Monday, February 24th, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting held on Monday, February 24th, 2025 in Council Chambers.
Attendees: Mayor Keith Howell (Chair)
Deputy Mayor Kimberly Blackwood
Councillor Gordon Blackwood
Councillor Dale Howell
Councillor Tony Moyles
Councillor Mitchell Nippard
Clerk/Manager Dianne Goodyear
Absent Councillor Hayward Morgan (Leave of Absence)
Call to Order: Chair @ 7:30 p.m.
Agenda: i Resolution-025-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve that the Agenda be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Minutes: Mayor Howell asked if there were any errors or omissions to the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of February 10th, 2025 which had been circulated to all members.
Resolution-026-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of February 10th, 2025 be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Business
Arising: NAPE Negotiations (Privileged)
(Councillor T. Moyles left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. due to a conflict of interest)
Resolution-027-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve to enter into a “Privileged Session” to discuss this topic.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Discussion
Resolution-028-25-Councillor D. Howell/DM Blackwood
Resolve that the meeting be returned to an “Open Session”
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Mayor Howell and Clerk/Manager will meet with NAPE Representative on Friday to bring forward council’s response to their proposal.
(Councillor T. Moyles returned to the meeting at 8:30 p.m.)
Active NL 2025
DM Blackwood informed members that there are 2 applications through Active NL Funding that we can apply on – one is for $1,500 with a deadline of February 28th and the other is up to $5,000 with a deadline later in March. Her proposal is for a family fun day through Frontline Action at the total cost of $5,244.00. Members were in agreement to apply for the $1,500 Active NL Funding by the deadline of February 28th, 2025 and to further discuss options for remainder of funding at the next Council Meeting.
Business
Arising: Rink – signs – pictures
The School agreed to have the classes who designed the signs meet at the Rink for pictures with their respective signs, hot chocolate and treats. They will notify the office of a date and time.
W. S. Phase 4 Tender Call
The Tender Call has been cancelled as there were some problems with it that needed to be fixed. The Tender Call will be issued as soon as the problems have been addressed.
Committees:
Finance: Provincial Summer Student Employment
Resolution-029-25-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve to submit an application for the Provincial Summer Student Employment as in previous years.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Janitorial Services
The Janitor will not be available for a period up to 8 weeks. Members were in agreement to advertise for a Back-up Janitor to work during her absence. Further this back-up position would be a call in when required.
Public Works: Water Resource – THMs
The TMMs recorded by Water Resource Management from samples taken during the summer 2024 were 112.25. The recommended guideline is 100.
Water Resource – HAAs
The HAAs recorded by Water Resource Management from samples taken during the summer 2024 were 76.53. The recommended guideline is 80.
Fire Dept: FES Training Applications
(Councillor M. Nippard left the meeting at 9:00 p.m. due to a conflict of interest)
Resolution-030-25-Councillor D. Howell/DM Blackwood
Resolve that the applications for Firefighters Dale Saunders and Mitchell Nippard to attend the FES Fire School Air Brakes Course in Gander on May 24th, 2025 be approved as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
(Councillor M. Nippard returned to the meeting at 9:05 p.m.)
Poker Run
The Fire Department request to host a poker run for mid-March was approved as presented.
Recreation: New member request
Resolution-031-25-Councillor G. Blackwood/DM Blackwood
Resolve that the request for Natasha Pearce to join the Recreation Committee be approved as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Accounts
Payable:
TRIO $ 349.06 – Health Premiums (Paid)
Central Office Equipment $ 67.82 – Office Supplies
G & M Services $ 765.54– Gas: 489.56; Diesel: 252.00/Salt
Innovation, Science & Economic Dev. $ 101.00 – FD Radio Renewal
Workplace NL $4,117.14 – WHSCC Premiums
NL Power $ 149.16 – Hydro – Chlorination Chamber
NL Power $ 711.14 – Hydro – Mun. Bldg.
NL Power $ 48.70 – Hydro – Lift Station
NL Power $ 609.35 – Hydro – Garage
NL Power $ 262.88 – Hydro – Booster Station
NL Power $1,011.32 – Hydro – Fire Hall
PMA $ 109.25 – Registration- Central Meeting
NAPE $ 99.03 – Union Dues
Desjardins $ 494.12 – Pension Premiums
Receiver General for Canada $3,697.50 – Payroll Remittance
Pretty SAFE Enterprises $ 569.25 – Jr. FF. First Aid Training
Bell Aliant $ 319.86 – Phone/Fax/Internet
Resolution-032-25-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve that the outstanding accounts be paid in full as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Members
Business: Small Towns Virtual Meeting
DM Blackwood attended a Small Towns Virtual Meeting on Feb. 19th, 2025. She emailed an overview of the discussions at the meeting to all members and spoke on the overall benefits to council. DM Blackwood recommends all of council participate as a group in upcoming Virtual Small Town Meetings.
MNL Central Regional Meeting
Members were reminded of the upcoming MNL Central Regional Meeting in Twillingate on April 4th and 5th. DM Blackwood expressed interest and will be emailed the information package.
Members
Business: PMA Central Regional Meeting
The PMA Central Regional Meeting is scheduled on February 27th, 2025 in Gander. Clerk/Manager is registered to attend.
PMA Convention
The PMA Convention is scheduled for April 8th to 10th, 2025 in St. John’s. Clerk/Manager is registered to attend.
Information/Directional Sign
Late this afternoon, members were emailed several options on a new information and directional sign that our Internet Technician/Web Designer has been working on. Members were in agreement to table this item to the next meeting to give them more time to peruse the options provided.
Adjournment: Resolution-033-25-Councillor D. Howell/DM Blackwood
Resolve that Council do now adjourn to meet again on Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Monday, February 10th, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting held on Monday, February 10th, 2025 in Council Chambers.
Attendees: Mayor Keith Howell (Chair)
Deputy Mayor Kimberly Blackwood
Councillor Gordon Blackwood
Councillor Dale Howell
Councillor Mitchell Nippard
Clerk/Manager Dianne Goodyear
Absent: Councillor Hayward Morgan (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Tony Moyles
Call to Order: Chair @ 7:30 p.m.
Agenda: Resolution-019-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor G. Blackwood
Resolve that the Agenda be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Minutes: Mayor Howell asked if there were any errors or omissions to the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of January 27th, 2025 which had been circulated to all members.
Resolution-020-25-Councillor G Blackwood/Councillor M Nippard
Resolve that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of January 27th, 2025 be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Business
Arising: W. S. Phase 4 update
The Tender Call for the Water and Sewer Phase 4 Project has been issued with a closing date of February 14th, 2025.
NAPE Negotiations
Mayor and Clerk/Manager will meet with the Union Rep and Outside Workers on February 14th, 2025 to commence negotiations for the Collective Agreement 2025 to 2028.
Call in – Town Workers
Members reviewed a resume submitted as a call in operator/driver for snow clearing and garbage collection in the event the Town Worker and part-time workers are not available. Job classification and wage still need to be determined.
Committees:
Finance: Collections Report
The Collections Report for January was presented to and discussed by members. Collection of arrears is ongoing.
Opportunities Fund Wage Subsidy
Resolution-021-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Easter Seals Opportunity Fund for Persons with Disabilities for a 24 week term at 30 hours a week as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Active NL 2025
Several opportunities for funding are available through the Active NL 2025 Program. DM Blackwood will check further into the opportunities and bring back some ideas to apply for funding.
Public Works: Water Report
The Water Report from testing by Government Services on February 4th, 2025 was satisfactory.
Chlorine Readings
Chlorine Readings for the month of January was presented to and reviewed by members. Readings were within recommended guidelines.
Water Usage/Flow Data
The Water Usage and Flow Data for January were presented to and reviewed by members. The average daily water usage was 147,255 gallons per day.
Water& Wastewater Workshop
The Water and Wastewater Workshop is scheduled for March 25 - 27, 2025 in Gander.
Fire Dept: Junior Firefighters Update
Members were informed that the Bishop Falls Fire Department donated enough PPE for all the Junior Firefighters. Pictures will be posted on the Town Website.
Fire Training Request
Resolution-022-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve that the request for Fire Chief Nathanael White to attend the Fire Officer 1 Training in Gander on May 25 to 30, 2025 be approved.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Accounts
Payable:
Bell Mobility $ 39.33 – Phone – Cell (Paid)
Bell Aliant $ 81.36 – Phone – FD (Paid)
Colonial Auto Parts $ 517.48 – Wheel Bearings-Town P/U
K & D Pratt $ 189.12 – SCBA Service
Rockwater $1,903.02 – Chlorine
Tulk’s Home Hardware $ 51.34 – Garage Supplies/Keys Cut
G & M Services $ 713.61 – Gas: 484.61: Diesel 229.00
Dooley’s Trucking $ 220.75 – Courier Service
Air Liquide $ 528.26 – Annual lease (oxy/accet)
Parsons Skyline Roofing & Construction $ 500.00 – Water leak repair
CNWM $2,458.30 – Tipping Fees
Resolution-023-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve that the outstanding accounts be paid in full as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Correspondence:
From Regarding Action
NL Health Services Community Advisory Committee Info only
Heart & Stroke Proclamation Signed by Mayor
MA Virtual Training Info only
Members
Business: MNL Central Regional Meeting
The MNL Central Regional Meeting is scheduled for April 4th and 5th, 2025 in Twillingate. Any member wishing to attend should contact the Town Office to get registered.
Members
Business: Rink – signs – pictures
The new Community Rink Signs designed by Phoenix Academy’s last year’s K to 6 Classes have been installed on the Rink Warm up Building. Members were in agreement to contact the school and invite the participants to an outdoor event for Hot Chocolate and Treats. Pictures will be taken and posted on the Town Website.
Adjournment: Resolution-024-25-Councillor D. Howell/DM Blackwood
Resolve that the meeting be adjourned to meet again on Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
