Monday, December 11th, 2023
Minutes of the Regular Public Meeting of Council held on Monday, December 11th, 2023 in Council Chambers.
Attendees: Mayor Keith Howell (Chair)
Deputy Mayor Kimberly Blackwood
Councillor Gordon Blackwood
Councillor Dale Howell
Councillor Hayward Morgan
Councillor Tony Moyles
Councillor Mitchell Nippard
Clerk/Manager Dianne Goodyear
Call to Order: Chair @ 7:30 p.m.
Agenda: Motion-4578-23-Councillor T. Moyles/DM Blackwood
Resolve that the Agenda be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor H. Morgan Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Minutes: Mayor Howell asked if there were any errors or omissions to the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of November 27th, 2023 which had been circulated to all members.
Motion-4579-23-Councillor T. Moyles/Councillor H. Morgan
Resolve that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of November 27th, 2023 be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor H. Morgan Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Business
Arising: Fire Training Grounds Proposal
Fire Department Members are in agreement that the location beside the Department of Highways Depot is the best option to try to obtain for their training grounds as there is an existing fire hydrant and cell phone service in that area.
FD Budget
Fire Training Grounds is the first choice for the Fire Department 2024 Budget. If that is not possible, the prioritized list provided will be considered.
FD Junior’s Fund Raising/Donations
Members were in agreement that the request for the Junior Firefighters to fundraise through selling cookie dough be approved as presented. They must be transparent and inform the public what they are fundraising for. All future fundraising must still be submitted to council for approval to ensure all applicable rules relating to that particular fundraiser are in place.
The letter requesting monetary donations to cover the cost of equipment and training materials is not approved as the town covers the cost of all supplies and equipment required to provide the Junior Firefighters with adequate training.
Possible Water Leak
The water leak is not in the main waterline. The town will ask for assistance from the Dept. of Transportation and Works to rectify the problem if source of the leak can’t be determined.
Video Surveillance
Video Surveillance Policy and Procedures are being work on and further research into trail cameras is required. Results will be brought back to the next meeting.
Committees:
Finance: Budget
Motion-4580-23-DM Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve to adopt the 2024 Budget balanced at $937,954 with the Residential Mil Rate remaining at 5.75; the Commercial Mil Rate remaining at 8.25; and the Minimum Property Tax at $350. The Water and Sewer Tax Rate remains at $400 and the Residential Water Only Tax Rate remains at $300. All other taxes and fees remain unchanged and as stated on the attached 2024 Tax and Fee Schedule.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor H. Morgan Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Collections Report
The Collections Report was presented to and reviewed by members. Collections of arrears are progressing at a slower rate this time of year, but still moving forward.
Public Works: Water Report
The Water Report from Government Services on testing conducted on Dec. 5th was satisfactory.
Valve on Main Street
The sleeve and cap has already been removed leaving just the hole. The valve will be capped off and covered as it will be needed in the spring with the continuation of the water and sewer.
Accounts
Payable:
NL Power $1,841.24 – Hydro – Street Lights (Paid)
Bell Aliant $ 320.29 – Phone/Fax/Internet (Paid)
Bell Aliant $ 81.36 – Phone – Fire Dept. (Paid)
NAPE $ 72.17 – Union Dues (Paid)
Receiver General for Canada $3,454.39 – Payroll Remittance (Paid)
Rockwater $1,903.02 – Chlorine
Central Office Equipment $ 148.04 – Office Supplies
Computer Shack Inc. $ 448.45 – Printer Toners
Tulk’s Home Hardware $ 269.44 – WS/Garage/Bathroom/Sander
CNWM $2,188.60 – Tipping Fees
Carmanville Valu Grocer $ 8.39 – Kitchen Supplies
Car Quest $ 86.35 – Garage Supplies
Collabra Visa $ 198.58 – WS Supplies
G & M Services $ 732.46 – Gas – Town
K & D Pratt $ 355.93 - BA Servicing
Dooley’s Trucking $ 236.16 – Courier Service
TRIO $ 318.07 – Health Premiums
Safety Source Fire $ 79.24 – Survivor Battery
Motion-4581-23-Councillor T. Moyles/Councillor G. Blackwood
Resolve that the outstanding accounts be paid in full as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor H. Morgan Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
New Business: Christmas Tree Lighting
The new date for the Community Tree Lighting is Thursday night, December 14th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Notices will be posted.
SC Parade/Horse
The date for the Community Tree Lighting will be given to the Fire Department Members so they can decide the date for the parade at their meeting on Tuesday night (Dec. 12th).
Due to concerns for public safety with the noise from sirens, horns honking, etc. that could spook the horse, and inadvertently cause an injury to a pedestrian, Council cannot approve the request for the horse and carriage to participate in the parade.
Members
Business: CEEP – Rink work
Councillor Morgan presented an update on the Rink Work currently being done by the CEEP workers.
Heaters – Rink & Chlorination Chambers
Members were in agreement to engage an electrician to replace the heaters in the Rink Building and Chlorination Chambers with the heaters that were replaced in the Town Garage. The heaters are still in good working order and were only replaced because they were too small to heat such a big area.
Christmas Dinner
Members were reminded to respond to their invitation by the deadline.
Adjournment: Motion-4582-23-DM Blackwood/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve that Council do now adjourn to meet again at the Call of the Chair.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor H. Morgan Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
