AUDIT AND PROGRAM SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING

September 28, 2011

The Audit and Program Services Committee Meeting was held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 in the 3^rd 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

Deputy Warden John Roscoe

Councillor Roger Taylor

Councillor Doris Townsend

Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk

Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance

Kirk Cox, CAO

Erin Hartley, Executive Assistant

Marilyn Johnston, Director of Recreation and Parks

Darrell Locke, By-Law Enforcement Officer

1. The meeting began at 5:00 pm, chaired by Warden Embree.

2. The meeting notes of July 27, 2011 were accepted as circulated.

3.    The agenda was accepted with the following additions and amendments:

(a)  Library Update – Councillor Holmes

(b)  UNSM Ministers Panel Topics – Warden Embree

4.  Presentations: 

None

5.  Marilyn Johnston, Director of Recreation & Parks

(a)  Recreation & Parks Department – Fall Briefing – Verbal Update

5. (a) Marilyn gave an overview of what the Recreation & Parks Department is working on this fall including Sable River Bridge repair work, seven Interpretive and Road Side Pull-off Sites, Shelburne County Arena – Phase 2 Capital Upgrades, Age Friendly Municipal Initiatives Program – Show & Tell Luncheon, Family Fun Run to support the Kids Fair Play FUNd, Augie Jones Basketball Clinic, Physical Activity and Community Use Coordinator position vacancy, Workshop Series, Kids Fair Play FUNd Review, evaluation of summer programs, youth appointment to Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee, after school recreation programs at the Arena, Yarmouth/Shelburne Municipal Recreation Association Survey, fall newsletter and  Free of Cost Ice-Time.

6.  Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance

(a)  Financial Snapshot – July 31 and August 31, 2011

6. (a) Dwayne gave a brief overview of the Financial Summary to August 31, 2011. He stated that there are no budget concerns at this time.

7.  Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk

(a)  Action List

(b)  Building and Fire Inspection Program – Letter to NSCC

(c)  Amended Dog By-Law D-100

7. (a)  The Action List has been updated to September 21, 2011.  The Clerk advised that the Beulah Burman Memorial Animal Shelter Society will be making a presentation at the November COW meeting to discuss future use of the building and that Department of Natural Resources will be making a presentation at the October APS meeting to discuss DNR’s Strategy as well as opportunities for Island’s Park.  Councillors having specific questions or concerns regarding the Action List may speak with the appropriate manager.

7. (b)  Penny introduced a letter to be sent to the NSCC,  lobbying for local Building and Fire Inspection training.  It was noted that this initiative has been discussed provincially and relates directly to the Municipality’s sustainability goals.  It was agreed that the Warden sign the letter and it be sent to NSCC.

7.(c)  Penny and Darrell gave an overview of the suggested amendments to the Dog By-Law. Councillors reviewed each section of the By-Law and discussion was held regarding the enforceability and reasonableness of the by-law, having separate by-laws for dogs and animals at large, the definition of a kennel, fierce or dangerous dogs, boarding fees, the By-Law Enforcement Officer’s discretion and  strict penalties and fines for certain cases.

It was agreed that the amended by-law be discussed at the October Committee of the Whole Meeting.

8.  Kirk Cox, Chief Administrative Officer

(a)  Black Loyalist Heritage Society – Verbal Update

8. (a) Kirk advised that the Black Loyalist Heritage Society is aggressively pursuing grants, with almost half of the required private fundraising confirmed.

9.  Council Information/Updates

(a)  Library Update – Councillor Holmes

(b)  UNSM Minister’s Panel Topics

9. (a) Councillor Holmes advised that the McKay Memorial Library has been busy over the last couple of months.  Discussion was held regarding its operating expenses and the contribution that the Municipality makes to the Western Counties Regional Library.

9. (b) Warden Embree advised that he will be bringing forward Coastal Management, Tax Reform and Provincial Services in Rural Municipalities as topics for discussion at the UNSM Minister’s Panel.

10.  Committee Reports

None

11. Adjournment