Monday, March 27th, 2023
Minutes of the Regular Public Meeting of Council held on Monday, March 27th, 2023 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: Motion-4750-23-Councillor G. Blackwood/DM 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
Motion Carried.
Minutes: Mayor Howell asked if there were any errors or omissions to the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of March 13th, 2023 which had been circulated to all members.
Motion-4751-23-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of March 13th, 2023 be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Business
Arising: Complaint re Roads
The dip in the road on Main Street South has been filled. The dip in the road on Main Street in the area of the old clinic will be looked at the spring. We will keep in touch with Transportation and Works for updates regarding this problem.
Wood Chipper
Members discussed the location, drop off point, storage of the wood chipper, etc. and agreed this would be brought back to the next meeting for further discussion.
Regional Training
The Fire Department are reaching out to other Fire Departments in this area to see how much interest there is in providing regional training for the Alternate Fuel Vehicle Course. FES will contribute $500 towards the training cost provided it is regional training. The Fire Department will decide the date for the training if there is enough interest from other Fire Departments.
Fire Van
Efforts are ongoing to repair/replace the speedometer in the Fire Van.
Committees:
Finance: Town Insurance
Motion-4752-23-DM K. Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve to renew the Town Insurance as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Clothing Allowance
Members confirmed that the annual protective clothing allowance will be paid to the Town Maintenance Workers upon submission of receipts for the current year only.
Finance: Take Charge NL
Members were in agreement to apply for funding under Take Charge NL to install new LED Lighting around the Rink.
Envirofest 2023
Members were in agreement to apply for funding under Envirofest 2023 to install more garden boxes including several raised boxes that would be wheelchair accessible and more accessible for seniors.
Winter Fun Day
The Winter Fun Day was cancelled due to weather conditions so the Recreation Committee returned the $25.00 donation that the Town made for purchase of supplies for that event.
Fire Dept: Fire School Training
Motion-4753-23-Councillor D. Howell/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve to approve the request for: Fire Chief Nathanael White to attend the Firefighter 2, Advanced First Aid and Vehicle Extraction course; Firefighter Justin Goodyear to attend the Pumper Operations course; and Firefighters Victor Chant and Ryan Ellsworth to attend the Air Brakes course at the Fire Training School as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Traffic Control Course
All Firefighters who requested the Traffic Control Course have been registered.
Junior Firefighter Program updates
There are now 8 Junior Firefighters enrolled in the Pilot Program. An update on the training to date was presented to and reviewed by members. Newfoundland Power is providing an Electric Safety Presentation to the Junior Firefighters on April 3rd, 2023.
Fire Dept: Approval Request JF Program
Motion-4754-23-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve to approve the Fire Department request to purchase T-Shirts for the 8 Junior Firefighters and 4 Instructors estimated at $250.00.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Accounts
Payable:
Tulk’s Home Hardware $1,368.52 – FH Storage Room (Paid)
Central Cashier’s Office $ 1,121.25 – Salt/Sand Mixture
NL Power $ 43.44 – Hydro – Lift Station
NL Power $ 831.25 – Hydro – Fire Hall
NL Power $ 218.67 – Hydro – Booster Station
NL Power $ 555.71 – Hydro – Mun. Bldg.
NL Power $ 353.18 – Hydro – Garage
NL Power $ 134.29 – Hydro – Chlor. Chambers
Triple T. Mechanics Ltd. $ 815.48 – Pumper Inspection
Computer Shack Inc. $ 103.49 – Printer Toner
Cal Legrow 35,616.30 – Town Insurance
G & M Services $ 492.70 – Gas: 296.70: Diesel 196.00
Receiver General for Canada $3,397.32 – Payroll Remittance
CIBC Mellon $ 484.58 – Pension Premiums
NAPE $ 74.76 – Union Dues
Bell Mobility $ 39.33 – Phone – Cell
Motion-4755-23-Councillor D. Howell/DM K. 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 M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Correspondence:
From Regarding Action
MAA Update Info Only
Members
Business: SAM AGM
The SAM AGM will be held in Port au Choix on May 26th and 27th. The Town Representatives, Councillor Tony Moyles and Councillor Mitchell Nippard will inform Council at the next meeting if either or both are available to attend.
Round Table Meeting
Mayor Howell attended the virtual Round Table Meeting and gave an overview of the following topics discussed:
- Doctor Shortage/Nurse Shortage & wait times at hospitals
- Municipal MOG needs to be increased
- Regionalization
- Infrastructure funding not announced until late in the year often delaying the project for another year meaning price increases from the original estimates.
- Auditors – Shortage of Auditors and increase in Audit Cost
- Waste Management – high cost for some areas in transporting waste to the Waste Management Site
- Staff Shortages at Municipal Affairs and changes required to the Municipalities Act.
Adjournment: Motion-4756-23-DM Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that Council do now adjourn to meet again on Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Monday, March 13th, 2023
Minutes of the Regular Public Meeting of Council held on Monday, March 13th, 2023 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: Motion-4738-23-Councillor G. Blackwood/DM K. Blackwood
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
Motion Carried.
Minutes: Mayor Howell asked if there were any errors or omissions to the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of February 27th, 2023 which had been circulated to all members.
Motion-4739-23-Councillor M. Nippard/DM K. Blackwood
Resolve that the Minutes of February 27th, 2023 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
Motion Carried.
Business
Arising: Complaint re Roads
Trans and Works advised they would make temporary repairs to the dip in the road on Main Street South and the necessary repairs would be done when the summer season starts.
Wood Chipper
Motion-4740-23-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve to purchase the 4 inch Wood Chipper from CBS Rentals at the lowest quote received in the amount of $9,889.99.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
The Town received a grant from MMSB in the amount of $10,000 for the purchase of a wood chipper with the intent of using the wood chips mainly for the upkeep of the walking trail. Further details regarding the location for drop off or pick up of alders, small Christmas trees, etc. and training and safety requirements will be determined at a future meeting.
Committees:
Finance: Collections Report
The Collection Report for the month of February was presented to and reviewed by members. Collection of arrears is steadily progressing.
Provincial Student Application
Motion-4741-23-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that the town will apply for a Provincial Summer Student.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Finance: Admin. Wages
Motion-4742-23-Councillor D. Howell/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve to enter into a “Privileged Session” to discuss this topic.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
(Clerk/Manager D. Goodyear left the meeting at 7:40 p.m. due to a conflict of interest)
Discussion
(Clerk/Manager was invited back to the meeting at 8:10 p.m.)
Motion-4743-23-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that the meeting be returned to an “Open Session”.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Motion-4744-23-Councillor D. Howell/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve that the Admin. Staff would receive the same wage increase as per the union negotiations for the Maintenance Workers.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Public Works: Water Report
The water report from Government Services for the water tests conducted on March 6th, 2023 was satisfactory.
Public Works: Chlorine Readings
The Chlorine Readings for the month of February was presented to and reviewed by members. Readings were within guidelines.
Monthly Usage/Flow Data
The Monthly Usage and Flow Data reports for the month of February were presented to and reviewed by members. The average daily water usage was 153,132 gallons per day.
Waterline Leak Route 330
There is a waterline leak around the vent on Route 330 that will need to be dug up and repaired by a contractor since an excavator will be required. This will be scheduled later in the spring.
Fire Dept: Regional Training
The Fire Department requested approval to offer an Alternate Fuel Vehicle Course for training in electric and hybrid vehicles during emergency operations. The estimated cost is $600 plus one night’s accommodation for the instructor. However, if the course was offered regionally, FES would contribute $500 towards the event.
Motion-4745-23-DM K. Blackwood/Councillor G. Blackwood
Resolve to approve the request to offer regional training for the above provided the contribution of $500 from FES is confirmed.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Rink Elevation
The Fire Department requested to elevate the curb height under the main doors at the rink to allow for a deeper reservoir to hold water and decrease their demand to keep filling the rink throughout the winter. Other options were discussed and will be monitored over the next winter.
In the meantime, the manufacturer will be contacted for suggestions as we are unable to make any changes without the manufacturer’s approval due to warranty. Results will be brought back to a future meeting for further discussion.
Fire Van
The speedometer in the Fire Van is not working. The dash cluster was replaced a couple of years ago with a used cluster made up from 2 old dash clusters. The van is a 2000 and it was not possible to find a new dash cluster or used dash cluster from the same type of vehicle in the past. We will continue to look for a used dash cluster and check out used cube vans or used ambulances as a possibility for purchase should the need arise.
Recreation: Winter Family Fun Day/Interp
The Rec. Committee has planned a Winter Family Fun Day on March 18th, 2023 offering activities at the Pond and requested the use of the Interpretation Center. Members were in agreement to allow the use of the center and the town maintenance workers will bring up water for the bathrooms.
Motion-4746-23-DM K. Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve to donate $25.00 to the Rec. Committee towards the supplies for the Winter Fun Day.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
New Member Request
Motion-4747-23-DM K. Blackwood/Councillor G. Blackwood
Resolve to approve the request for new members: Wandalee Brinson, Ashley Boone and Reggie Mercer to join the Recreation Committee.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
Accounts
Payable:
Receiver General for Canada $ 94.20 – FD Radio Licence (Paid)
Bell Aliant $ 81.36 – Phone – FD (Paid)
Bell Aliant $ 313.62 – Phone/Fax/Internet (Paid)
PMA $ 86.25 – Training Registration (Paid)
Gander Bay North Local Service District $ 400.00 – FD Training (Paid)
CNWM $1,496.60 – Tipping Fees
Carmanville Valu Grocer $ 18.08 – Kitchen/Janitorial Supplies
K & D Pratt Ltd. $ 387.95 – BA Servicing
Harty Engineering $1,414.34 – Concrete Testing @ Rink
Dooley’s $ 119.91 – Courier Service re BA Service
Collabria Visa $ 72.39 – Pocket Calendars 2023
Tulk’s Home Hardware $ 63.41 – Janitorial & Garage Supplies
FCM $ 351.42 – Annual Membership Dues
G & M Services $ 509.21 – Gas – Town
TRIO Benefits $ 318.07 – Health Premiums
DASIT Recharging $ 48.88 – Tags – Fire Ext. Inspections
Motion-4748-23-Councillor M. Nippard/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 T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Motion Carried.
New Business: Crown Land Referral
The town has not been contacted by the resident who has applied to crown land with regards to construction on this property. Further research is required regarding the referral before council can reply to Crown Lands. Results will be brought back to a future meeting for further discussion.
Business to operate
Members were in agreement to grant approval to operate to Val’s Takeout to offer mobile takeout services during special occasions in the town provided the mobile unit is removed daily. Should circumstances change and the request would be for stationery usage, it will be brought back to Council for further consideration.
Members
Business: Symposium
Mayor Howell and DM K. Blackwood have both been registered for the MNL Symposium in Gander on May 4th to 6th, 2023. Any other member wishing to attend should contact the office to get registered.
Small Town Round Table Meeting
Mayor Howell and DM K. Blackwood have both been registered for the Small Town Round Table Virtual Meeting on March 15th at 7:00 p.m. Any other member wishing to attend should contact the office to get registered.
Adjournment: Motion-4749-23-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor G. Blackwood
Resolve that Council do now adjourn to meet again on March 27th, 2023 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
Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
