Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 in Council Chambers.
Attendees: Mayor Marilyn Tulk (Chair)
Deputy Mayor Hayward Morgan
Councillor Samantha Budden
Councillor Elaine Coles
Councillor Mitchell Nippard
Councillor Brian Thompson
Councillor Brittany Whalen
Clerk/Manager Dianne Goodyear
Call to Order: Chair @ 7:30 p.m.
Agenda: Resolution-289-26-Councillor E. Coles/Councillor B. Thompson
Be it Resolved that the Agenda be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Minutes:
Mayor Tulk asked if there were any errors or omissions to the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of May 4th, 2026 which had been circulated to all members.
Resolution-290-26-Councillor S. Budden/Councillor B. Whalen
Be it Resolved that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of May 4th, 2026 be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Business
Arising: Tourism Brochures
Resolution-291-26-Councillor S. Budden/Councillor B. Whalen
Be it Resolved to order 1000 Tourism Brochures which will be cost shared with the Habitat Committee. Further, that any donations received from the Businesses that are advertised on the brochure will be given to the Habitat Committee to help offset their cost.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
W.S. Contract Award
The W.S. Water and Sewer Project, 17-GI-24-00026, Phase 4, was awarded effective May 6th, 2026. Upon receipt of the required documentation covering bonds, liability, insurance and safety the contract will be signed and the first project meeting will be set up.
Meeting re: RCMP & Meeting re: Roads
The requested meetings with MHA Jim McKenna, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure are being set up through MHA McKenna’s office.
Emergency Plan
The revision to the Town’s Emergency Management Plan is nearing completion. Members suggested in addition to using Phoenix Academy as a warming centre, we contact the churches and the club and to contact the public to see who can donate generators to be used in the event of an emergency. This information will be obtained and the revision completed and brought back to a future meeting for approval. Following the adoption of the revised Town Emergency Management Plan, discussions will begin on a Regional Emergency Management Plan with the surrounding Towns and Local Service Districts in our area.
Committees:
Finance: Collections Report
The Collections Report for the month of April was presented to and reviewed by members. Collection of Arrears are slowly progressing.
Provincial Student Approval
The Town has received approval from the Provincial Summer Student Program to hire 1 student at 37.5 hours a week for 8 weeks. Notices have been posted on the internet and at Phoenix Academy.
Public Works: Water Report
The Water Report from testing on May 6th, 2026 by Government Services is satisfactory.
Fire Hydrants
A couple of Fire Hydrants are located across a ditch which can not be snow cleared in the winter and are hard to access in the event of a fire. An access road is required so Transportation and Infrastructure will be contacted to see if they provide and install the culvert or if it is the town’s cost. This info will be brought back to the next meeting for further discussion.
Another hydrant needs the pole repaired or replaced and several hydrants need painting.
Water Leak 354 Main Street
Resolution-292-26-DM Morgan/Councillor B. Thompson
Be it Resolved to supply and install a curb stop at the Property Line at the Town’s expense. Further, the Town Workers will dig up and repair the waterline leak. Any future leaks beyond the curb stop will follow the Town’s Water and Sewer Regulations.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
The Main Valve on the Road will have to be shut off for the repairs. Notices will be delivered to homeowners and posted to that effect.
Fire Dept: FES Incident Reports
Two FES Incident Reports were presented to and reviewed by members.
Recreation: New Member Request
(Councillor B. Whalen left the meeting at 8:27 p.m. due to a conflict of interest)
Resolution-293-26-Councillor E. Coles/Councillor M. Nippard
Be it Resolved that the request for new members Patricia Park, Meghan Critch and Viola Whalen to join the Recreation Committee be approved as presented.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
(Councillor B. Whalen returned to the meeting at 8:30 p.m.)
Member Concerns
Several concerns brought forward by Councillor B. Whalen were discussed and resolved by members. With regards to shovelling snow from the decks/bridges at the Recreation Center, the following decision was made.
Resolution-294-26-DM Morgan/Councillor M. Nippard
Be it Resolved that under the Outside Worker’s Fall and Winter Duties # 3 to include snow removal from all exits at the Recreation Center in addition to the current list of Fire Hall (front entrance and rear exit) and the Municipal Building.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Accounts
Payable:
Nathanael White $ 61.17 – FD Pump Carburetor Reimburse (Paid)
Powell’s Electrical Ltd. $ 336.38 – Lift Station Repairs (Paid)
Canada Post $ 427.80 – Postage Stamps (Paid D/C)
Walmart $ 159.44 – Kitchen/Janitorial Supplies (Paid D/C)
Gander Co-op $ 6.99 – Janitorial Supplies (Paid D/C)
Dominion $ 6.98 – Kitchen Supplies (Paid D/C)
Canadian Tire $ 229.99 – 2 Drill Combo/Cordless (Paid D/C)
CNWM $2,345.15 – Tipping Fees
TRIO $ 398.49 – Health Premiums
Dooley’s Trucking $ 84.47 – Courier – Servicing BA’s
Pennell’s Service Station $2,250.61 – Tires Fire Van & Town Pickup
G & M Services $ 378.11 – Gas: Town: 354.11; FD 24.00
NL Exchequer Account $ 100.00 – Renew Permit WS Phase 4
NL Exchequer Account $ 690.00 – Replace Pavement re waterline repairs
Tony’s Tailor Shop $ 34.50 – Repairs to Bunker Gear Pants
Resolution-295-26-Councillor B. Whalen/Councillor E. Coles
Be it Resolved that the outstanding accounts be paid in full.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Correspondence:
From Regarding Action
Resident Tidier Community Response to be sent
New Business: Home based Business
An inquiry was received regarding opening a home-based and online business called “The Newfoundland Diva Company”.
Resolution-296-26-Councillor S. Budden/Councillor B. Whalen
Be it Resolved to give the business 6 months and then ask for a report status to revisit at that time.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Digital Mapping
Improper labeling of our town’s digital map is impacting emergency services through 911. A request was made for council to look into this and find a solution to correct this problem.
Members were in agreement to contact 911, advise them of our concern and see if there’s anything they can do to help resolve the problem. Further, to request our Fire Chief/Paramedic to write a letter outlining the concerns to forward to 911 as well.
Ambulance Wash @ Firehall
A request to use the outside water hookup to wash the ambulance until they have one at their base was presented to and discussed by members.
Members were in agreement that until their outside water hookup is installed at their base, they can use the outside water hookup at the Fire Hall to wash the ambulance.
Members
Business: Town Jackets
Members discussed the option of purchasing town jackets for council and workers or of members purchasing their own jackets and the town covering the cost of embroidery for the crest. Info will be brought back to the next meeting for further discussion.
SAM Conference
The SAM Workshop and Conference will be held in St. John’s from May 28th to 30th, 2026. DM Morgan has been registered to attend.
(Mayor Tulk and DM Morgan left the meeting at 10:13 due to a conflict of interest. Councillor M. Nippard took the Chair position)
Resolution-297-26-Councillor B. Whalen/Councillor E. Coles
Be it Resolved to give the Habitat the budgeted $5,000 to use however they see fit.
In favour: Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
(Mayor Tulk and DM Morgan returned to the meeting at 10:14 p.m. Mayor Tulk resumed the Chair position.)
Work Assignments
Members discussed work assignments to town employees as per the requirement under the Towns and Local Service District Act.
Adjournment: Resolution-298-26-Councillor S. Budden/Councillor E. Coles
Be it Resolved that Council do now adjourn to meet again on Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor S. Budden Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m.
Monday, May 4th, 2026
Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting held on Monday, May 4th, 2026 in Council Chambers.
Attendees: Mayor Marilyn Tulk (Chair)
Deputy Mayor Hayward Morgan
Councillor Elaine Coles
Councillor Mitchell Nippard
Councillor Brian Thompson
Councillor Brittany Whalen
Clerk/Manager Dianne Goodyear
Absent: Councillor Samantha Budden
Call to Order: Chair @ 7:30 p.m.
Agenda: Resolution-280-26-DM Morgan/Councillor M. Nippard
Be it Resolved that the Agenda be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Minutes:
Mayor Tulk asked if there were any errors or omissions to the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of April 21st, 2026 which had been circulated to all members.
Resolution-281-26-Councillor E. Coles/Councillor B. Thompson
Be it Resolved that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of April 21st, 2026 be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Business
Arising: Traffic Control Level 1 Training
When the list of names are received from the Fire Department Training Officer, the members will be registered for the training.
Lift Station Pump
Flygt recommended we contact Powell’s Electrical in Gander as they have worked closely with them in the past regarding Lift Station Repairs. The technician from Powell’s Electrical repaired both the Pump and Control Panel problems on May 4th, 2026 saving the Town the service charge from Flygt representative having to come from St. John’s.
New summer tires for Town Pickup
Resolution-282-26-Councillor B. Thompson/DM Morgan
Be it Resolved that 4 new Summer Tires for the Town Pickup will be purchased from Pennell’s Service Station at the lowest quote of $1,181.74 installed.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Bunker Gear
Resolution-283-26-DM Morgan/Councillor B. Whalen
Be it Resolved that 2 suits of Bunker Gear be purchased at the lowest quote as per the request and recommendation from Fire Chief White.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Members were in agreement to send outdated Bunker Gear for recertification upon recommendation from Fire Chief White as to which ones are to be sent.
Complaint re debris/beach
The debris along the beach of materials from the breakage of the floatation barrier at the wharf was cleaned up by the contractor within the period specified.
Sewer problem – Resolution 279-26
Resolution-284-26-Councillor E. Coles/DM Morgan
Be it Resolved that the following Resolution-279-26 from the Privileged Meeting on April 24th, 2026 be ratified as stated below:
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Resolution-279-26-Councillor S. Budden/Councillor B. Whalen
Be it Resolved to clean out the existing manhole and to obtain a Core Certified Contractor to trench across the road to install a new sewer pipe from the manhole to the beach.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Committees:
Finance: W.S. Phase 4 – Approval to Award
Approval to Award Contract was received from Municipal Affairs.
Resolution-285-26-DM Morgan/Councillor M. Nippard
Be it Resolved that the Contract for the Water & Sewer Services, Phase 4, 17-GI-24-00026 be awarded to the lowest bidder - Southern Construction 1981 Ltd. in the amount of $974,795.20.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Public Works: Repairs/Camera/Member
Resolution-286-26-Councillor E. Coles/Councillor B. Thompson
Be it Resolved that effective immediately, a Member of the Public Works Committee or other Council Member will be on site to take pictures before, during and after completion of all water and sewer work being done by the Town Employees.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Spring Clean up
Spring Clean up is scheduled for June 1 – 12, 2026. Notices will be posted and mailed.
Line Flushing
Waterline Flushing through the hydrants is scheduled for May 25 - 29, 2026. Notices will be posted and mailed.
Public Works: Chlorine Readings
Chlorine Readings for the month of April were presented to and reviewed by members. Readings were within the recommended guidelines.
Water Usage/Flow Data
The Water Usage and Flow Data reports for the month of April were presented to and reviewed by members. The daily water usage was 176,939 gallons per day.
Habitat: Tourism Brochures
A beautiful tourism brochure advertising the Town’s history, amenities, trail, etc. designed and created by the Town’s Internet Technician was presented to and reviewed by members. The cost to print 1000 copies and the town’s allocation for advertising will be checked out and brought back for further discussion. The Habitat Committee requested the cost be covered or cost shared by the Town.
Accounts
Payable:
Bell Aliant $ 326.33 – Phone/Fax/Internet
Bell Mobility $ 39.33 – Phone – Cell
Desjardins $ 531.34 – Pension Premiums
K & D Pratt $ 260.59 – BA Servicing
NAPE $ 82.07 – Union Dues
NL Power $1,984.67 – Hydro – Street Lighting
Receiver General for Canada $3,792.23 – Payroll Remittance
Penguin Management Inc. $1,404.00 – E-Dispatch – (US Dollars)
G & M Services $ 160.74 – Gas – Town
Tulk’s Home Building Centre $ 743.79 – Sewer Pipe/Janitorial
Bell Aliant $ 81.36 – Phone – FD
Rockwater $2,390.85 – Chlorine
(Mayor Tulk left the Chair position at 8:33 p.m. due to a Conflict of Interest and sat in the gallery. DM Morgan took the Chair position).
Accounts
Payable: Resolution-287-26-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor B. Whalen
Be it Resolved that the outstanding accounts be paid as presented.
In favour: DM Morgan Councillor E. Coles
Councillor M. Nippard Councillor B. Thompson
Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
(Mayor Tulk returned to the Chair position at 8:37 p.m.)
Correspondence:
From Regarding Action
MAA Update Info only
MNL Municipal Awareness Week Proclamation Signed by Mayor
E. Laite Wellness Kits Will be placed at Town Office
New Business: Crown Lands Referral
An application for Crown Lands – Referral was presented to and reviewed by members. The use of the lands is unclear; therefore, when the intended use of the property has been determined, the application will be brought back to Council for further review.
Permit – Extension
The request to build an extension on 143 Main Street was approved pending approval of all other government departments.
Meeting re: RCMP
Members were in agreement to set up a meeting with MHA Jim McKenna and the Minister of Justice to discuss the need for policing services in our community and surrounding areas.
Meeting re: Roads
Members were in agreement to set up a meeting with MHA Jim McKenna and the Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure to discuss the deplorable state of the roads in our community and surrounding areas.
Members were in agreement to contact Transportation and Infrastructure regarding a passing lane on Noggin Cove Road across from the UC Cemetery that they feel should not be there.
Members
Business: Town Worker – Sick leave
The Town Worker will be on sick leave for the next 6 to 8 weeks. The part-time workers will cover in his absence.
Adjournment: Resolution-288-26-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor B. Whalen
Be it Resolved that Council do now adjourn to meet again on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
In favour: Mayor Tulk DM Morgan
Councillor E. Coles Councillor M. Nippard
Councillor B. Thompson Councillor B. Whalen
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
