COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

FOR THE

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF SHELBURNE

April 11, 2011

The Committee of the Whole Meeting for the Municipality of the District of Shelburne was held on Monday, April 11, 2011 commencing at 5:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Administration Building, Shelburne, Nova Scotia.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE:

• Deputy Warden John Roscoe
  
• Councillor Doris Townsend
  
• Councillor Roger Taylor
  
• Councillor Cathy Holmes
  
• Councillor Ardith VanBuskirk
  
• Kirk Cox, CAO
  
• Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance
  
• Erin Hartley, Recording Secretary
  
• Marilyn Johnston, Director of Recreation and Parks

REGRETS:

• Warden Sherm Embree
  
• Councillor Norman Wallet
  
• Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk

ALSO PRESENT:

• Members of the Public

1. CALL TO ORDER:

The Meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm by Deputy Warden Roscoe.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that the Minutes of March 14, 2011 be approved as circulated.

-MOTION CARRIED

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that the Agenda of April 11, 2011 be approved with the following addition:

10. (a) Letter from Municipality of Barrington re: RDA

-MOTION CARRIED

4. PRESENTATIONS:

1. Shelburne County Tourism
   Suzy Atwood, Shelburne County Tourism Manager
   RE: Tourism in Shelburne County Update and Budget
   
   
2. E - Community
   Dixie Redmond and Jerry Locke, Committee Members
   RE: Information and Update

4. (a)

Ms. Atwood gave a presentation regarding tourism in Shelburne County, providing a copy of the Shelburne County Tourism Annual Report and Business Directory. Discussion was held regarding tourism statistics dropping an average of 9.6% from 2009 to 2010, visitor origin, marketing, social media, new logo launch as well as strategic plan implementation.

Current projects include google maps initiative, geocaching, brochure creation, visitor kiosks and birding.

Ms. Atwood noted that 38% of the total budget is being requested from the Municipality of Shelburne to fund the manager’s position and specific projects at a cost of $23,507.70.

Ms. Atwood was thanked for her presentation and left the meeting.

7. STAFF REPORTS:

1. Sun Safety Policy
   
2. Capital Projects 2011/12 – Tourism Interpretive Sites and Trail Bridge Upgrades
   
3. Insurance Coverage Seacoast Property

7. (a) MOTION: SUN SAFETY POLICY

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that the staff report regarding Sun Safety Policy be approved, which states that:

• Council approve the attached draft Sun Safety Policy for Recreation and Parks Department’s use.

-MOTION CARRIED

4. (b)

Dixie Redmond and Jerry Locke presented E-community to Committee outlining that its purpose is to increase the internet presence of existing businesses through increased use of digital tools, to promote business and job creation with modern business practices.

Discussion was held regarding the genesis of e-smart, modern business practices, increasing the ‘digital footprint’ of our area, closing the isolation gap for local businesses, governmental initiatives as well as community spin offs.

The project was broken down into three years and the objectives and budgets for each year were reviewed with Committee. The group is requesting a Letter of Support from the Municipality, as well as a staff liaison for the project, and a $3,000.00 financial contribution per year for the next three years.

Ms. Redmond and Mr. Locke were thanked for their presentation and left the meeting.

5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

None

6. MEMBERS OF COUNCIL:

1. Warden Embree/Paul Wills, Municipal Advisor – Municipal Council responsibility as a protest/lobbying/advocacy group
   
2. Warden Embree – Municipal FJinance Workshop Feedback

6. (a)

The CAO advised that the Warden wanted to have a discussion regarding Council’s role in dealing with provincial and federal issues as an advocacy group and the jurisdiction barriers on a number of frequently asked questions from the public.

Paul Wills, Municipal Advisor was present to discuss these barriers and noted that Section 65 of the Municipal Government Act outlines the municipal unit’s responsibilities and roles.

Discussion was held regarding aquaculture, road infrastructure, health care, physician recruitment as well as regional development authorities and proclamations.

It was advised that issues that fall outside of municipal jurisdiction should be directed to the appropriate department or MLA; noting that a particular department or the MLA hearing from a number of residents directly may create a greater sense of urgency on a certain issue than one letter or phone call from the Municipality, combining everyone’s concerns.

Mr. Wills noted that he will be bringing the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to our area sometime in June. He was thanked for attending the meeting to assist in this discussion.

6. (b)

Councillor Holmes noted that the Municipal Finance Workshop was constructive and helpful. She noted that during budget deliberations, implementation of goals and objectives should also be reviewed.

7. (c)

Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance advised that a request has been received for SWSDA’s members to provide insurance on the Seacoast Property.

The CAO raised a number of concerns including expectations of maintenance and inspections as well as access to the property, which has a legal owner.

It was agreed that this staff report required further information and will be discussed at a future meeting.

7. (b)

Marilyn Johnston provided an update and staff report to Committee regarding Tourism Interpretive Sites and Trail Bridge Upgrades. She reviewed photos of the locations for each interpretive site for each district along with photos of much needed repairs to the Tom Tigney Trail Bridge in Sable River.

Discussion was held regarding individual sites, signage, visibility, funding partners, link to the ICSP as well as budget.

MOTION: CAPITAL PROJECTS: TOURISM INTERPRETIVE SITES AND TRAIL BRIDGE UPGRADES

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that the staff report regarding Capital Projects: Tourism Interpretive Sites and Trail Bridge Upgrades be approved, which states that:

• Council authorize the Warden and CAO to sign Lease Agreements with the Clyde River Busy Bees and the Sandy Point Recreation Group for the Tourism Interpretive Sites in Districts 1 and 3;
  
• Council consider either a long term lease or ownership from NS Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for Tourism Interpretive Sites in Districts 2 and 4;
  
• Council include a total of $52,000 in the 2011/12 Capital budget for the 7 Tourism Interpretive Sites ($17,000) and Tom Tigney Trail Bridge Upgrades ($35,000) projects;
  
• Council agree to approve up to $8,000 for funding partners that may not have completed the approval process by May 1, 2011 so that the project major funders will provide funding approval and the project can then proceed.

-MOTION CARRIED

It was clarified that by approving this motion at Council, funding for this project will automatically be included in the 2011/12 budget.

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

None

9. INFORMATION AND OTHER REPORTS:

1. Physical Activity and Community School Coordinator Report (March 2011)
   
2. Assistant to the Director of Recreation and Parks Report (March 2011)
   
3. Building Inspection Report (March 2011)
   
4. FCM Conference Booth

9. (a)

This item was noted.

9. (b)

This item was noted.

9. (c)

This item was noted.

9. (d)

It was noted that the Municipality of Barrington is putting up a booth at FCM to promote the area if other units want to participate. It was agreed to take no action on this item.

10. ADDED ITEMS:

(a) Letter from Municipality of Barrington re: RDA

10. (a)

The CAO noted that he received a letter from the Municipality of Barrington last week asking him to participate in Regional Development Authority discussions. it was agreed that the CAO attend and explore all avenues at this point and report back to Council with any new developments.

11. MOTION: ADJOURNMENT

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that there being no further business, the meeting be adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

-MOTION CARRIED