46th Council Minutes March 24, 20091
The 46th meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay was held onMarch 24, 2009at 5:00p.m. and called to order byMayor Leo Abbass.
Present:
Mayor Leo Abbass
Deputy Mayor Stan Oliver
Councillor Dean Clarke
Councillor Bill MacKey
CouncillorPaul Tsibidis
Councillor James H. Saunders
Councillor Madelyn Kelly
Town Manager Al Durno
Town Clerk V. Sheppard
Director of Economic Development Karen Wheeler
Recording Secretary Donna Jones on vacation
Mayor Abbass asked for a minute of silence out of respect for Corp. Kenneth O’ Quinn and the passengers of Cougar Flight 491.
1PRESENTATION
Mayor Abbass made a presentation to Fire Chief, Carl
Oldford in appreciation of job well done in 2008.
2 DELEGATIONS
a) Lori Battcock- Level three student of Mealy Mountain Collegiate made a presentation to council on “Earth Hour” being held March 28, 2009 8:30-9:30 pm. Ms Battcock stated that Earth Hour will start in Sydney, Australia by turning off all non-essential light for one hour. Ms. Battcock requested councils support for Earth Hour.
b) Gerald Dyson- Mr. Dyson addressed councilconcerning the Lower Churchill Project and Sewer Treatment Project.
c) Ernie Rumbolt-Mr. Rumbolt questioned council as to the
process for them to apply for the extra land that he requested
on his application. Mayor Abbass advised that he periodically
check with the Municipal Technologist to see if the ban has
been lifted.
3ADOPTION OF AGENDA OF THE 46th MEETING
It was moved byDeputy Mayor S Oliverseconded by Councillor P. Tsibidisto adopt the agendaof the 46thmeetingof the Town Council of the Town of HappyValley-Goose Bay.Motion Carried unanimously.
4ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE 44thMEETING
It was moved by Councillor M. Kellyseconded by Councillor B. Mackeyto approve the adoption of the minutes of the 44thmeetingof the Town Council of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.Motion Carried unanimously.
5ACTION REPORT
a) Councillor Kelly commented on item 13(h) that the
opening of the Auditorium would probably be April 2009.
b) Deptuy Mayor Oliver queried item 10(x) and whether a
date has been set for the meeting with Randy Letto.
Town Manager Al Durno advised that he is working on
arranging a date.
c) Councillor Kelly queried item 5(a) and whether a date
has been set for a meeting with John Moore. Town
Manager al Durno advised that a date is being worked
on.
6CORRESPONDENCE
There were 9Incoming Letters and 16 Outgoing Letters in the Council Package.
a)Deputy Mayor Oliver commented on letter #1 from Hon. Diane Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs as to where the status of the feasibility study is, he was advised that you can dial 911 and get an answer.
b)Mayor Abbass commented on outgoing letter #1 requesting that a copy be sent to the Federal Minister of National Defense and Hon. John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs.
c)Mayor Abbass commented on incoming letter #12 from Municipalities Newfoundland & Labrador requesting that a letter of congratulations be sent to the town of Roddickton-Bide Arm on their amalgamation.
7MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE – Councillor Paul Tsibidis
It was moved by Councillor Saunders and seconded by
Councillor Tsibidis to approve the Municipal Services
Committee Report. Motion carried unanimously.
a) Land Application-Adelheid Behrens
A request was received from Adelheid Behrens to
subdivide 84 Palliser Cresent to create two residential
low density lots. Committee recommends to approve the
request to subdivide the property at 84 Palliser Cresent
subject to a) the request be advertised for public input
and b) a revised survey for both the existing property and
the proposed new property to be submitted and approved
by the town. Further, that each lot requires its own water
and sewer service and access is from Palliser Cresent.
b) Land Application-Ernie Rumbolt
Land application from Ernie Rumbolt for land 150 x 250 meters on Churchill Falls Road for manufacturing lumber. Committee recommends approval conditioned upon it being advertised and conditioned upon a 15 meter buffer zone along the roadside of the property.
c) Land Allocation for Fur Farms
Enclosed in Council package is a letter from the Department of Natural Resources regarding proposed fur farm areas within the municipality. Committee recommends site 2 (Welbourne Bay Road) for the proposed fur farms.
d) Information Item
Enclosed in Council Package is information regarding
concern with wood smoke.
e) Labrador-Island Transmission Line
Enclosed in Council Package is information on the Labrador-Island Transmission Line.
f) Combined Councils of Labrador
Councillor Saunders briefed Council on the Annual meeting of the Combined Councils of Labrador held in North WestRiver last weekend.
g) Letter
Committee recommends that Council write the Chair of the Combined Councils of Labrador congratulating them on a job well done on this years AGM.
h) Street Paving
Committee recommends that staff explore the possibility of combining our paving tenders with the provincial paving tender.
i) Tender
Committee recommends that Council invite proposals for a consultant to do tender specs for road paving and extension to the Town Depot.
j) Building Permit
Enclosed in Council Package is information on ticketing
for violations.
k) Fire Breaks
Committee recommends that staff look into the cost of a fire break around the community.
l) Business Application-Arpeggio’s Strings & Things
Application received from Paul Walsh to operate a home based business Arpegggio’s Strings & Things, the selling of musical supplies from 3 Grenfell Street on an appointment only basis. Committee recommends approval subject to the following conditions a) the request be advertised for public input and b) vehicle traffic to be kept to a minimum.
m) Motion referred back to Municipal Services
Committee recommends to refer back to Municipal Services Committee the reallocation of $20,000.00 from the 2009 allotment of $100,000.00 to do a study on Spring Gulch water, further, committee will develop the scope of work that has to be done.
n) Equipment Purchase
Committee recommends that Council accept the low tenders for the following equipment:
- Sander/Dump Truck Combination-Harvey & Company $158,891.56 HST incl.
- Snow Blower Attachment-Parts For Trucks $178,381.80 HST incl.
- Backhoe w/ Attachment-StoneValley Equipment $116,277.00 HST incl.
- Two Pick up Trucks-Labrador Motors Ltd $42,646.20 HST incl.
- One SUV Police Vehicle-Labrador Motors Ltd $45,568.38 HST incl.
Against: Councillors Clarke & Mackey
In favor: Mayor, deputy Mayor, Councillors Tsibidis, Kelly
and Saunders.
8 TOURISM, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE Councillor B.MacKey
It was moved by Councillor Mackey and seconded by Councillor Saunders to approve the Tourism, Parks & Recreation Report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Abbass would like a letter of congratulations sent to the organizing committee for the Big Land Loppet and Cain’s Quest.
Mayor Abbass would also like the Community Awards Committee to verify the names on the awards plaques for accuracy.
a) Report
Enclosed in Council Package is the Tourism Parks and
Recreation Committee Report for the period February 16-
March 16, 2009.
b) 2008-2009 Winter Lights
Enclosed in Council Package is information regarding the
2008-2009 Winter Lights celebration.
c) Louis Leonard Circus
Enclosed in Council Package is information regarding the
Louis Leonard Circus.
d) HV-GB Minor Soccer Association
Enclosed in Council Package is information from the HV-
GB Minor Soccer Association regarding arena rates.
e) Upcoming Events
Labrador Cup-March 20-22/09
Novice Jamboree-March 27-29/09
Figure Skating Ice Show-April 4-5/09
Midget Hockey Provincials-April 13-16/09
Air Labrador Hockey Series-March 27/09 Sheshatshui Arena
March 28/09 E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena
2009 RNL Regional Labrador Seminar-April 3-5/09
3-3 Fun Hockey Tournament-March 21/09 HuskyPark
f) Community Awards
Enclosed in Council Package is information regarding
the Community Awards.
g) Phase 2 Sports Complex
Committee recommends that Council approve the fee
Proposal from CBCL Ltd for Phase 2 of the Sports
Complex at a cost of $500,337.75
9ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – Councillor D. Clarke
It was moved by Councillor D. Clarkeseconded by Councillor Saunders to approve the Economic Development Committee Report as presented. Motion Carried unanimously.
a) Atlantic Mayor’s Congress
Atlantic Mayor’s Congress will be taking place in Halifax,
N.S. April 16-18/09.
b) Public Comment on EIS for Proposed LCP
Enclosed inCouncil Package is info regarding public comments on the EIS for the proposed Lower Churchill Project due by the panel by May 22, 2009.
c) Information Item
Enclosed in council package is information regarding meetings attended by the Director of Economic Development.
d) Information Item-PDAC 2009
Enclosed in council package is info on the Prospectors &
Developers Association of Canada 2009 International
Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange held in
Toronto March 1-4, 2009.
e) MNL 2008 Resolution
Enclosed in Council Package is information of MNL 2008
Resolution.
f) Strategic Risk Management
Enclosed in Council Package is information on Strategic
Risk Management.
g) Advertisement
Committee recommends that Council purchase a ¼
page ad for both the May and November issues of the
Downhome Magazine for a total cost of $732.20.
10FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE – Councillor B. MacKey
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by Councillor P. Tsibidis to approve the Finance and Administration Committee as presented. Motion Carried unanimously.
a) Complaint Report
Enclosed in Council Package is the January & February
2009 Complaints Report.
b) Fuel Pricing
Enclosed in Council Package is the Fuel Pricing Report for February 26-March 12, 2009.
c) Traffic Fines Report
Enclosed in council package is the Traffic Fines Report for February 2009.
d) Proclamation-Parkinson Society of NL
Committee recommends to approve the following proclamation declaring April 2009 as the Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
This is to let all members of Council and all citizens of Happy Valley-Goose Bay know that April has been named Parkinson’s Awareness Month by Parkinson Society of Canada.
Nearly 100,000 people in Canada and 1,600 people in this province have Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease which causes
tremors, slowness and stiffness, impaired balance and rigidity of muscles and even trouble speaking and swallowing. Parkinson’s affects men and women equally, is not contagious and is not a natural part of aging. Although no cure has yet been found, scientists are working to develop drugs to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and to discover the cause and find a cure.
Parkinson Society Newfoundland and Labrador, a regional partner of Parkinson Society Canada, is the provincial voice of people living with Parkinson’s. Through research, education, advocacy and support services the Society endeavors to ease the burden for all those affected by Parkinson’s.
I invite all citizens of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to join me in wishing the Parkinson Society a successful Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Mayor Leo Abbass
Town of Happy Valley-GooseBay
e) Request-MemorialUniversity Alumni Association
Request received from Memorial University Alumni Association for the Town to nominate a deserving graduate whom we feel has contributed in significant ways to his/her profession or community. Staff is to forward this item to Carol Best.
f) Mealy Mountain Scholarship
Committee recommends to sponsor a $1,000.00 scholarship for Mealy Mountain Collegiate. Councillor Clarke will be the presenter for 2009.
g) Request-151 Hamilton River Road
Enclosed in Council Package is information regarding 151 Hamilton River Road.
h) Commissioning of Mealy Mountain Auditorium
Enclosed in Council Package is information on the commissioning of the Mealy Mountain Auditorium.
i) Progressive Discipline Conference
Committee recommends that Deputy Mayor Oliver, Valerie Sheppard and Sheldon Normore attend the Progressive Discipline Conference in Halifax March 30-April 1, 2009.
j) Municipal Symposium
Committee recommends that Councilor Saunders and Superintendent of Works-Road Transport, Wallace Nippard attend the Municipal Symposium being held in Gander April 29-May 2/09.
k) Information Item- Main Gate Remediation
Enclosed in council package is information on the
Environmental Cleanup activity on the Base property near
the main gate south of Loring Drive.
l)Mayor Abbass requested that a letter be written to NLAMA advising that Labrador was missed from sponsors.
11 APROVAL OF CHEQUES
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Oliver seconded by
Councillor Tsibidisto approve cheques in the amount
of $409,940.80. Motion Carried unanimously.
ChequeNumber / Pay To The Order Of / Cheque Amount
00003934 / Alpa Equipment / $565.81
00003955 / National Shoe / $3,553.62
00003962 / Strongco Equipment / $12,808.74
00003963 / Toromont Cat / $3,245.91
00004030 / Mokami Travel Service / $1,308.40
00004034 / Provincial Airlines / $1,657.90
00004065 / Cimco Refrigeration / $1,189.44
00004067 / Fracflow Consultants Inc / $1,392.29
00004076 / Microtek Newfoundland Inc. / $2,452.10
00004077 / Mista-Shipu Construction / $325,011.81
00004081 / Newcap Broadcasting / $708.51
00004087 / Provincial Airlines Ltd / $794.77
00004089 / Ron Fougere & Associates / $50,933.83
00004173 / GooseBay Wholesalers / $1,195.20
00004176 / K&D Pratt / $691.84
00004177 / Melville Communications / $751.45
00004180 / Thomas Industrial Sales / $1,679.18
Total / $409,940.80
12 COUNCILLORS FORUM
a) Councillor Clarkeexpressed pleasure in seeing the youth
in Council Chambers and that “Earth Hour” is an excellent
project.
b) Councillor Clarke commented that he was not opposed to
the town acquiring Spring Gulch but would like more
research on what Council would be expecting from the
$20,000.00 expenditure.
c) Councillor Clarkecommented that he would like to move
forward on getting the Town Clock installed as soon as
possible.
d) Councillor Saunderscommented on the Town trying to find
another water supply and also the water supply from
Spring Gulch.
e) Councillor Saundersqueried as to where the plaque for
Mayor Leon Cooper would be installed. Town Manager
advised that it will be installed at the Town Square during
Aboriginal Day this year.
f) Councillor Kelly commented that the Town supports Lower
Churchill and that all should benefit from this project.
g) Councillor Mackeycommented that the Germans are back
in town training and is disappointed that the Danish are not
coming.
h) Councillor Tsibidis commented on the town water supply
and that we should get our own water supply.
i) Councillor Tsibidisthanked Council for the removal of traffic
signs in SprucePark.
j) Deputy Mayor Oliverapplauded the Province and Health
Labrador on their new office building and the new Long
Term Health Care Facility. Both are a big asset to our
community.
k) Deputy Mayor Oliveris concerned as to what is going to
happen to the Paddon Home once the new facility is open.
He requested that a letter be sent to the Province and
Health Labrador requesting that they meet to discuss the
Paddon Home facility.
l) Deputy Mayor Oliver requested that a letter be sent to the
RCMP and the ad channel regarding ice conditions on the
Churchill River.
m) Deputy Mayor Oliver requested that the four paving
specifications be done as soon as possible.
n) Mayor Abbass requested a letter be sent to the Federal
Minister regarding the article on the Military’s Northern Unit.
o) Mayor Abbass advised that he spoke to the Innu Nation and
they are willing to brief Council in April.
p) Mayor Abbass requested a letter of congratulations to the
Combined Councils of Labrador Annual Convention.
q) Mayor Abbass requested a letter congratulating Michel
Andrew on his successful walk from Sheshatshui to
Natuashish.
r) Mayor Abbass queried if the lights donated by the Dutch
military are usable. The Town Manager advised that there is
a very high cost involved. The Town Manager will do an ad
for sale in Municipality NL info note.
s) Mayor Abbass advised that the Combined Councils
representation agreed to meet on a regular basis.
t) Mayor Abbass requested that a meeting be arranged
between Council, CLEDB and the Chamber of Commerce to
find out where we all stand on certain issues.
The meeting adjourned for a short recess at 7:10 pm and
reconvened at 7:15 pm for Business Session.
13 BUSINESS SESSION
a) Mayor requested that the Town Manager write the Town
Union to establish the Union, Management and Council
Committee.
b) Mayor queried reasoning for the outgoing letter #9. Town
Manager advised that in order to apply for funding the
letter is required.
c) Mayor queried the status of the debit machine. Town clerk
advised that the programmers are in the process of
completing and should be installed shortly, but may not be
for the billing.
d) Mayor asked that the Recreation Director meet with the
local soccer association to inquire as to what the
association is requiring from Council.
e) Councillor Tsibidis requested that Council contact Air
Canada or some other airline to replace routes by Air
Labrador.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at
7:50 p.m.
MAYOR LEO ABBASS
TOWN CLERK VALERIE SHEPPARD
46th Council Minutes March 24, 20091