The meeting notes of November 25, 2009 were approved as circulated.

The following items were added to the agenda: under item #7 - , Cat Ferry, NS Power, Medical Clinic, Clean NS, Senior Information, Invitations from Harmony Bazaar and the Africa Heritage Society. Under item #8 updates from – Fire Advisory Committee, Manor Board Committee, SCERCMP Committee, Economic Development, Physician Recruitment and the Port Authority.

Marilyn Johnston, Director of Recreation & Parks

(a) Age Friendly Community Roadshow

The Director gave a brief overview of the report on the Age Friendly Community Roadshow, which was a huge success. A number of people came out in each of the seven districts to give their views on programs they felt could benefit the community. It was interesting to see the age shifts in the community and the statistics gathered will be very valuable in moving forward with various programs such as the Transportation Pilot Project, PA Strategy, Recreation Programming, etc. It was felt that a service directory for seniors would be an asset and it was stated that both SWSDA and CBDC currently have directories; perhaps these directories could be combined.

Emily Tipton, ICSP Planner/Project Coordinator

(a) ICSP Final Draft
(b) Facility Renewal

1. The ICSP Planner/Project Coordinator gave a brief overview of the final draft. Changes that were made to the draft make it easier to understand. It was suggested that items such as acid rain and the fishery should be added to show the impact these items have on Shelburne County. The Coordinator will incorporate these suggestions into the plan.
2. A Facility Renewal information document was circulated for review and discussion. This document highlighted three recommendations that were discussed in detail by committee.

Committee discussed the pros and cons of having tenants as well as new building versus renovating the existing building.

It was the consensus that staff pursue funding opportunities in order that a feasibility study may be carried out.

Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance

(a) Financial Snapshot – December 31, 2009

The Director of Finance gave a brief overview of the financial summary. This report is a nine month report with a projection to year end. It is projected that the year will end on a positive note with a transfer to the operating reserve. It is predicted that the budget deliberations for 2010-11 will be more trying than last year due to a small assessment lift.

Council requested that the Director of Finance provided a list of receivables to the end of December and a summary of the Joint Services Board account for Council information. It is anticipated that the Joint Services Board budget will end on a positive note as well.

Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk

(a) Action List – October, 2009
(b) List of Boards & Committees 2010/11

1. The current Action List was presented to Council. There was a suggestion that staff contact Eastlink for an update and perhaps a presentation to Council. Updated policies will be discussed at the next COW meeting. Councillors with any questions or concerns regarding items on the Action List were requested to speak with the appropriate department.
2. Committee quickly reviewed the existing list of Boards & Committees of Council. It was suggested that Committee members review the list and advise at the next APS meeting of any changes they would like to see made.

Council Information/Updates

(a) Regional Economic Development – Kirk Cox, CAO
(b) Amalgamation – Councillor Holmes
(c) Population Forum – Councillor Holmes
(d) Nova Scotia Power – Warden Embree
(e) Cat Ferry Service – Councillor VanBuskirk
(f) Invitations to African Heritage Day & Rural Caucus – Warden Embree
(g) Clean Nova Scotia – Councillor VanBuskirk
(h) Seniors Information Program – Councillor VanBuskirk
(i) Harmony Bazaar – Warden Embree

1. The CAO opened the floor for a discussion on the Municipality’s stance regarding SWSDA’s affairs. A lengthy discussion took place regarding the priorities the Municipality has with the wind down of operations with the current RDA: security of the finances invested, ensuring liabilities are considered (i.e. lines of credit) as well as the issue of legal costs.
   
   The Municipality considered the following four options:
   
   1. Go on our own;
   2. Hire an Economic Development Officer for a couple of Municipal Units;
   3. Develop a Shelburne County RDA for those who are interested;
   4. Regional RDA.
   
   SWSDA has given copies of two motions they would like the municipal units to respond to.
   
   MOTION #1: Each Municipal Unit should confirm their intention to be funding partners in the operations of this Regional Development Authority for 2010-11.
   
   In response to the first motion the Municipality has agreed to cease funding after March 31, 2010.
   
   MOTION #2: It was also agreed that Municipal Units for the Region be asked to reply by January 31 with their intention to be a partner in the new organization that will be incorporated under the Regional Community Development Act, the By-Law Committee is preparing the documents.
   
   In regards to the second motion the Municipality says “no” to a new legal entity.
   
   Because the Municipality is following the Deputy Minister’s lead with respect to ceasing to fund SWSDA after March 31, 2010, it was suggested that it may be prudent to have a discussion with that office regarding the winding down of SWSDA’s activities.
   
   
2. Councillor Holmes stated that it is time to get back on track with the amalgamation talks with the other units in the County. There will be a meeting at the Community Centre on February 16, 2010 at 2:00 pm with Paul Wills, Municipal Advisor, regarding this issue. There were concerns that with this being an afternoon meeting, Councillors that work will not be able to attend. Council requested staff to contact the Deputy Mayor of the Town of Shelburne, who are hosting this meeting, and request that it be to the evening. As the amalgamation talks move ahead, Councillors Holmes and Wallet expressed interest in being the Municipality’s representatives on this issue.
   
   
3. There is a Population Forum being held at the Old Orchard Inn on February 9, 2010. The topic of this forum is Decreases in Minimal Population. It was stated that the Chamber of Commerce has worked on this issue. This event is sponsored by the Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce, UNSM and the Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities. It was noted that the Municipality has $3000 in the budget marked for a population project.
   
   
4. It was stated that last year, Nova Scotia Power dedicated a great deal of time clearing lines within the Municipality and there seems to be a significant positive change in regards to power outages. Councillors report many districts have not had any power outages at all since this work was carried out. It was agreed that a thank you note be sent to Nova Scotia Power in recognition of their hard work, and to request their continue efforts in this matter.
   
   
5. It was confirmed that staff is currently drafting a letter in support of the Cat ferry service in Yarmouth.
   
   
6. There is an African Heritage Day celebration in Digby on January 28, 2010 if anyone would like to attend. It was suggested it may be more timely if invitations were scanned to Councillors directly as they come in to allow time for preparation in attending, instead of waiting to advise at a council meeting.
   
   The Rural Caucus meeting will be held on February 12, 2010, just outside of Amherst. The agenda items were discussed and Councillors were encouraged to attend.
   
   
7. Clean Nova Scotia has a direct install program where they come into you businesses, community halls, etc. and replace incandescent bulbs and up to 5 exit signs bulbs at no cost to the consumer. Councillors were encouraged to call or contact their community halls, etc. to have this program work for them. It was suggested that the Recreation Director send this information out to the community as well.
   
   
8. If you have children born after December 31, 1958, and left the workforce to stay at home and take care of children you may qualify to increase your Canada Pension Plan benefit through the child rearing drop-out provision. If your earnings either stopped or were lower because you were raising your children under the age of seven, you can ask the CPP to exclude that period of time from the calculation of your benefit
   

   1. On January 31, 2010 there will be the annual general meeting of the Harmony Bazaar – Festival of Women of Song held at the Lockeport Recreation Centre at 2:00 pm. Anyone interested in attending, please RSVP.

Committee Reports
Re: Updates from Councillors

(a) Fire Advisory Committee
(b) Manor Board Committee
(c) Physician Recruitment Committee
(d) Community Economic Development Committee
(e) SCERCMP Advisory Committee
(f) Port Authority Committee

1. The committee met on January 14, 2010. Cowan Insurance has completed evaluations on the fire halls. There will be recommendations in regards to some of the halls. Two of the halls were under assessed and their premiums will be going up significantly. The fire chiefs have been asked to complete their budgets and fire coverage summary reports.
   There was discussion regarding standards for services being provided from the fire departments. Staff will check into this matter.
2. The Manor Board met on January 19, 2010. There were discussions of renovating the manor. There are currently 65 clients and 47 rooms. Single rooms are preferred. There will be future discussions on what the board’s vision is for the possible renovations.
3. There was a Physician Recruitment meeting held on today’s date. The DHA will pay for 7 doctors for Shelburne County – we currently have 5.5 doctors. The Physician Recruitment Committee has a new name; it is now referred to as “Health Care Professional Recruitment” and there will be no Municipal representation on this committee. They will be looking for funding to support a progressive search for health care professionals in all fields.
4. The MDS will be sending out letters on behalf of the adhoc Community Economic Development Committee. Further information regarding anticipated funds with be forthcoming.
5. The SCERCMP Advisory Board met on January 12, 2010. A draft by-law will be presented at the next COW meeting. Training will take place for members in the near future. The next meeting will be hosted by the Town of Lockeport on March 9, 2010.
6. The Port Authority is moving forward in the development of its port. It is currently at the environmental stage. Although usage numbers are down, a new position has been created, the assistant to the port manager.

MOTION: Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.
- MOTION CARRIED

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Shelburne, NS
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