Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick

UNION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF NEW BRUNSWICK

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

February 22, 2013

1.U.M.N.B. held a Board of Directors meeting on Friday, February 22, 2013in the GarrisonRoom, Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, Fredericton, NB.

ATTENDANCE

Mayor David Hanson, Rexton / Mayor Arthur Slipp, Woodstock
Councillor Paul Gillespie, Doaktown / Deputy MayorJulie McConaghy, Millville
Deputy MayorGeorge Forsythe, Hillsborough / Councillor Jacqueline Leclair, Dalhousie
Mayor Terry Keating, Salisbury / Councillor Tracy Culligan, Belledune
Mayor Ken Chorley, Hampton / Mayor Richard Keeley, Grand Falls
Councillor Beth Thompson, Quispamsis / Deputy MayorStephen Chase, Frederictonreplaced by Councillor Greg Ericson
MayorStan Choptiany, Saint Andrewsreplaced by Deputy Mayor John Ames, St. Stephen / Mary Jane Banks, President, AMANB
Mayor Teresa James, BlacksHarbour
Mayor Gary Mersereau, Fredericton Junction
Deputy Mayor Gisèle McCaie-Burke, New Maryland / Raymond Murphy, Executive Director

2. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 1900 hours with President David Hanson presiding.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by MayorTerry Keating and second byMayorTeresa James to approve the agendaas presented. Motion carried

4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

It was moved by Deputy MayorGeorge Forsythe and second by Deputy MayorGisèle McCaie-Burke to approve the minutes of the November 16th & 17th, 2012 Board of Directors meeting as presented.

Motion carried

5.BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

(a)Web site update

The Executive Director mentioned that there was still a large amount of work to be done to update the website and that this would be accomplished during the next couple of weeks. This would include minutes, events, Board of Directors and any other information that is now out of date.

(b) Right to Information

The Executive Director provided an update on the issue. He mentioned he had sent a request to members asking how many requests they had received since the legislation was proclaimed. Responses varied from none to as many as 20 – there did not appear to be any reason for the vast differences.

c)Proposed electoral boundary changes

Hearings are being held around the Province and different municipalities are appearing before the commission to make their views known with respect to the proposed changes. Should you have an issue you should appear and make your views known.

(d)Community Planning Act/Municipalities Act

The Executive Director mentioned that government’s plan for the next number of months was a review of present legislation such as the Community Planning Act and the Municipalities Act both of which are outdated legislation. Minister Fitch announced at the PMC meeting in January an external advisory committee to be made up of representatives of the municipal organizations to assist with the process.

(e)Regional Service Commissions

Board members again expressed several questions/concerns over what was happening around the province since there appears to be no consistency anywhere. A belief exists that the process is flawed and there needs to be education around the province as well as some consistency. With respect to membership the matter was referred to the Governance committee to look at and make recommendation to the Board – most Board members felt that we should be adopting a “wait and see” attitude at the present time since there are still so many unanswerables.

(f)Community Funding Model

Board members were again reminded that the Department was available to speak to municipalities either individually or at zone meetings on this issue. The Executive along with the Governance/Fiscal Advisory committee met with government in January to discuss this issue.

(g)Zonesand RSC’s

The ED presented a new zone structure sheet for Directors which would need to be adopted by the annual conference in order for changes to occur. For the present time the status quo will be maintained. He also mentioned that with the possibility of MiramichiCity rejoining we may need to make provision for them to have a seat; even with the cost of this we would still show a plus in revenue.

6.TREASURER’S REPORT

It was moved by MayorTerry Keatingand second by DeputyMayorJulie McConaghy that the financial statement to January 31, 2013 be accepted as presented.

Motion carried

A discussion took place on the possibility of hiring a part time Policy Analyst to assist in the work load of the organization considering how the work load for the ED has changed over the past few years. As a result it was moved by Mayor Art Slipp and second by MayorTerry James that the issue be referred to the Personnel committee for discussion. A suggestion was made that the committee should look at the “Working in Canada” site and that a job description, benefits, etc.be looked at.

Motion carried

It was moved by Councillor Beth Thompson and second by Mayor Ken Chorley that the audited financial statement to December 31st, 2012 be accepted and forwarded tothe 2013 annual general meeting.

Motion carried

Reserve Fund – it was suggested that since we have a healthy surplus and an agreement with the ED for a severance package that money should be placed in a reserve fund to account for when he decides to retire. As a result it was moved by Councillor Beth Thompson and second by Mayor Richard Keeley that $10 000 be invested long term in Advance Savings Credit Union.

Motion carried

7.CORRESPONDENCE

It was moved by Deputy MayorJulie McConaghyand second by Deputy MayorGeorge Forsythe to receive and file correspondence.

Motion carried

8. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES REPORT

It was moved by MayorTerry Jamesand second by Councillor Tracy Culligan to receive the FCM report for information purposes.

Motion carried

PRESENTATION – Rogers Television – Terri Willis

Ms. Willis discussed opportunities for NB municipalities to work with Rogers to market their communities in the same way that Mayor James has done for her community of BlacksHarbour as well as the remainder of CharlotteCounty. She also indicated an interest in attending the 2013 annual conference. Information will be sent on both our trade show and sponsorship opportunities to her.

It was moved by Councillor Paul Gillespie and second by Mayor Terry Keating to recess until 8:45 Saturday morning.

Motion carried

8:45 PM

UNION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF NEW BRUNSWICK

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

February 23, 2013

U.M.N.B. held a Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, February 23, 2013 in the GarrisonRoom, Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, Fredericton, NB.

ATTENDANCE

Mayor David Hanson, Rexton / Mayor Arthur Slipp, Woodstock
Councillor Paul Gillespie, Doaktown / Councillor Julie McConaghy, Millville replaced by Mayor Craig Melanson, Hartland
Deputy Mayor George Forsythe, Hillsborough / Councillor Jacqueline Leclair, Dalhousie
Mayor Terry Keating, Salisbury / Councillor Tracy Culligan, Belledune
Mayor Ken Chorley, Hampton / Mayor Richard Keeley, Grand Falls
Councillor Beth Thompson, Quispamsis / Deputy MayorStephen Chase, Fredericton - regrets
MayorStan Choptiany, Saint Andrewsreplaced by Deputy Mayor John Ames, St. Stephen / Mary Jane Banks, President, AMANB
Mayor Teresa James, BlacksHarbour
Mayor Gary Mersereau, Fredericton Junction
Deputy Mayor Gisèle McCaie-Burke, New Maryland / Raymond Murphy, Executive Director

PRESENTATION:Heather Brander, Manager RCMP contract for Department of Public Safety explained how policing costs were divided in the province under the PPSA and responded to questions from Directors.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 8h45 hours with President David Hanson presiding.

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Nothing to report.

B. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

The Executive Director requested -

• That Directors consider possible themes to suggest for the 2013 conference.
• That we continue to ask the city to provide transportation from the Delta to the Crown and return
• That fewer workshops be included so that more time is available for networking opportunities and that Sunday be for meeting purposes only with the exception of speaking opportunities for our political leaders

• Also mentioned was that the 2014 conference will be in Saint Andrews and that in the Fall a site inspection will be carried out.

The ED provided Directors with quotes from both the Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook and the newly refurbished Delta for the 2015 conference. Following a review of both submissions and discussion it was moved by Councillor Beth Thompson and second by Mayor Terry Keating that the 2015 annual conference be awarded to the CrownePlaza.

Motion carried

C.MEDIA ADVISORY

It was noted that UMNBhas received much coverage over the past number of months on a number of issues and President Hanson or the Executive Director continues to be interviewed on many issues.

D.NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Nothing to report.

E.PERSONNEL

Nothing to report.

F.PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Mayor Slipp reported that there are concerns over how SPAC will work with the new RSC structure. He mentioned that the Deputy Minister of Public Safety felt that there needed to be discussion on how the new RSC will fit into SPAC. Federal funding for Safer Commuunities is finished and there is an attempt/discussion to ensure that it continues in some way. The Internet Child Exploitation Unit was discussed at the last meeting and before Christmas the provincial Crime Reduction Strategy was launched. A presentation on this will come to the Board at the next meeting. In addition, the executive of UMNB met with the Association of Fire Chiefs of NB yesterday to discuss issues of concern and it was agreed that it would be beneficial if they had an opportunity to present at our annual conference in October.

G.RESOLUTIONS/POLICIES/CONSTITUTION

Mayor James reported that letters had been sent to the appropriate Ministers with respect to the resolutions adopted at this year’s conference and that replies had been received. Meetings will be arranged to follow up with the different Ministers for the month of April.

H.Ad Hoc committees -

• Governance/Fiscal Advisory – The Executive Director informed the Board that the Governance committee and Executive had a very productive meeting with the Department in early January. Several issues were discussed with the Department commiting once again to its Action Plan. A further meeting of this committee will be held on the 26th of February with representatives who will be representing UMNB on the committee to review the Municipalities/Community Planning Act.
• Conflict Resolution –the ED mentioned that along with AMANB training would be provided in the future for this committee but that no firm dates had been established.

• RCMP Client Working Group – the Executive Director reported that a meeting of this committee would be held in April once Mayor English has retired from her government position to discuss issues as we move forward.
• Immigration Committee - the Executive Director indicated that a meeting was held in early January and that the ADM responsible for the file attended. A white paper will be released shortly and our committee has been asked to provide input. Members of the committee also for the first time looked at issues from the view point of education.
• Forestry – Mayor Hanson reported that both forestry groups in the province met with the Conservative caucus in January to discuss issues and that another meeting would be held in March with members of the Liberal caucus.
• Legislative Renewal – It was pointed out again that work on both the Municipalities Act and Community Planning Act would be commencing shortly and that government had hired a lawyer, Mary Oley, to direct this work.

It was moved by Deputy Mayor Gisèle McCaie-Burkeand second by Mayor Teresa James to accept the committee reports.

Motion carried

10.EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

(a)Revenue Generation – set aside to a future meeting.

(b)Executive Directors meetings – two meetings have been held within the past month to discuss items of concern/importance to municipalities. Written reports have been provided to each of you on items discussed.

(c)PMC report – meeting held January 31st with announcement of commencement of review of Municipalities/Community Planning Act. Written report provided to Directors.

(d)Forest Products Association Annual meeting – ED attended meeting; guest speaker Premier Alward who discussed opportunities for working together and remarked on some of the issues raised by Forestry committees during presentation to caucus. Well attended by many stakeholders from throughout the forestry industry.

(e)Cultural Policy meeting – two days were set aside for development of a cultural policy for the Province but due to weather only one day has been held at present. Another day meeting scheduled for March 12th in Fredericton.

(f)Target 2014 – the ED discussed the new FCM ask for infrastructure as well as President Liebovici’s request for letters of support for the new infrastructure program.

(g)Wetlands Meeting – the ED attended the first meeting of this committee led by Paul Jordan from DELG. Since there have been issues of concern expressed by many of our members invitations were extended to both Sussex Corner and Fredericton and Fredericton was represented at the event. Further meetings will be held.

(h)RCMP meetings – several meetings have been held throughout the province on the issue of the closing of RCMP offices. The RCMP will make recommendations to the Department of Public Safety and the Minister will ultimately make the decision. Both President Hanson and ED Murphy have attended many of these meetings.

(i)Pre-budget submission – President Hanson presented on behalf of UMNB a submission to Minister Higgs in Fredericton. The major issue is the lack of time to be effective in the presentation. Copies will be sent to Directors for their perusal.

(j)Presentation to caucuses – as mentioned previously both forestry groups presented to the Conservative caucus and will have the opportunity to present to the Liberal caucus on March 12th.

It was moved byMayor Terry Keating and second byDeputy MayorJohn Ames to accept the Executive Director’s report as presented.

Motion carried

1. ZONE REPORTS

Zone 1: Next meeting February 27th in Minto.

Zone 2: Next meeting will be held in Sackville on March 2nd.

Zone 3: Next meeting in Hampton March 14th.

Zone 4: Next meeting to be held in March.

Zone 5:Meeting scheduled for April. Several things are happening in Zone 5 municipalities. New Maryland is involved in wellness activities and council members are attending. Rogers has been approached to televise council meetings. Fredericton Junction raised a profit with their Curling Bonspiel playdowns. 150 volunteers took part during the activities. Fredericton is looking at Vsion 2020 and a summit has been held.

Zone 6:Meeting to be held April 4th. Concern expressed over RSC structure and its effect on UMNB zone structure.

Zone 7:Meeting held December 5th in Atholville. Much of the time was spent providing information. They will discuss the possibility of asking to host the 2016 annual conference. They would like more workshops on government programs and funding opportunities for municipalities during our conference. RCMP costs and VIA service are 2 major issues.

Zone 9:The Forum des Maires has disbanded because of the RSC’s and only Grand Falls is a member of UMNB soreport deals with issues in Grand Falls. A study of fire services within Grand Falls and the neighbouring communities of Drummond and St. André is being carried out. World Acadian Congress planning is continuing for 2014.

AMANB:President Banks will provide an update on AMANB activities at the next Board meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Tracy Culligan and second by Councillor Jacqueline Leclair to accept the zone reports as presented.

Motion carried

12.OTHER BUSINESS

a)Enterprise Networks – Concern expressed with respect to the locations for the new offices for Business NB, both main office and satellite office in particular in the Edmundston/Grand Falls area. The ED will check into this for information and let Mayor Keeley know what he finds out.

b)Atlantic Mayors Congress – Meeting to be held in Halifax April 24th to 26th.

c)Directors Expenses – the Executive Director mentioned that there had been discussion on what municipalities paid in expenses for mileage, etc. A motion was made by Mayor Art Slipp and second by Mayor Terry Keating that this matter be referred to the Finance Committee to report back to the May Board meeting.

Motion carried

d)EI Program – The Executive Director mentioned that he had received a call from Jean Claude Basque from the Common Front for Social justice followed by a meeting last Thursday afternoon to discuss the federal government’s changes to the EI Program. He advised Mr. Basque that he would bring the issue up at the Board meeting. Following discussion it was moved by Mayor Terry Keating and second by Councillor Tracy Culligan that a letter be sent to Minister Diane Finley with copies to the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament for New Brunswick, and Premier Alward expressing our opposition to the government’s position on EI and outlining our concerns and issues.

Motion carried

DIRECTORS CONCERNS