52nd Council Minutes September 22, 2009 1
The 52ndmeeting of the Town Council of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay was held onSeptember 22, 2009at 5:00p.m. and called to order byMayor Leo Abbass.
Present:
Mayor Leo Abbass
Deputy Mayor Stan Oliver
Councillor Bill MacKey
Councillor Dean Clarke
Councillor Madelyn Kelly
Councillor James Saunders
Councillor Paul Tsibidis
Town Manager Al Durno
Town Clerk Valerie Sheppard
Director of Economic Development Karen Wheeler
Recording Secretary Kathy Eddy
Mayor Abbass welcomed Wabush Mayor Jim Farrell and Councillor Alton Rumbolt, of Mary’s Harbour.
1DELEGATION-Lorraine Hagerty
a)Ms. Hagerty had questions regarding the denial of her application for CrownLand on Churchill Road. She was advised by Mayor Abbass to bring her concerns to the Town Manager and Municipal Technologist for review.
b)DELEGATION- George Andrews
Mr. Andrews addressed the Council on behalf of the Snowflake Figure Skating Club with concerns regarding the 10% Gate Fee that the organization is required to pay on their Annual Ice Show. He stated that the organization was aware of the increase in rates that would be effective January 1, 2009, but they had no knowledge of the 10% Gate Fee until they received a letter from the Town in June. He stated that the organization has no problem paying this fee on a go forward basis, but feels it is unfair to have to pay this after the fact. Mayor Abbass suggestedthe organization meet with Mr. Durno to further discuss this matter.
c)DELEGATION- Roberta Primmer
Ms. Primmer addressed the Council on behalf of the Lake Melville Extreme Minor Hockey Association with concerns similar to Snowflake Figure Skating Club. Mayor Abbass suggested the organization along with Snowflake Figure Skating and any other user groups that hold events at the arena bring in their financial statements and meet with Mr. Durno and staff members to see what can be done to address these concerns.
d)DELEGATION- Gerald Dyson
Mr. Dyson queried the status of the Sewer Treatment Plant. Mayor Abbass informed him that we were told to go ahead and draw up the Tender Documents and that we are waiting for the official announcement. Mr. Dyson also voiced his concerns regarding GooseBay as being a base for Search and Rescue. Mayor Abbass informed him that there was a letter sent requesting Happy Valley-Goose Bay be considered in the review currently being completed on Search & Rescue.
2ADOPTION OF AGENDA OF THE 52ndMEETING
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by Councillor Tsibidisto adopt the agenda of the 52nd meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.Motion Carried unanimously
3ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF the 51stMEETING
It was moved by Councillor Mackeyseconded by Councillor Tsibidisto approve the adoption of the minutes of the 51stmeetingof the Town Council of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Motion Carried unanimously.
4ACTION PEPORT
a)Mayor Abbass queried item 6)Peacetime Disaster Plan of the Municipal Services Committee Report requesting an updated copy for Council.
b)Councillor Clarke queried item 9) Commercial Land of the Municipal Services Committee Report and how important it is to keep this item moving forward.
c)Mayor Abbass made reference to item e)of the Councillors Forumand that there would be discussion regarding the meeting with LCol. Bowerman in the
Business Session.
5CORRESPONDENCE
There were 10 Incoming and 4 Outgoing letters in the Council package.
Mayor Abbassreferred to letter #5stating that the letter is quite clear that the Arrestor Cable will be retained. He also asked that the meeting be arranged with Minister MacKay as per his response to our request.
6MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE – Councillor James H. Saunders
It was moved by Councillor Saunders seconded by
Councillor Oliver to approve the Municipal Services
Committee Report as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
1.Land Application-Michael Kearney
Application received from Michael Kearney for Crown land 19.8 meters x 30 meters located at the rear of 72 MacDonald Drive for the purpose of a garden, buffer and shed. Committee recommends approval conditioned upon public input.
2.Land Application- Tom Gear
Application received from Tom Gear for Crown land 200 ft x 200 ft on Corte Real Road for the purpose of erecting a building for storage. Committee recommends approval conditioned upon public input.
3.Land Application- Donna & Keith Chaulk
Application received from Donna and Keith Chaulk to obtain ownership of one half of the road right of way located between 16 and 18 MacDonald Drive. Committee recommends approval.
4.Land Application- John Mitchell
Application received from John Mitchell to obtain ownership of one half of the road right of way located between 16 and 18 MacDonald Drive. Committee recommends approval.
5.Land Application- Kelly’s Body Zone
Application received from Kelly’s Body Zone for land 40 x 60 meters behind Aspen oad for the purpose of the operation of Kelly’s Body Zone, Fitness and Spa. Committee recommends to deny this request as it
does not conform with the proposed Development Plan.
6.Land Application- Jamie Way
Land application received from Jamie Way for land 40x 60 meters located on Juniper Street for residential apartments. Committee recommends approval.
7.Business Application- Hair Movement
Business application received from Brenda Caines to operate a hairstylist business on wheels named Hair Movement. Committee recommends approval subject to public input.
8.Building Application- Sterling Furlotte
Application received from Sterling Furlotte to construct additional apartment buildings at 5 and 7 Learning Street. Committee recommends to deny this request as it does not conform to the Development Plan.
9.Fuel Tanks
Committee recommends that Council accept the Tender bid from Bursey Manufacturing Inc. at a cost of $20,108.35 including HST and FOBGooseBay for two each double wall 10,000 liter commercial vacuum monitored fuel tanks.
9TOURISM, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE – Councillor B.MacKey
It was moved by Councillor B. MacKey seconded by Deputy Mayor S. Oliverto approve the TourismParks and Recreation Committee Report as presented.Motion Carried unanimously.
1.Parks and Recreation Committee Report
Enclosed in Council Package is the Parks & Recreation Monthly Report for the period August 25th to September 15th, 2009.
2.Summer Recreation program
Committee recommends that:
a)TheTown Council continue to support the Summer Recreation Program.
b)Director of Parks & Recreation lobby Service Canada for additional Councillors for 2010 and to extend the program by one week.
c)The 2010 Summer Recreation Program continue to include Minor softball as one of its three components and hire two students who would be specifically responsible for that program; and
d)The structure and policies of the program that we established in 2009 be kept in place for future programs, for example early morning drop off, lunch program, non use of cell phones and strict supervision of participants.
3.2010 Canadian National Broomball Championship
Enclosed in Council Package is the funding proposal to host the 2010 Canadian National Broomball Championship.
4.Arena Pricing Survey
Enclosed in Council Package is a report on the Arena Pricing Survey.
5.Special Events Fees
Committee recommends to write user groups of the E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena advising that if their ten percent door receipts for special events for 2008-2009 season are not paid in full by September 24, 2009, their scheduled ice time will be cancelled.
6.Information Item
Enclosed in Council Package is information on AMEC funding opportunities. They will be hosting an event at KinsmenPark on September 26/09.
7.Letters of Appreciation
Committee recommends that Council write letters of appreciation to the Terrington Co-op and Rotary Club for their contribution towards the Recreation Sports Plex.
10ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – Councillor D. Clarke
It was moved by Councillor D. Clarke seconded by Councillor Kelly to approve the Economic Development Committee Report with one additional item.Motion Carried unanimously.
1.Information Item- Nalcor Energy
Enclosed in Council Package is information on the Nalcor meeting held September 3/09.
2.Information Item- DEFSEC
Enclosed in Council package is information on the DEFSEC conference held September 9-11, 2009.
3.Aurora Resources News Release
Enclosed in Council Package is a news release from Aurora Resources regarding the preliminary economic assessment for the proposed Michelin Uranium Project.
4.StephenvilleAirport Article
Enclosed in Council is a copy of an article regarding the Stephenville article.
5.Update-Information Item- Torch Relay
A letter was received from the Federal Government committing $9,000.00 for expenses regarding the Olympic Torch Relay.
11FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE – Deputy Mayor S. Oliver
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by Councillor Tsibidis to approve the Finance and Administration Committee report as presented.Motion carried unanimously.
1.Request- Property #078996
Request received to write off interest charged to property #078996. Committee recommends that Council request a proposal of what is being planned for this property and proof of ownership of the property.
2.Request-Volunteer Fire Department
Request received from the Volunteer Fire Department for Council to contribute $100.00 per volunteer for the purchase of jackets. Committee recommends approval.
3.Information Item- Capital Equipment Financing
Enclosed in Council Package is information regarding Capital Equipment Funding.
4.Request- Canadian Red Cross
Request received from the Canadian Red Cross for Council to contribute $1.00 per capita for their “Prepared” campaign. Committee recommends to deny the request.
5.Request- Alex White
Request received from Alex White for assistance to travel to Atlantic Challenge Cup taking place in Moncton, N.B. October 9-12, 2009. Committee recommends to contribute $150.00 as per the Town Donation policy.
6.Traffic Fines
Enclosed in Council Package is the Traffic Fines report for August 2009.
7.Complaints Report
Enclosed in Council Package is the Complaints Report for July and August 2009.
8.Restorative Justice Week
Committee recommends to approve the following proclamation, proclaiming November 15-22, 2009 as Restorative Justice Week.
WHEREAS, in the face of crime or conflict, restorative justice offers a philosophy and approach that views these matters principally as harm done to people and relationships; and
WHEREAS, restorative justice approaches strive to provide support and opportunities for the voluntary participation and communication between those affected by crime and conflict (victims, offenders, community) to encourage
accountability, reparation and a movement towards understanding, feelings of satisfaction, healing and closure; and
WHEREAS, this year's theme for Restorative Justice Week is "Communities Responding to Human Needs", it is an opportunity to learn, educate and celebrate along with other communities across the country about restorative justice during the week.
THEREFORE, I, Leo Abbass, Mayor of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay of do hereby proclaimNovember 15 - November 22, 2009 as Restorative Justice Week in the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
9.Gasoline /Fuel Report
Enclosed in Council Package is the Gasoline/ Fuel Report for August 27th and September 10th, 2009.
10.Request- MunicipalitiesNewfoundlandLabrador
Request received from MNL for Council to contribute $2,000.00 towards the cost of having a report done on the Infrastructure Gap. Committee recommends to deny the request until the 2010 Budget Preparation.
11.Request- NL Youth Parliament
Request received from NL Youth Parliament for a donation in support of their 50th year. Committee recommends to deny this request as Council will be supporting youth within our community to attend Youth parliament.
12.Street Paving
Committee recommends to award Labrador Construction (2005) Ltd the tender for Street Upgrading at a cost of $695,665.29 including HST.
13.Letter
Committee recommends to write the Department of Transportation and Works advising that Council is opposed to the use of salt, calcium and any other deicing agent on any of our roads within our Municipality.
12APROVAL OF CHEQUES
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by Councillor Kelly to approve the cheques in the amount of$245,112.60. Motion Carried unanimously.
CHEQUES OVER $500.00 SEPTEMBER 2009
CHEQUENUMBER / PAY TO THE ORDER OF / CHEQUE AMOUNT
00005856 / GooseBay Wholesalers / $ 1,192.45
00005876 / Paint Shop / 982.46
00005882 / Toromont Cat / 1,575.91
00005885 / Ulu Industrial Services Ltd. / 890.81
00005887 / Goose Sales & Services / 1,769.81
00005897 / C & B Nursery / 555.00
00005904 / Pitney Bowes / 1,470.13
00005979 / Bae-Newplan Group Limited / 37,898.79
00005980 / Baine Johnston Insurance / 1,724.00
00005994 / K & D Pratt Ltd. / 954.85
00006003 / Newcap Broadcasting / 994.40
00006008 / Pioneer Enterprises / 7,513.37
00006009 / Pitney Works / 1,233.68
00006012 / SMS Equipment / 1,861.07
00006013 / Sojourn Enterprises / 2,181.04
00006014 / Speedy Glass (Labrador)8143 / 589.17
00006015 / Strongco Equipment / 2,385.25
00006016 / Tosss Signs Inc. / 774.05
00006030 / Computers & Communications / 3,163.89
00006033 / N.E. Parrott Surveys Limited / 1,525.50
00006036 / Newfoundland Municipal Financing / 149,591.61
00006038 / The Telegram / 689.95
00006104 / Goose Bay Wholesalers Limited / 2,279.06
00006105 / Goose Sales & Services Ltd. / 1,814.06
00006106 / Hickey Construction Ltd / 508.50
00006110 / Labrador Construction Ltd. / 16,467.49
00006112 / Labradorian Printers Ltd. / 691.56
00006114 / Moktech 2000 Limited / 1.271.43
00006119 / RSM Municipal / 563.31
TOTAL / $ 245,112.60
13COUNCILLORS FORUM
a)Mayor Abbass opened Councillor’s Forum by congratulating Council in their perspective candidacy and thanking Councillor Clarke for his eight years of service.
b)Councillor Mackey thanked Councillor Clarke for his persistence and hard work on the Base File, his involvement with GBAC and his work with the
community. He also acknowledged the candidates in the upcoming election and wished them well.
c)Councillor Tsibidisoffered thanks and good health to Councillor Clarke and his family. He then questioned if water testing was performed in all areas of town and was informed by the Town Manager that all areas of town are tested.
d)It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by Councillor Saunders to donate $150.00 to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Motion carried unanimously. Deputy Mayor Oliver also thanked Councillor Clarke for his healthy discussion during his time on Council and wished good luck to all candidates.
Deputy Mayor went on to query the status of the 911 Report from the Province. Town Manager Al Durno replied that we have received a letter saying that we are being considered in their survey. He also queried the status of the Paddon Home as a Continuing Care Home. Town Manager Al Durno advised that the Labrador Grenfell Health AGM is coming up on September 26th and this would be a great opportunity to address this.
Deputy Mayor Oliver spoke of the meeting he and the Mayor attended with the oil companies earlier that day and that they encouraged them to open an office in this area. He was pleased to see that the lights in HuskyPark were repaired and also suggested a light be placed in the LeonCooperMemorial Park
e)Councillor Kellythanked Councillor Clarke for his fine contributions and she encouraged him to enjoy his family time.She spoke of the LieutenantGovernors visit this past weekend and how gracious the people of this community were. She offered good luck to the candidates running in this election and announced her pleasure with the number of female candidates that were running.
f)Councillor Saunders extended congratulations to Kathleen Hicks, the Director of the Lawrence O’Brien Auditorium. He spoke of the magnitude of this position and how this facility will require support from Council and the Community. He suggested we write a letter of congratulations to Ms. Hicks. He thanked Mr. Dyson for continuing to keep issues at the forefront by attending Council meetings each month. He concluded by thanking Councillor Clarke for his time on council and wished him success in his future endeavors.
g)Councillor Clarke said thank you to the “Official Opposition”, Mr. Dyson, Mr. Davis and Mr. Loxton for making Council accountable. He reflected on his time on Council and spoke of the accomplishments this community has seen over the last few years. He spoke of some issues he would like Council to continue to pursue and advised that he will remain on the GBAC Committee and is willing to help sit on any ad hoc committees. He recognized the efforts of the Town Clerk, Valerie Sheppard and Deputy Mayor Oliver for the planning and preparation necessary to bring forth the yearly budget. He closed by saying he has enjoyed the last eight years on Council, but is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family.
h)Mayor Abbass started by introducing Todd Goodyear and Adam Randell from the Labradorian Newspaper. He expressed his dissatisfaction to an article in this week’s edition of The Labradorian regarding the labor dispute between the United Steelworkers and Vale Inco. He stated that prior to the article being written, he had sent letters to both parties involved encouraging them to get back to the table to resolve their issues.
He acknowledged the candidates in the audience and said he is pleased to see such a healthy interest in the community. He went on to explain that the people sitting at this table have no personal agendas and they try to find the best possible solutions for this community and its citizens. In closing, he offered his thanks and congratulations to all the members of Council for their contribution to this community.
There being no other business the Open Session adjourned at 6:45 p.m. reconvening at 6:55 p.m. with the Business Session.
14BUSINESS SESSION
a)Folding Machine- It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by Coucillor Clarke to purchase a Folding Machine in the amount of $16,550.00 plus HST over a two year payment plan. Motion carried unanimously.
b)Color Printer- It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by Councillor Mackey to purchase a color printer for the Municipal Technologist in the amount of $7,000.00 plus HST over a two year payment plan. Motion carried unanimously.
c)Letter- Council discussed a letter from the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress.
d)Meetings- Councillor Kelly suggested that notes be kept for all meetings with organizations, residents, etc.
e)Information- Councillor Clarke gave an overview of items he would like to see the incoming Council keep in the forefront.
d)Meeting- Mayor Abbass updated Council on a meeting held with LCol. Bowerman, Wing Commander of 5 Wing Goose Bay.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
MAYOR LEO ABBASS