AUDIT AND PROGRAM SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
October 26, 2011
The Audit and Program Services Committee Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 in the 3rd Floor Council Chambers of the Municipal Administration Building, Shelburne, Nova Scotia.
THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE:
Warden Sherman Embree
Councillor Norman Wallet
Councillor Ardith VanBuskirk
Councillor Cathy Holmes
Councillor Doris Townsend
Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk
Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance
Matt MacInnis, Director of Finance
Kirk Cox, CAO
Erin Hartley, Executive Assistant
Marilyn Johnston, Director of Recreation and Parks
REGRETS:
Councillor Roger Taylor
Deputy Warden John Roscoe
1. The meeting began at 5:00 pm, chaired by Warden Embree.
2. The meeting notes of September 28, 2011 were accepted as circulated.
3. The agenda was accepted with the following additions and amendments:
8. (a) SWSDA Auction Update
9. (a) Representation at Remembrance Day Services
9. (b) UNSM Arrangements
5. Emily Tipton, Sustainability Coordinator
(a) ICSP Quarterly Report
5. (a) Emily gave an overview of the ICSP Quarterly Report, highlighting the fiscal status, bridge and roadside pull off sites, waste transfer station, new Sewage Treatment Plant progress, Partners for Climate Change Protection, Activating Change Together for Food Security as well as Active Transportation.
Discussion was held regarding economic development capacity, progress in comparison to other units and future additions and possibilities for the sewage treatment plant.
4. Presentations:
(a) NS Department of Natural Resources
Brian Kinsmen, Senior Planner
Re: “The Path We Share” Strategy and Island’s Park Opportunities
Brian Kinsmen, Senior Planner for the NS Department of Natural Resources, made a presentation to Committee regarding the Department’s “The Path We Share” Strategy, outlining information regarding provincial parks in Nova Scotia, economic benefits, community involvement, tourist opportunities, park reserves, coastal properties and rail bed ownership.
He briefed Committee on the Park System Review that has been ongoing for a number of years which breaks the NS provincial parks down into core or supporting parks and evaluates the pros and cons to keep each park operational. Discussion was held regarding public consultation, sustainability, diversity, collaboration, transparency and informed decision making.
Opportunities for Island’s Park were discussed, including an extended season, playground equipment and wharf development. Discussion was also held regarding Horseshoe and Clam Shell Lake opportunities and upgrades to Roseway Beach.
Mr. Kinsmen was thanked for his presentation and left the meeting at 6:02 pm.
6. Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance
(a) Financial Report – September 30, 2011
6. (a) The Director of Finance gave a brief overview of the Financial Report to September 30, 2011. He stated that there were no budget concerns at this time and the projection to year-end was good.
7. Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk
(a) Action List
(b) Municipal Calendar
(c) November Meeting Dates - Reminder
7. (a) The Clerk advised that the Action List has been updated to October 17, 2011. Discussion was held regarding Eastlink internet services and an update was provided to Committee; it was noted that a formal presentation is no longer required. The Director of Finance was asked to clarify that the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) amortization is based on uniform assessment. Discussion was also held regarding medical clinic lobbying and funding, current by-laws being accessible from our website and progress regarding the building feasibility study.
7. (b) The Municipal Calendar for 2012 was reviewed. A few changes were noted and the Clerk will determine new dates for October and November to maintain continuity of municipal business and to address timeframes pertinent to the Municipal Elections.
7.(c) Council were reminded that the November meeting dates had been changed. Council will be held November 21st and APS will be held November 23rd.
8. Kirk Cox, Chief Administrative Officer
(a) SWSDA Auction Update
8. (a) The CAO advised that the auction for the Seacoast Entertainment Arts property has been scheduled for November 24th at 9:00 am. Discussion was held regarding the unreserved auction, advertising, smaller properties to be sold as a block and what was actually included in the auction.
9. Council Information/Updates
(a) Representation at Remembrance Day Services
(b) UNSM Arrangements
9. (a) It was noted that the Warden will attend the Remembrance Day Ceremonies at LRHS and SRHS on November 10th. Councillors Holmes, VanBuskirk and Wallett will attend the Shelburne Service on November 11th and Warden Embree and Councillor Taylor will attend the Lockeport Service on November 11th.
9. (b) It was noted that Warden Embree and Councillor Wallett are representing the Municipality at the UNSM Conference.
10. Committee Reports
None
11. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.
