December 8, 2011
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Present: Chairperson Nancy Wallace; Vice Chair Dana Harris; Councillors Eric Gavin, Adrienne MacDonald and Blake Adams; Administrator Bev Shaw. Guest - Stanley MacDonald and Media - Jim Brown.
Regrets: Councillors Frances Dewar and Linda Stetson.
Chairperson Wallace called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 and declared a quorum present.
Minutes
The November 10, 2011 regular council meeting minutes were reviewed for errors and omissions. On a motion by B. Adams, seconded by A. MacDonald and carried the minutes were approved as presented.
Business arising from minutes:
-Bev reported the Bylaw Enforcement company has responded with an estimate of approximately 12 - 15 hours to review and advise on our bylaws. It was moved by B. Adams, seconded by E. Gavin and carried that we contract with National Port Security to review and advise on our municipal bylaws at a rate of $85.00 per hour.
- Information on heritage designation was handed to Adrienne.
- Nothing has been done with the bulrushes and weeds near Water Street but it has been reported to Highways.
- Bev provided an analysis of the extra costs for heat and electricity when the complex was under construction for the geothermal system. The heating and electricity costs for 2009, 2010 and 2011 have not changed dramatically and the cost of purchasing extra heaters during this period totaled $275.00.
- Replacement of the lattice work at CN Station was awarded to Travis Waite for $1517.00 and should be done soon. Eric expressed concern that hangers under deck may need to be replaced but was assured that this could still be done next year by removing a panel of the new skirting.
Financial Business:
Financial statements for November, 2011 were approved on a motion by D. Harris, seconded by B. Adams and carried. November revenue: general $51,728.53; sewer $2,663.96. November expenses: general $126,254.86; sewer $5,533.85. Bank balances at end of November: general <$77,291.79>; sewer $19,966.00. Budget update to end of November was circulated to Council.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairperson’s report
Nancy reported that she attended the November 11th Remembrance Day ceremony, met with Robert Maddix, Rural Initiatives, and Paula Gallant on November 14th, attended the monthly FPEIM meeting in Charlottetown on November 17th, went to the Community Inclusions O’Leary House grand opening on December 5th and that evening met with members of Tignish and Alberton Councils, Robert Maddix and Paula Gallant, and on December 6th attended the West Prince Family Violence Prevention memorial service at the O’Leary United Church.
Reports from departments:
Police Report
Nancy reported the RCMP spent 167 hours on O’Leary business but the report was missing three RCMP member’s hours which will be supplied at a later date. There were 18 calls for service and 4 criminal background checks. Provincial Statutes for November were 5 Non moving traffic violations, 1 seatbelt violation, 1 moving traffic violation, 1 Liquor Control Act violation, 1 Off-highway Vehicle Act violation and 3 written warnings. Federal Enforcement Section members conducted merchandise checks at local businesses for any distribution of counterfeit products.
Potato Blossom Festival
Adrienne reported that she didn’t attend the last festival committee meeting but understands they are looking for part time help and that Emily Ramsay is finished working with them this week. The next meeting is planned for January and their annual meeting is expected to be held in January.
Sanitation/Properties
Eric and Blake mentioned the CN deck again as well as concern that the windows that need replacement haven’t been completed yet. To check with Jason Greenan, contractor. The new generator for the complex has been delivered but final connection is scheduled for this Saturday. Dale Burden is supposed to do the insulation at the ADIC this weekend as well as fix the CN railing on Monday.
Everything with the sewer system is fine.
Recreation
Tylan’s written report was circulated to Council. Plans are underway for the New Year’s levee. Tylan recently made a presentation to the Recreation and Leisure class at Holland College and he is expecting to have an OJT student this spring. Other events started this fall include the curling for Elementary School aged children, plans for Community School and Hockey Day in Canada activities.
Fire report
Dana read Chief Phillips report saying 5 calls were answered during the month - a structure fire, brush fire which was mistaken for a house fire, farm equipment fire, a false alarm and a flue fire. Training involved a water shuttle exercise which resulted in an accredited level of 750 gpm, a substantial increase from last rating of 500 gpm. A “Jaws” exercise was held and two members passed their First Responders course. Central Credit Union notified the Fire Department that they have been chosen as the Credit Union Volunteer of the Year and were recognized at the recently held Credit Union AGM.
Dana advised that the department has been attending meetings regarding “I Am Responding” system which allows members to advise the dispatch that they are on their way. This allows for better planning in the fire fighting field. This system also electronically keeps records. The department wants to try this for a year and then determine its value. Cost will be $40 - $70 per month depending on number of calls per year. Council agreed that this system be used to its full capacity for one year and then evaluated.
ADIC
Streets & Sidewalks
Building/Business permits
nil
Correspondence and other business:
A letter of thanks for the recent gift received from Community Inclusions.
A letter received from the Province in regards to RCMP Extended Policing Contract. They advised of an increase in the annual contract fee from $104,600 to $106,175 effective April 1, 2012.
Information received from Gordon Garrison and Stephen Mutch in regards to municipal policing grants allocated to Alberton and O’Leary. Alberton receives more due to higher population and property tax assessment.
The O’Leary Community Health Foundation sent an invitation to their tree lighting ceremony on December 9th at 7 pm and also to request a donation towards their equipment fund. Council discussed the donation provided to the Margaret Stewart Ellis Home this year. It was moved by E. Gavin, seconded by B. Adams and carried that no donation be made to the O’Leary Community Health Foundation but to consider a 2012 donation to the Margaret Stewart Ellis Home.
It was agreed to review donations policy at the January 2012 meeting and Bev to provide a list of donations made in 2011. To also contact Tignish and Alberton for information on their donations budgets.
Letter received from Shirlene O’Brien, Program Coordinator for the literacy program at Future Tech West requesting a donation of $50.00 to provide snacks for their Wednesday evening class. It was moved by B. Adams, seconded by D. Harris and carried that no donation be made.
Invitation from Hon. Robert Henderson to their annual Christmas Reception on Friday, December 9th at the Provinces Room, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel from 2 - 4.
It was moved by D. Harris, seconded by B. Adams and carried that a $25 gift card be purchased for Kathleen MacIsaac in appreciation of her 26 week employment which ends this week.
Bev to forward minutes to Wendi Kim for website and to encourage Tylan to use the website calendar more often.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm on a motion by B. Adams, seconded by D. Harris and carried.
