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MEETING #425
MINUTES OF MEETING
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL
7:00 P.M., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2014
PRESENT: Mayor: Allan Hawkins
Deputy Mayor: Barry Manuel
Councillors: Amy Coady-Davis, Darren Finn, Rodney Mercer,
Bruce Moores, Tom Pinsent
Staff: M. Pinsent, Town Manager\Clerk
J. Saunders, Director of Engineering & Works
D. Nichols, Director of Parks & Recreation
B. Griffin, Director of Finance
ABSENT: Staff: G. Hennessey, Economic Development Officer
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M and asked for any errors or omissions to the Minutes of Meeting #424 of Tuesday, January 21st, 2014.
It was noted on page 9 it should be “potential” conflict of interest.
Motion
Moores\Coady-Davis
Be it resolved that the Minutes of Meeting #424 of Tuesday, January 21st, 2014 would be adopted as circulated with the noted change. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
Councillor Mercer advised Council that he had consulted with his lawyer and it is unclear whether he is in a conflict of interest. However, his solicitor advised him to err on the side of caution and he will not be taking part in any discussion regarding the Grenfell Heights sewer.
In response to a question from Councillor Finn, the Deputy Mayor stated the intention is to stop ATV access through the tunnel due to noise and traffic around the skateboard park.
Councillor Mercer expressed concern that a barrier would cause a liability issue for the Town unnecessarily.
DISBURSEMENT REPORT
Councillor Mercer presented the disbursement report in the amount of $343,639.99.
Motion
Mercer\Finn
Be it resolved that the disbursement report in the amount of $343,639.99 would be adopted as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Works and Planning
The following report was presented by Councillor Finn.
T’Railway – Harmsworth Drive
The Committee reviewed the development plans and correspondence from residents concerning the ATV access. Our Chief Municipal Enforcement Officer and Staff Sargent from the RCMP both offered their comments on the issue.
Anyone under thirteen (13) years of age using an ATV or snow machine must be supervised. Also any machine that crosses the municipal road has to be insured. It is also important for parents and residents to monitor the use of these machines by their children. If a resident witnesses any misuse, please report to our Municipal Police or RCMP, including the names or owners so it can be followed up by Enforcement Officers. This area is patrolled on a regular basis and that will continue.
The Committee recommends that the residents who submitted the correspondence be invited to a meeting with the Committee.
Sanitary Sewer – Grenfell Heights Extension
The Committee reviewed development plans, regulations and the sanitary sewer issues raised by residents on Grenfell Heights.
The Committee recommends that the Grenfell Heights Committee (up to 4 persons) meet with the Public Works and Planning Committee at the next scheduled meeting on February 11th, 2014.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Finn\Pinsent
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The following discretionary use was also presented by Councillor Finn:-
Discretionary Use Notice – 10 Queen Street
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor has received a home based business application at 10 Queen Street to provide a program on weight loss and nutrition by two (2) resident employees. The proposed service is available by appointment only and operates during regular business hours up to 7:00 P.M. Each client visit will be one (1) hour or less with a maximum of eight (8) visits per day.
The location for the proposed business is situated within the Single Unit Small Lot Residential (RS-2) Zone. This type of development is identified as a “Discretionary Use” for this use zone in the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Development Regulations (2012-2022).
A notice was mailed to adjacent property owners and advertised in the local newspaper on January 16th, 2014. Response deadline was January 27th, 2014. Engineering Department did not receive any written objections, but there was a concern about street parking. It is therefore recommended that off-street parking requirement be stipulated on the Home Based Business Permit to ensure that there is sufficient parking for all clients and occupants at this property. The permit is also subject to review, if complaints are received. Council may revoke the permit if issues cannot be resolved.
Motion
Finn\Manuel
Be it resolved that the discretionary use for 10 Queen Street would be approved as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Parks, Recreation and Special Events
The following report was presented by Deputy Mayor Manuel.
Presentation – Airials Gymnastics Club
The Airials Gymnastics Club representatives provided the Committee with background and program information regarding their activities and operations. The majority of the equipment needed to start the gymnastics program in Grand Falls-Windsor has been secured and the Club now has a certified instructor and several coaches in place. The Club representatives and the Committee discussed possible locations for the operation of the Club in Town. To-date no location has been secured. The Committee discussed plans to secure a couple of possible locations but it is expected to be several months before these locations may become available.
The Club representatives and the Committee will continue to seek out possible locations available even for a temporary basis until a permanent location can be obtained.
The Club representatives were excused from the meeting at 5:40 P.M.
The Committee discussed the Club’s presentation and the Director will work with the Club and update the Committee at the next Committee meeting.
The Committee welcomed Bruce Andrews representing the Riverblast Volleyball Club to the meeting at 5:45 P.M.
Presentation – Riverblast Volleyball Club
Mr. Andrews presented the Committee with a background of his volleyball and coaching experience and information about the Riverblast Volleyball Club.
The Club under his ownership started up this fall and is now running at a capacity number of one hundred (100) participants. The Club cannot expand or offer different programs due to the unavailability of the gym time in Town. Presently, they have six (6) hours per week, but fifteen (15) hours per week could be utilized, if available. The Club requests the Town’s assistance to secure gym time and a facility to run the Club and store equipment. Mr. Andrews also presented the possibility of being able to host more tournaments in Town if the facilities were available.
The Committee discussed the concerns presented and noted that the Town is in the process of trying to secure a facility that may accommodate the Volleyball Program.
Mr. Andrews was excused from the meeting at 6:10 P.M.
The Committee discussed the presentation and the Director will liase with Mr. Andrews and keep him updated on any new developments which may assist the Club.
The Committee welcomed Stan Coffin representing the Cataracts Hockey Club to the meeting at 6:15 P.M.
Presentation – Cataracts Hockey Club
Mr. Coffin presented concerns the Club had with the cost associated with the decals having to be installed due to the replacement of the Olympia ice resurfacing machine. Mr. Coffin explained the Agreement with the Olympic advertising sponsor and noted that the revenue is needed to operate the Hockey Club. The Club requests financial assistance to cover the cost of the installation of the new decals on the new Olympia ice machine.
Mr. Coffin was excused from the meeting at 6:40 P.M.
The Committee discussed the request and recommends that $3,000.00 be provided to assist with the cost. This funding will be provided from the Town’s portion of sign revenue advertising for 2014.
Winterlude 2014
The Committee discussed the final schedule of events for Winterlude 2014 which will be held from February 14th-17th, 2014.
The Committee invites all residents to take part in the many activities offered during the 22nd Annual Winterlude.
Community Enhancement Employment Program Update
The Director informed the Committee that work is progressing well on the Community Enhancement Employment Grant. Three (3) workers are continuing work on brush trimming and trails clearing at the Scott Avenue Cross Country Ski Trails.
The Department is working with the Exploits Valley Ski Club to utilize the workers for other activities to assist the Ski Club.
Soccer Clubhouse
The Director informed the Committee that Bluebird Construction will complete the contract work on the Soccer Clubhouse by February 14th, 2014. The remaining work and installation of various operational equipment will be completed by the Department staff.
Gorge Park Wedding Requests
The Committee discussed a memorandum and information presented by the Director with respect to the holding of several wedding ceremonies at the Gorge Park.
The Committee recommends that Gorge Park remain as a Public Park and that the Department not book or be involved with the operation or administration of wedding ceremonies at the Park. Residents may use the Park at their own risk for pictures and small ceremonies.
First Time Skaters Update
The Director presented an update on the First Time Skaters Free Registration Program. The number of participants is on par with last year. It was noted that the deadline for the return of surveys is January 31st, 2014.
The Director will present the final report at the next Committee meeting.
Winter, Spring and Summer Tournaments & Special Events
The Director presented the Winter, Spring and Summer Tournaments and Special Events. It was noted that several events will be added to the Spring and Summer list.
Correspondence – Skate Sharpening Request
The Committee discussed correspondence received from a local business requesting permission to offer skate sharpening services at the Stadiums for hockey tournaments and figure skating events. The Committee discussed possible locations for this service at the Stadiums and the proper procedures with respect to a public request for the service.
The Committee directed the Director to determine a location in both Stadiums and to prepare a request for proposals for this service.
Correspondence – Exploits Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Committee discussed correspondence received from the Exploits Regional Chamber of Commerce requesting that the Committee reconsider renting out the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium for another event one week following the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show.
The Committee recommends that there be no change in this booking at the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium and the request be denied.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Manuel\Coady-Davis
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
There was discussion regarding the replacement of the decals on the Olympia. The Olympia was replaced after two (2) years and the cost of the advertising decals would have been born by the Cataracts. Council felt that they should pay the $3,000.00 to replace this.
OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Coady-Davis reminded the business community to nominate a business for an Award at the “Business Excellence Awards & Hall of Fame”. She also informed Council of topics discussed at the recent Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Meetings on January 31st and February 1st.
Councillor Coady-Davis also reviewed the agenda for the 2014 Winterlude starting on February 14th.
Councillor Mercer paid tribute to Freeman Stagg of Stagg Signs who retired this past week. He also encouraged people to sign up for the “Mid Winter Bivver”.
Councillor Pinsent asked people to support the Enactus group at the College in their Valentine project in support of autism.
Mayor Hawkins advised that the fiscal framework process is ongoing and is of the opinion that the Minister is committed to getting it resolved.
Motion
Mercer\Finn
Be it resolved that the meeting of the Grand Falls-Windsor Town Council would be adjourned until the next regular scheduled meeting of 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 25th, 2014. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Allan Hawkins M. Pinsent
Mayor Town Manager\Clerk