JANUARY 12, 2012

Present:           Chairperson Nancy Wallace; Vice Chair Dana Harris; Councillors Eric Gavin, Adrienne MacDonald, Frances Dewar, Linda Stetson and Blake Adams; Administrator Bev Shaw.  Guest - Stanley MacDonald and Media - Jim Brown.

Regrets:           nil

Chairperson Wallace called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 and declared a quorum present.

The agenda was approved on a motion by E. Gavin, seconded by B. Adams and carried with the following item added to new business - Action Plan for Community Economic Development.

Minutes

The December 8, 2011 regular council meeting minutes were reviewed for errors and omissions.  On a motion by L. Stetson, seconded by F. Dewar and carried the minutes were approved as presented.  

Business arising from minutes:

-Bev reported the Bylaw Enforcement company hasn’t responded yet with advice on bylaws.  Bev to check on expected date.

- Travis Waite has started the work at CN.  The lattice work has been removed and about half the new skirting installed.  Jason Greenan has installed the new windows at CN and fixed the window at Complex.  The generator at Complex is running but still waiting for the automatic switches.  Burden’s have completed the insulation work at the ADIC attic.  They plan to start the CN roof and remainder of windows by the end of January.

 Financial Business:

Financial statements for December, 2011 were approved on a motion by B. Adams, seconded by D. Harris and carried.  December revenue:  general $119,306.02; sewer $837.98.  December expenses: general $69,252.88; sewer $32,313.12.  Bank balances at end of December: general <$12,133.28>; sewer <$8,517.12>.  Budget update to end of December was circulated to Council.  Note that there will be further expenses and revenue received after end of year which will be added to these budget figures.

Adrienne asked to be supplied with a total of Dale’s overtime pay for the year.

NEW BUSINESS

Chairperson’s report

Nancy reported that she attended the press announcement for the Library’s Wi-Fi availability and thanked Dana for covering the Christmas and New Year’s events while she was away.

Ultraviolet system problems

The Complex’s ultraviolet system for the domestic water has failed therefore Bev has requested estimates on repairing and replacement of the system.  In the meantime, water samples have been taken to determine if we still require the ultraviolet system.  More information to be available at the next meeting and water samples will continue to be sent for testing.

Review of donations policy

Bev supplied Council with a copy of information from Tignish and Alberton outlining their donations, a consolidated copy of donation policies for O’Leary and an accounting printout on 2011 Miscellaneous Donations and Tax Concessions for O’Leary.

The policies were reviewed:

It was agreed that Council and staff vehicle accidents which occur while attending municipal business be added to section where firefighter is covered for responding to emergency calls and payment of insurance deductible be increased from half of deductible to a maximum of $125 to half of deductible to a maximum of $500.

Tax concessions to be left as is except Bev to look into O’Leary Legion concession regarding time period.

Under section “Requests for Donations” - it was moved by D. Harris, seconded by L. Stetson that requests for donations of $1000 or more must be approved by a residents’ meeting and be presented to Council at least four weeks prior to the annual residents’ meeting so to be advertised be increased to $5000.  Vote held: For 3 against 3 with Chair breaking the tie.  Motion carried.

It was moved by D. Harris, seconded by E. Gavin and carried that these individual policies on various donation practices be consolidated and to include the above changes approved at this meeting

Bev to obtain information on roles and responsibilities of Tignish Initiatives.

Reports from departments:

Fire Protection

Chief Phillips’ written report indicated 9 calls for the month of December - 7 medicals, 1 vehicle accident and 1 false alarm.  The truck bay area was used for the tree lighting ceremony, the fire department members held their Christmas party and Santa Claus did his annual fire truck tour.  Training involved self rescue exercise, placement of equipment on board the new EMS ambulances and basic review of I am Responding system.  New equipment purchased included a high volume low level strainer.

Recreation

Tylan’s written report was circulated to Council.  Christmas and New Year’s events were successful.  Community School is off to a great start on Jan 5 with 13 courses offered.  Planning for Winter Carnival and Hockey Day in Canada underway.

Streets & Sidewalks

Frances reported that with the little snow we’ve received the streets and sidewalks are in good condition.

ADIC

Linda reported that her and Frances met with Stacie and plan to work on visiting similar centres.  The ADIC has been quite busy with rentals.  Stacie has registered for a training session coming up next Friday.

Sanitation & Properties

Blake reported that sewer system is fine except for some motor issues at the lift station.  Prices for repair and replacement to be obtained.  CN windows have been replaced, railing fixed and lattice job almost complete.  Dale Burden to do rest of CN work by late January.

Potato Blossom Festival

Adrienne reported that there’s been no meetings since last month.  Shirley Phillips has been hired for 4 hours per week for the festival.  The annual meeting is scheduled for Jan. 24^th.

Police

Nancy presented the December report from RCMP stating a correction of November’s report - 211 hours were spent in November on O’Leary business rather than 167.  December’s hours totaled 183 hours.  The members responded to 11 calls to O’Leary and 1 criminal background check performed.  Provincial Statutes - 3 written warnings.

Building/Business permits

nil

Correspondence and other business:

Notice received from FPEIM that annual meeting to be held in Georgetown on April 23^rd.  Deadline notice for resolutions is March 9^th and for nominations, March 23^rd.

Maple Leaf Curling Club advised they are looking for entries for commercial curling league.

Thank you from West Prince Family Violence Prevention Services for $100 donation to their memorial service.

Copies of FPEIM Municipal Form handed out to Council members.

Thank you from Shelton Barlow re Good Neighbour award.

Donation request from Hope Centre Clubhouse to support clubhouse members attendance to 3^rd Canadian Clubhouse Conference in 2012.  It was moved by B. Adams, seconded by D. Harris and carried that $300 be donated.

Date for 2012 Annual Residents’ meeting set for March 27^th with storm date for the 28^th.

Action Plan for Economic Development