Monday, March 31st, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting held on Monday, March 31st, 2025 in Council Chambers.
Attendees: Mayor Keith Howell, Chair
Deputy Mayor Kimberly Blackwood
Councillor Gordon Blackwood (arrived late)
Councillor Dale Howell
Councillor Tony Moyles
Councillor Mitchell Nippard
Clerk/Manager Dianne Goodyear
Guest: Dale Lewis
Absent: Councillor Hayward Morgan (Leave of Absence)
Guest: Mayor Howell welcomed guest Dale Lewis to the meeting. Mr. Lewis is running in the upcoming Provincial Election and wanted to introduce himself to Council and give an overview of his background and interest in potentially serving as a member for our district.
Mr. Lewis previously worked with the RCMP and is still serving as a firefighter in his community. He highlighted his areas of concerns for this area such as Roads, Fishery, Tourism and Policing, specifically the need to have police living in the community.
Mr. Lewis advised he is available to meet with Fire Departments if requested regarding responding to traumatic incidents as he has done these talks to groups before. He expressed his appreciation as a RCMP Member to all fire members, especially volunteer fire members, for the valuable help they provide in responding to calls to assist the RCMP.
Mayor Howell thanked Mr. Lewis for coming and for his presentation. Mr. Lewis left the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Call to Order: Chair @ 7:45 p.m.
Agenda: Resolution-043-25-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve that the Agenda be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM 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 March 10th, 2025 which had been circulated to all members.
Resolution-044-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of March 10th, 2025 be adopted as circulated.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor D. Howell Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Business
Arising: Active NL 2025
The application under the Community Sport Fund was approved in the amount of $1,500 to go towards a planned event “Get Adventurous Day” but the total cost is $5,244. The Active NL guidelines state this funding does not cover such an event. We will continue to look for more funding to offset the cost for this event.
Rink Pictures K-6
Last year’s K-6 designed signs for the Community Rink which have been installed. On Thursday, March 27th, 2025 the students were invited up to the Rink for hot chocolate and treats and had their pictures taken with their class signs. A big thank you was received from students and staff of Phoenix Academy for hosting the sign recognition event.
Committees:
Public Works: Water Report
The water test results were received from Government Services. The testing done on March 5th, 2025 was satisfactory.
Chlorine Readings
The Chlorine Readings for the month of March were presented to and reviewed by members. Readings were within the recommended guidelines.
Water Usage/Flow Data
The Monthly Water Usage/Flow Data for the month of March were presented to and reviewed by members. The average water usage was 149,752 gallons per day.
Fire Dept: Firefighter Gloves
Resolution-045-25-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve to purchase 10 pairs of Firefighter Gloves, as requested by the Fire Department, at the lowest quote of $1,633.00.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor D. Howell Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Sprinkler System
Councillor M. Nippard informed members that there is no sprinkler system or smoke detectors in the Fire Hall and wondered if that would be a requirement under the Town Insurance for coverage. Members were in agreement to check with our insurance and bring the results back to the next meeting for further discussion. Further, to determine if the contents of a vehicle (i.e. SCBA/Bunker Gear) are covered under the vehicle insurance or the building insurance. Members were also in agreement to check with OHS regarding the requirement of smoke detectors in all the town buildings.
Accounts
Payable:
TRIO $ 349.06 – Health Premiums (Paid)
NL Power $ 556.37 – Hydro – Mun. Bldg.
NL Power $ 793.43 – Hydro – Fire Hall
NL Power $ 550.15 – Hydro – Garage
NL Power $ 47.27 – Hydro – Lift Station
NL Power $ 227.75 – Hydro – Booster Station
NL Power $ 134.94 – Hydro – Chlorination Chamber
NL Power $ 1,858.79 – Hydro – Street Lighting
Bell Aliant $ 321.07 – Phone/Fax/Internet – Mun. Bldg.
Bell Mobility $ 39.33 – Phone - Cell
H. Wareham & Sons Limited $ 30.45 – Lock/Washer – Trailer
Abbott’s Autographics Inc. $ 227.70 – Muster Station Signs
K & D Pratt $ 189.12 – FD SCBA Service
Carmanville Valu Grocer $ 28.18 – Kitchen/Cards
Carmanville Valu Grocer $ 72.44 – FD Training
G & M Services $ 491.74 – Gas
Lindsay Earle $ 200.00 – FD Training
Resolution-046-25-Councillor T. Moyles/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that the outstanding accounts be paid in full as presented.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor D. Howell Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Members
Business: Municipal Symposium
The Municipal Symposium is scheduled for May 1 – 3, 2025 in Gander. Any member wishing to attend should contact the town office to get registered.
Interp/Gazebo – Privileged Session
Resolution-047-25-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor D. Howell
Resolve to enter into a “Privileged Session” to discuss the next 2 items on the Agenda.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor D. Howell Councillor T. Moyles
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
(Councillor G. Blackwood arrived at the meeting at 8:15 p.m.)
Discussion
NAPE Negotiations (Privileged)
(Councillor T. Moyles left the meeting at 9:00 p.m. due to a conflict of interest)
Discussion
Resolution-049-25-Councillor D. Howell/DM Blackwood
Resolved 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.
Interp/Gazebo (above)
One section of the deck at the Interpretation Center was struck by a vehicle and has been replaced at the cost of $43.49 plus the cost of stain when weather permits. This has been reported to the RCMP.
The box containing the garbage can at the Rink was broken, garbage can tipped over and beach wood was brought up and placed inside the gazebo. DM Blackwood posted a notice regarding the gazebo and had two private responses. Members were in agreement that she would respond privately to these individuals.
Members
Business: NAPE Negotiations (above)
Council’s response to the union’s counteroffer will be forwarded to the NAPE Representative.
Adjournment: Resolution-050-25-Councillor M. Nippard/Councillor G. Blackwood
Resolve that Council do now adjourn to meet again on Monday, April 14th, 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 9:30 p.m.
Monday, March 10th, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting held on Monday, March 10th, 2025 in Council Chambers.
Attendees: Mayor Keith Howell (Chair)
Deputy Mayor Kimberly Blackwood
Councillor Gordon Blackwood
Councillor Dale Howell
Councillor Tony Moyles (arrived late)
Councillor Mitchell Nippard
Clerk/Manager Dianne Goodyear
Absent: Councillor Hayward Morgan (Leave of Absence)
Call to Order: Chair @ 7:30 p.m.
Agenda: “Nape Negotiations” and “Budget” were moved to the end of the Agenda.
Resolution-034-25-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that the Agenda be adopted as amended.
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 February 24th, 2025 which had been circulated to all members.
Resolution-035-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor G. Blackwood
Resolve that the Minutes of the Regular Public Council Meeting of February 24th, 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: Active NL 2025
DM Blackwood advised one application has been submitted for funding in the amount of $1,500.00. She is currently working on another application to secure the remainder of funding required to support the proposed Family Fun Day through Frontline Action.
Rink – signs – pictures
During the week of March 24 to 28th, Phoenix Academy students will visit the rink for pictures with their signs. The Town will provide hot chocolate and treats to the students for the excellent job they did on the signs. The exact date and time will be determined by Phoenix Academy.
Committees:
Finance: Collections Report
The Collections Report for February was presented to and reviewed by members. Collection of arrears is slowly but steadily progressing.
Public Works: Chlorine Readings
The Chlorine Readings for February was presented to and reviewed by members. The Chlorine Readings were within the recommended guidelines.
Water Usage/Flow Data
The Water Usage and Flow Data for February were presented to and reviewed by members. The average water usage was 144,647 gallons per day.
(Councillor T. Moyles arrived at the meeting at 7:40 p.m.)
Public Works: Screen Cleaning
The Screen Cleaning Report of February 25th, 2025 was presented to and reviewed by members. Pictures of the Screens were previously emailed to all members.
Garbage Box Relocation
Members were in agreement that the request to relocate the garbage box at 12 Howell’s Avenue be approved as presented as long as there is a “No Parking” sign placed in front of the box.
Vehicle Inspections
The Vehicle Inspections Reports were presented to and reviewed by members. There were no issues identified with any of the vehicles.
Pumper/Van Inspections
Members were in agreement to make appointments at Triple T in Gander to have the Pumper and Van Inspections done this month.
Fire Dept: FES Training Applications
Resolution-036-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve that the FES Training Application for Jessica Butler be approved as presented. Further, that the FES Training Application for Trina Boone be approved pending confirmation of insurance coverage and the probation period is served prior to application being submitted.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
SCBA Masks
Resolution-037-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve to purchase 1 Large and 1 Small SCBA Mask as required.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Bunker Gear
A request was received to purchase a new suit of Bunker Gear. FES has used Bunker Gear that can be applied for. Members were in agreement to check with FES as to the age and condition of the Bunker Gear and bring the results back to the next meeting for further discussion.
Moose License
Resolution-038-25-DM Blackwood/Councillor T. Moyles
Resolve to approve the request from the Fire Department to apply for a Moose License for fundraising as long as all applicable conditions, rules and regulations are followed.
In favour: Mayor Howell DM Blackwood
Councillor G. Blackwood Councillor D. Howell
Councillor T. Moyles Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Emergency Vehicle Traffic Management
Any firefighter who will be involved in traffic management during the first 3 stages of an incident must have the new Emergency Scene Traffic Management for Firefighters Training. This information has been passed to the Fire Chief to bring to their next meeting. Further, Council suggested to have the Fire Chief arrange for an Instructor to come to our Fire Hall to do this training for all FD Members.
Accounts
Payable:
Bell Mobility $ 39.33 – Phone – Cell
Bell Aliant $ 81.36 – Phone - FD
CNWM $1,743.75 – Tipping Fees
G & M Services $ 637.76 – Gas: 407.76/Diesel 230.00
NL Power $1,853.35 – Hydro – Street Lighting
Pennell’s Service Station $ 138.63 – Sander/Town P.U./Fire Van
Rockwater $1,903.02 – Chlorine
The Cylinder Shoppe $ 292.08 – Loader - Hydraulic Cylinder
Tulk’s Home Hardware $ 128.91 – Sander/Fire Van/Janitorial
Dooley’s Trucking $ 74.06 – Courier Charges/Service BA
NLCSA $ 172.50 – Virtual Training O/S Workers
Collabria $ 361.31 – Toners/Registration SAM
PMA $ 569.25 – PMA Convention Registration
H. Wareham & Sons $ 169.40 – Bolts/Screws – Loader
Resolution-039-35-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: Municipal Symposium
The Municipal Symposium is scheduled for May 1 – 3, 2025 in Gander. Any member wishing to attend should contact the office to get registered.
Business
Arising: NAPE Negotiations (Privileged) – (Moved)
(Councillor T. Moyles left the meeting at 8:00 p.m. due to a conflict of interest in both the NAPE Negotiations and the Budget topics).
Resolution-040-25-DM Blackwood/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 M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Members reviewed and discussed the union counteroffer on the NAPE Negotiations. Results will be forwarded to the NAPE Representative.
Resolution-041-25-Councillor G. Blackwood/Councillor D. Howell
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.
Finance: Budget (Moved)
(DM Blackwood and Councillor G. Blackwood left the meeting at 8:45 p.m. due to a conflict of interest)
Upon review of the Town’s Municipal Budget, Municipal Affairs advised that the Town is not currently charging Water/Sewer Fees on Vacant Land as per Section 131 of the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act.
Members were in agreement to contact the Municipal Legislation and to obtain Legal Advice for clarification on Section 131 due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding some of the vacant land in our community. Results will be brought back to the next Council meeting to determine the next course of action that must be taken to comply with the TLSD Act. Municipal Affairs will be notified that the Town is working on this and will notify them when clarification and recommendations are received and the next course of action has been decided for implementation.
Adjournment: Resolution-042-25-Councillor D. Howell/Councillor M. Nippard
Resolve that Council do now adjourn to meet again on Monday, March 31st, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
In favour: Mayor Howell Councillor D. Howell
Councillor M. Nippard
Opposed: 0
Abstaining: 0
Resolution Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
