UMNB – AGMOctober 3rd – October 5th, 2014
MINUTES
TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
UNION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF NEW BRUNSWICK
The twenty first Annual General Meeting of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick, which is duly owned and operated by the member Municipalities of New Brunswick, was held on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 in Fredericton, New Brunswick with 52 municipalities (180 delegates) in attendance. The meeting began at 1:10pm.
1.OPENING ADDRESS
The opening address was made by the President of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick, Mayor Arthur Slipp of Woodstock. Following the opening address the Executive Director read out the list of those elected officials, past and present, who have passed away but are still remembered by their Councils. This was followed by a moment of silence.
2.AGENDA
It was moved by MayorDavid Hanson,Rextonand second by Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson, Woodstock, that the agenda be adopted with the following additions – Municipal Elections Act, Disaster Financial Assistance Program and Climate change/Energy initiatives. Motion Carried
- COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committees provided written reports in the delegate’s handbook
Ad Hoc Committee – Governance/Fiscal Advisory
Ad Hoc Committee – Conflict Resolution
Ad Hoc Committee – Population Growth
Policing
Constitution
Three committees of UMNB: Municipal Police Assistant Fund Advisory, Solicitor General (Police Act Review) and Solicitor General (Standards Implementation) – did not provide reports since nothing had occurred since the last AGM.
The President thanked those volunteers who represent UMNB on the various Committees.
It was moved by Mayor Terry James, Blacks Harbourand second by Mayor Jerome Bear, Dorchester to accept the committee reports as presented.
Motion carried
4.ZONE REPORTS
ZONE 1
Mayor Bev Gaston, Doakown, presented the zone report as follows:
- A few issues were discussed at the zone meetings: Forestry – budworm program and potential solutions.
- Designated Highway Program and funding formula.
- CN Rail Safety
- TIANB Tourism levy
- Our Directors for zone 1 are: Mayor Bev Gaston, Doakown, Councillor Gérard Richard.
- Next zone meeting – Miramichi City in February.
ZONE 2
Mayor Terry Keating,Salisbury presented the zone report as follows:
- Three meetings were held this year.
- March meeting
- May meeting with Raymond Murphy – many different issues from UMNB were discussed; CN concerns – met with Nancy McKay on rail issues
- One of the members questioned the value of UMNB membership.
- Designated Highway program concerns expressed.
- Request for Mayor Keating to bring forth a motion with respect to a strategic plan for the association
Mayor Gerald Gogan, Petitcodiac and Mayor Terry Keating, Salisbury are the Directors for Zone 2 and the Alternate is Councillor Beverly Best, Salisbury.
Zone 3
Mayor Ken Chorley, Hampton presented the zone report as follows:
- Designated highway funding, community funding model and a motion that UMNB contact Saint John with respect to membership and presentation to council were all discussed.
- Binding Arbitration was discussed and information provided on the file.
Zone 3 Directors are: Mayor Ken Chorley, Hampton, Councillor Beth Thompson, Quispamsis and Councillor Deborah Armitage, Sussex and Councillor Peter Behr, Hampton are the Alternates.
Zone 4
Mayor Teresa James, Blacks Harbour, presented the zone report as follows:
- Struggled throughout the year to find enough members to hold a meeting – many scheduled but due to lack of attendees were cancelled.
- May be an interest by McAdam and Harvey to join the zone since they are part of the Charlotte RSC.
- We just had an election and the Directors are: Mayor Teresa James, Blacks Harbour,Councillor Abby Pond, St. Stephen and the Alternates are Deputy Mayor Natalie Harris, Blacks Harbour and Councillor Guy Groulx, Saint Andrews.
Zone 5
Deputy Mayor Gisèle McCaie-Burke, New Maryland, presented the zone report as follows:
- Three meetings were held
- President Art Slipp and ED Raymond Murphy attended bringing up-dates on UMNB activities
- Both government & Opposition MLA’s were in attendance at separate zone meetings to discuss municipal issues and respond to concerns. Major topics covered at our meetings were: Municipal and Community Planning Acts, Regional Service Commission structure, gas tax funding for wellfield exploration, fire departments & first responders.
- June 5th meeting – Election of Directors & Alternates – Gary Mersereau & Gisele McCaie-Burke and alternates Mayor Michael Blaney & Deputy Mayor Sherida Mawhinney.
- More detailed report passed in to Executive Director and filed.
Zone 6
Mayor Elaine English Canterbury, presented the zone report as follows:
- Two meetings were held with our regulars in attendance.
- Topics discussed included – presumptive coverage for firefighters, Community Planning and Municipalities Act, CRA update, Framework for Recreation.
- Mayor Elaine English, Canterbury, Mayor Arthur Slipp, Woodstook are the Directors and Mayor Craig Melanson, Hartland, Mayor Alexis Fenner, Plaster Rocks are the Alternates
Zone 7
Councillor Tracy Culligan, Belledune, presented the zone report as follows:
- Two meetings were held. It was decided that the Directors will serve a two year mandate.
- Major concerns – CN Safety, Emergency Measures and First responders, regional shared services.
- Directors of Zone 7 are Councillor Tracy Culligan, Belledune, Councillor Jacqueline Leclair, Dalhousie
The Alternates are Councillor Joanne Mercier, Charlo and Mayor Ron Bourque, Belledune
Zone 9
Councillor France Roussel, Drummond presented the zone report as follows:
- Met thismorning
- Discussions on user fees for recreation services, regionalization of fire departments, gas tax program to connect LSD to municipal wastewater system
- Sidewalk completed in Drummond
- Ron Turcotte memorial unveiling in July
- Court closure and reduced hours at clinic are issues
- Directors remain as Mayor Richard Keeley, Grand Falls, and Councillor France Roussell, Drummond.
CITIES
Deputy Mayor John Foran, Miramichi reported that Proposed highway program is a concern
- No meetings were held for the Cities Zone
- Other issues of concern: Municipalities Act, Community Planning Act reformation as well as the fiscal arrangement that goes with it.
- Strategic Planning session to be held
AMANB
Past President Mary Jane Banks thanked UMNB and Executive Director Raymond Murphy on behalf of the President,the board and the members
- Definition andprimary focus of the Association
- Successful in obtaining funding through Environmental Trust Fund for 2014 and 2015 and we have provided training opportunity in Resiliency Planning, Strategic Planning and also had information sessions on Physical Impact and Community Design
- Currently working on a National Partnership Strategic with CAMA
- Annual Conference is scheduled for June 2016 in Shippigan
It was moved by Mayor Alexis Fenner, Plaster Rock and second byMayor Terry Keating, Salisburyto accept the zone reports as presented.
Motion carried
FCM REMARKS
President Raymond Louie provided remarks on FCM and was presented with a small gift at the end. Among points made were the strong working relationship between FCM and UMNB. There is a hope to empower communities. They also hope to play an important role in the federal election campaign through identifying municipal issues and hopefully getting a commitment to support them. He referred delegates to the Hometown Proud portion of the FCM website
5.PRESENTATION
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown addressed the delegates on issues facing both the RCMP and municipalities and ways of dealing with these moving forward. Connie Courcy from the Department of Public Safety discussed costs for policing services in NB as well as the policing formula. Also mentioned is downward trend of the crime rate and the potential solutions to some of these issues.
ADM Jeff Ferguson presented on the changes to the federal disaster Financial Arrangements Program and the impact on both the province and the potential impact on municipalities. He mentioned that he would appreciate UMNB providing him with input into some of the recommendations made by the Province. Our appreciation was expressed and each presenter was given a small gift.
MULTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NB
Managing Director Alex LeBlanc outlined a proposal from his associationwith respect to permanent residents being able to vote in municipal elections. This would require a change in the Municipal Elections Act. He was accompanied by 1st Vice President of the Association who spoke on the issue as a relatively new immigrant.
RECESS
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Tracy Culligan, Belledune and second by CouncillorJeff Bradbury, Woodstock, that the meeting be recessed until 8:15 am, Sunday, October 4th, 2015.
Motion carried
The meeting recessed at 4:20 pm.
Sunday, October 4th, 2015
Mayor Arthur Slipp, Woodstock, President of UMNB, reconvened the meeting at 8:15am. President Slipp expressed our appreciation to TransCanada Pipeline for sponsoring the breakfast. He also announced that there would be presentations later this morning by Recycle NB, RTIPPA, and ACEC – NB.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mayor Randy Hunter, Tide Head and second by Councillor Ian MacDonald, Riverview that the minutes of the 2014 annual general meeting be approved. Motion carried
7.BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
RESPONSES TO RESOLUTIONS REPORT – Councillor Stephen Chase
It was moved by Councillor Stephen Chase, FrederictonANSON, second by CouncillorIan MacDonald, Riverview, that the following resolutions be voted on under a “Consent Agenda” and that UMNB continue to work on them. The resolutions are: U-11-04, U-12-01, U-12-02, U-12-05, U-13-01, U-13-02,U-13-03, and U-14-03.
Motion carried
It was moved by Mayor Gary Mersereau, Fredericton Junction and second byMayor Bob Powell, Oromocto, that U-14-01Gas Tax for Municipalitiesbe closed.
Motion carried
It was moved by Mayor Ken Chorley, Hampton and second by Deputy Mayor Libby O’Hara, Quispamsis that U-14-02 Tree Trimming be closed.
Motion carried
8.TREASURER’S REPORT
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Tracy Culligan, Belledune and second by Councillor Ian MacDonald, Riverview to approve the 2014 Audit Report, from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, that has been deliberated by the General Assembly, showing a surplus of $93,819.95.
Motion carried
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Tracy Culligan, Belledune second by MayorTerry Keating, Salisbury that Jane Maillet & Associates be appointed the auditors of UMNB for the year 2015.
Motion carried
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Tracy Culligan, Belledune, second by Mayor Jacques LeBlanc, Shediacto approve the 2016 proposed budget that has been deliberated by the General Assembly.
Motion carried
9.FCM REPORT
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Libby O’Hara, Quispamsis second by Mayor Denis McIntyre, Charloto accept the FCM report of President Slipp for information. Motion carried
10.NEW RESOLUTIONS – presented by Councillor Stephen Chase
It was moved by Mayor Bill Bishop, Rothesay, second by Councillor Tom Dixon, Perth-Andover that UMNB adopt Resolution U-15-01- Framework for Recreation in Canada.
Motion carried
It was moved by Mayor Alexis Fenner, Plaster Rock and second by Mayor Gary Mersereau, Fredericton Junction that UMNB adopt Resolution U-15-03 – Provincial Road maintenance Contribution.
Motion carried
One further resolution was brought forward from the floor with respect to UMNB adopting a strategic plan for the organization but since unanimous approval was required to proceed no further action was taken.
It was moved by Mayor Gary Mersereau, Fredericton Junction and second by Mayor Gerald Gogan, Petitcodiac,that the proposed amendment to the Constitution be approved.
Motion carried
PRESENTATIONS
Pat McCarthy, Recycle NB presented on the work of the organization in NB especially as it pertains to waste diversion.
John McNaughton, ACEC discussed asset management and how it can assist NB’s municipalities as they plan for the future.
Ian Walsh, RTIPPA did not appear so no presentation was made to those in attendance.
11.PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It was moved by CouncillorStephen Chase, Fredericton second by Mayor Terry Keating, Salisbury to accept the President’s Report as presented for information.
Motion carried
12.NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT - Presented by Mayor David Hanson
It was moved by Mayor David Hanson, Rexton second byMayor Terry Keating, Salisburyto accept the following 2015-2016 Zone Directors as amended.
ZONE 1CouncillorGerard Richard, Richibucto
Mayor Bev Gaston, Doaktown
ZONE 2Mayor Gerald Gogan, Petitcodiac
Mayor Terry Keating, Salisbury
ZONE3Mayor Ken Chorley, Hampton
Councillor Beth Thompson, Quispamsis
ZONE 4Mayor Teresa James, Blacks Harbour
Councillor Abby Pond, St. Stephen
ZONE 5Deputy Mayor Gisèle McCaie-Burke, New Maryland
Mayor Gary Mersereau, Fredericton Junction
ZONE 6Mayor Art Slipp, Woodstock
Mayor Elaine English, Canterbury
ZONE 7Councillor Jacqueline Leclair, Dalhousie
Deputy Mayor Tracy Culligan, Belledune
ZONE 9Mayor Richard Keeley, Grand Falls/Grand-Sault
Councillor France Roussel, Drummond
CITIESCouncillor Stephen Chase, Fredericton
Deputy Mayor John Foran, Miramichi
AMANBMary Jane Banks, Rothesay
Motion carried
14. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
As per the 2014 changes to the Constitution, Directorsinterested in offering for an Executive Position cannot be nominated from the floor; they must have submitted their name 20 days prior to the AGM Conference. In addition, members of the Executive can only serve for 2 consecutive years. Since only Mayor Slipp had indicated a willingness to remain as President but that would be for a third year a motion was required to set aside Section 9.2a of the constitution. Therefore, it was moved by Mayor Bill Bishop, Rothesay and second byMayor Mark Thorne, Sussex that section 9.2a of the constitution be set aside for the 2015-2016 year with respect to the position of President.
Motion carried
Therefore Mayor Arthur Slipp, Woodstockwill serve as President for 2015-2016.
1st VICE PRESIDENT
The Nominating Committee brought forward the name of Councillor Stephen Chase,Frederictonfor the position of 1st Vice President and there being no other candidates Councillor Chase is 1st Vice President.
2nd VICE PRESIDENT
The Nominating Committee brought forward the name of Councillor Beth Thompson, Quispamsis for the position of 2nd Vice President; there being no other candidates, Councillor Beth Thompson will serve as 2nd Vice President.
SECRETARY TREASURER
The Nominating Committee brought forward the name of Deputy MayorTracy Culligan, Belledune as a candidate for the position of Secretary /Treasurer; there being no othercandidates, Deputy MayorTracy Culliganwill serve as Secretary/Treasurer.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Ralph Carr, Sussexand second by Mayor Gerald Gogan, Petitcodiac to accept the Nominating Committee Report as presented. Motion carried
OTHER BUSINESS
a)Municipal Elections Act – this follows the presentation by Alex LeBlanc from the Multicultural Association with respect to permanent residents being allowed to vote in municipal elections. It was moved by Councillor Ron Fowler, Upper Miramichi and second by Councillor Jean-Marc Brideau, Dieppe to support the request for inclusion of permanent residents being able to vote in municipal elections.
Motion carried
b)Disaster Financial Assistance program
It was moved by Mayor Terry Keating, Salisbury and second by Councillor Tom Dixon, Perth-Andover to send a letter to the federal government expressing our concerns with respect to the downloading of costs to the provinces and territories and our opposition to them.
Motion carried
c)Climate Change/Energy Initiatives
It was moved by Mayor Gerald Gogan, Petitcodiac and second by Councillor Gerard Richard, Richibucto to proceed with the climate change program with those municipalities who have indicated an interest.
Motion carried
The 2016Annual General Meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook in Fredericton, NB on September 30th, Oct 1st, and 2nd.
15.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the 21stAnnual General Meeting of UMNB adjourned at 10:50am on a motion from Deputy Mayor Tracy Culligan, Belledune and second by Mayor Terry Keating,Salisbury.
Motion carried
Respectfully submitted
PresidentExecutive Director
Mayor Arthur SlippRaymond Murphy