AUDIT AND PROGRAM SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING

November 23, 2011

The Audit and Program Services Committee Meeting was held on Wednesday, November 23, 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
Councillor Roger Taylor
Deputy Warden John Roscoe
Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk
Matt MacInnis, Director of Finance
Kirk Cox, CAO
Erin Hartley, Executive Assistant
Darrell Locke, By-Law Enforcement Officer

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

2. The meeting notes of October 26, 2011 were accepted as circulated.

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

4. (a) Eon Wind Electric Presentation – Postponed to January APS
8. (a) Invitation – Christmas Reception Lieutenant Governor
9. (a) Western Counties Regional Library

4. Presentations:

Eon Wind Electric/Watts Wind Energy 5:15 pm
Re: Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF)
COMFIT Wind Projects in MDS

4. (a) This presentation has been postponed to the January APS Meeting.

5. Matt MacInnis, Director of Finance
(a) Financial Report October 31, 2011
(b) Crescent Beach Development Centre

5. (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. Discussion was held regarding the transfer of special reserve funds and revenues from the Province.

5. (b) The Director of Finance advised that the motion passed on October 28, 2011 to pay out the Crescent Beach Development Centre loan guarantee will be acted on and the payment of $17, 500 will be paid to the Royal Bank. It was noted that the loan guarantee funds were used for general operation expenses.

6. Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk
(a) Action List
(b) Amended Sewer By-Law

6. (a) The Clerk advised that the Action List has been updated to November 16, 2011 and that progress is being made on the action items. Discussion was held regarding meeting with the SPCA to discuss amendments to the Dog By-Law, Industrial Park and the West Green Harbour Hall.

6. (b) The Clerk advised that the Sewer By-Law has been reviewed by staff and amendments have been suggested to consider requirements for the new Sewage Treatment Plant facility. It was noted that consultation was made with the By-Law Enforcement Officer, Municipal Engineer and the Director of Inspection Services during this process.

Committee reviewed and detailed the amended by-law and suggested amendments which will be researched by staff and brought back to a future meeting.

7. Kirk Cox, Chief Administrative Officer
(a) Emergency Incident Command
(b) Fire Services Accountability

7. (a) and (b) Discussion was held regarding the network of fire services in the area and how fire departments and other emergency organizations can work together in a structured manner during an incident.

Discussion was also held regarding training opportunities, the need for these volunteers, prevention, education, coordination, fire service agreements and reporting arrangements.

8. Council Information/Updates
(a) Invitation

8. (a) It was noted that Councillors have been invited to a Christmas reception with the Lieutenant Governor in Halifax on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Staff will advise that the Municipality is unable to send a representative.

9. Committee Reports

9. (a) Western Counties Regional Library

9. (a) Councillor Holmes gave a brief update regarding the Western Counties Regional Library including e-readers, social media involvement and the possibility of changing the name to Western Counties Public Library.

Deputy Warden Roscoe noted that Hillcrest Academy was recognized for having the most students with a library card in the Western Counties.

Councillors were reminded of the Seacoast Entertainment Arts Auction being held tomorrow beginning at 9:00 am.

10. Adjournment

By unanimous consent the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm.