic study should be conducted and it should be paid for by the University This would increase the traffic on Gaspereau Avenue where there are already problems with speed coming down the street as well as the rolling stop at the 3-way light The Town would close part of the street but the Town would still be responsible for maintenance The University should be paying all costs for the entire street Parking is a problem
It was noted that at one time the University had been interested in taking over the entire street. Public input will be required and this item should be referred to the Community Development Committee for their input. b. FIRST QUARTERLY UPDATE ON KEY INITIATIVES AND FINANCIAL VARIANCE REPORT The Director of Financial Services presented these items and it was suggested that if Council had questions, they should contact either the Interim Chief Administrative Officer or the Director of Financial Services. He provided brief information on the Variance Report. He noted the use of a month- by- month budget will enforce more discipline on Directors with the end result of better cost control.
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c. UNSM CAUCUS STRUCTURE REVIEW – INFORMATION REPORT The Interim Chief Administrative Officer presented an Information Report on this item and needed Council’s feedback on the comments enclosed.
06-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT COUNCIL RECOMMEND TO THE UNION OF NOVA SCOTIA MUNICIPALITIES THAT THE EXISTING STRUCTURE OF THE TOWNS CAUCUS REMAIN AS IS. CARRIED.
9. REPORTS a. MAYOR The Mayor reported that He had missed the July 9 meeting Last week Minister Jennex had attended the raising of the Pride Flag for Pride Week, July 20-27 Mud Creek Days events are scheduled for this weekend He will be leading a bike ride from Wolfville to Grand Pre and back on Friday, July 26 On August 9 the Wolfville Team will take part in a golf tournament at the Berwick Heights; entry fee is $110 with a $60 tax receipt; proceeds for the Rehabilitation Centre The Paul Harris Fellowship Award had been made to a group for the first time, Men Will Be Boys, who have raised over $250,000 for charities; this marked the first time that a group rather than an individual had received the award A couple from British Columbia, Ginny and Kerry Dennehy, will be bike riding to Cape Spear, Newfoundland to raise awareness and funding to assist with reducing the stigma attached to youth mental health issues; they are trying to raise $1 million; this event will be posted on the Town’s website b. CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the Mud Creek Days programs were a success and also noted that Mayor Cantwell and his team mates had won their category race from Marblehead to Halifax.
10. CORRESPONDENCE a. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE RE REPLACEMENT APPOINTMENT ON WESTERN REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY It was agreed that further research be done on what the appointment entails. As well, Councillor Donovan will make some contacts and report to the Chief Administrative Officer.
07-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT THIS CORRESPONDENCE BE RECEIVED AND ACKNOWLEDGED. CARRIED. b. ELAINE CAMPBELL RE ADRIAN CAMPBELL VALLEY CLASSIC & SCHOLARSHIP FUND During discussion it was noted that this item should be referred to staff for research as to whether funding could be provided. It was also suggested that the policy be reviewed.
08-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT THIS CORRESPONDENCE BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND REFERRED TO STAFF. CARRIED.
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c. ROBERT SEALE RE SIDEWALKS ON SUMMER STREET AND LINDEN AVENUE Discussion of proposed single sidewalks for Summer Street and Linden Avenue took place. It was pointed out that the contractor is ready to proceed with work. The contractor probably will not be onsite until the end of August and will work on Linden Avenue first and then move to Summer Street.
09-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT THIS LETTER BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND REFERRED TO STAFF. CARRIED.
11. REPORTS a. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Councillor Brian reported The last meeting had been held on June 29; there is no meeting in July The 14 Acadia Street development agreement had been referred to Council and Council had given approval at its July 9 meeting The proposal for 42-44 Hillside Avenue was referred back to staff for more negotiations Architectural Guidelines for Downtown review and amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy Map 4 to include 341 Main Street in the guidelines was approved by Council at its July 9 meeting
It was noted that the Architectural Guidelines only protect the exterior of buildings, not the interior. An amendment to the provincial legislation would be required to change that. b. RCMP ADVISORY BOARD There was no report. c. KINGS TRANSIT AUTHORITY Councillor Brian reported She was away for the June 19 meeting; draft minutes will be approved at tomorrow’s meeting Approval for the purchase of three buses has been given The search for a new General Manager is going well; applications close on July 29 Revenues up 3% Ridership up 6% Monthly report goes out to Councils d. VALLEY WASTE-RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY VALLEY WASTE-RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY PARTNER BRIEFING MEMO RE ANNAPOLIS ROYAL MEMBERSHIP Councillor Simpson reported that the briefing notes on the $32,000 buy in for Annapolis Royal to become a member of the Authority had been received and circulated.
10-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT THE TOWN OF ANNAPOLIS ROYAL BE ACCEPTED AS A NEW MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY AND MADE SIGNATORY TO THE AGREEMENT, BEING MADE SUBJECT TO, AND THE BENEFICIARY OF, ALL RIGHTS, DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS AND SERVICES EXERCISED AND ENJOYED BY THE EXISTING MEMBERSHIP, IN THE SAME MANNER AND TO
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THE SAME EXTENT AS IT WOULD HAVE, HAD IT BEEN ONE OF THE ORIGINAL FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY AND SIGNATORIES TO THE AGREEMENT. CARRIED. e. WOLFVILLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Councillor Donovan reported Minutes of meetings are being sent to Councillors by the Executive Director The new Vice President, Maryann Marissink has resigned She and the Mayor had met with President Suzanne Balcom and Jani MacDonald to discuss recent annual meeting and ongoing relations; Town committed to meeting with the Board in early fall, possibly in September The Executive Director and the Manager of Community Services are continuing to work on a history of the organization and why it came to be Work on Mud Creek Days and other events continues f. VALLEY COMMUNITY FIBRE NETWORK Councillor Simpson reported The Annual General Meeting will be held in August Phone service is available on VCFN; would like support from this Council; the infrastructure is there but is not being used by investors They have been approached by Eastlink as a potential provider; phones would be far cheaper than using Bell Aliant This issue had been brought before the Kings Partnership Steering Committee but couldn’t be discussed because it wasn’t properly on the agenda
An IT investigation of use of service will be conducted under direction of the Town of Berwick. A report will come back to a future meeting of Council.
A question was raised as to whether VCFN had given any thought to selling to Google and whether this question could be asked of the Board. It was noted that the initial focus of VCFN was not municipal use. g. TOWN AND GOWN COMMITTEE There was no report. h. TOWN OF WOLFVILLE CORE AREA HOUSING STRATEGY TASK FORCE Councillor Donovan reported The Task Force is moving along; the initial meeting has been held and assignments made Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 1 The third meeting is planned for mid September A workshop with the Committee will be held to decide the next steps A report will probably be brought back to Council in October Deputy Mayor Mangle, Chrystal Fuller and Anna Saroli, community representative on the Task Force met with Honourable Ramona Jennex to discuss financial resources for developing the Core Area Housing Strategy An application for funding will be submitted to the Province
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11-07B-13: IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT A JOINT LETTER FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLOR DONOVAN AS CHAIR OF THE WOLFVILLE CORE AREA TASK FORCE BE FORWARDED TO HONOURABLE RAMONA JENNEX AS MLA REQUESTING THAT FOLLOWING COUNCIL’S REVIEW OF THE DRAFT CORE AREA HOUSING STRATEGY A MEETING BE HELD WITH PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES TO DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER COMMON GOALS FOR HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. CARRIED. i.ECO KINGS ACTION TEAM There was no report.
12. QUESTION PERIOD There were no questions.
13. ADJOURNED TO AN IN CAMERA SESSION IT WAS REGULARLY MOVED AND SECONDED THAT COUNCIL ADJOURN TO AN IN CAMERA SESSION TO RECEIVE THE PERSONNEL – CAO RETRUITMENT UPDATE AT 9:19 P.M. CARRIED.
14. IN CAMERA SESSION a. Personnel – CAO Recruitment Update
15. IN CAMERA SESSION ADJOURNED
16. REGULAR SESSION RECONVENED
17. REPORTS FROM IN CAMERA SESSION
18. REGULAR SESSION ADJOURNED
______RECORDING SECRETARY
APPROVED AS AMENDED SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 BY RESOLUTION NO. 02-09-13
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