COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

FOR THE

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF SHELBURNE

May 9, 2011

The Committee of the Whole Meeting for the Municipality of the District of Shelburne was held on Monday, May 9, 2011 commencing at 5:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Administration Building, Shelburne, Nova Scotia.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE:
Warden Sherm Embree
Councillor Norman Wallet
Deputy Warden John Roscoe
Councillor Roger Taylor
Councillor Cathy Holmes 
Kirk Cox, CAO
Penny Smith, Municipal Clerk
Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance
Erin Hartley, Recording Secretary

REGRETS:
Councillor Doris Townsend
Councillor Ardith VanBuskirk

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 April 11, 2011 be approved as circulated.

3.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that the Agenda of May 9, 2011 be approved as circulated.

-MOTION CARRIED

5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

None

6.  MEMBERS OF COUNCIL:

None

7.  STAFF REPORTS:

(a)  Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law for Wind Energy Development
(b)  Insurance Coverage – Seacoast Property
(c)  Budget – Verbal Report 

7. (a) Emily Tipton, Sustainability Coordinator presented Committee with a report on the public participation meeting held on April 28, 2011, the final version of the Municipal Planning Strategy as well as the final Land Use By-Law.

Discussion was held regarding development scales, setbacks, separation distance, conditions, Municipal Government Act, aligning with other levels of government, noise levels, visual impact as well as migratory birds.

It was noted that the policy will be reassessed after two years, development costs will be defined in the fees policy and that the policy allows for flexibility in the Development Officer’s opinion.  It was clarified that all wind turbines, no matter the size, will require a permit and that there will ultimately be one municipal planning strategy that will be amended as other projects are approved.

 MOTION: MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY AND LAND USE BY-LAW FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that the staff report regarding Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law for Wind Energy Development be approved, which states that:

• The Municipality of the District of Shelburne give first reading to the attached Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law (L-100) for the control of Wind Energy Development, at its’ Council Meeting of May, 2011;
• The Municipality of the District of Shelburne advertise Council’s intent to hold a Public Hearing with respect to the said planning documents at its’ meeting of Monday, June 20, 2011 at 5:30 pm; and
• The Municipality of the District of Shelburne include in the Fees Policy a fee for development permits for wind energy developments equivalent to 1% of the total development cost.

-MOTION CARRIED

4.  PRESENTATIONS:

(a)  Seniors Independent Housing Initiative                                                  
 Joan Bower, Project Manager and Tim Johnson, Committee Member
 RE: Senior Housing in Shelburne County

(b)  Western Counties Regional Library                                                                                  
Bernie Nickerson
 RE:  Library Funding

4. (a)  Ms. Bower and Mr. Johnson made a presentation to Committee requesting assistance in providing information to the public in relation to the Seniors Independent Housing Initiative (SIndHI) in Shelburne County.  Ms. Bower stated that there is a great need for seniors’ accommodations in this area, noting that subsidized housing is available only to seniors with a limited income. 

The presenters advised that there is a non-profit organization which is willing to consider building such a complex in Shelburne County but a business case needs to be made; a needs study is currently being conducted through the distribution of surveys – timeframe for receiving surveys is June.  They noted that the seniors’ independent living apartments will cater to the specific needs of seniors – wheelchair accessibility, elevator, emergency pull switches, hand rails, possible provision of meals, 24 hour staffing, housekeeping services, etc.

Discussion was held regarding the need for such a facility in this area, connection to our ICSP, population maintenance as well as funding scenarios and in kind donations. It was suggested that the surveys for this program be made available on the Municipal website.

Ms. Bower and Mr. Johnson were thanked for their presentation and left the meeting.

4. (b)  Bernie Nickerson, Secretary, Rilla Race, Treasurer and Bob Legere, Chair of the Western Counties Regional Library presented Committee with a funding request to assist with the expansion of McKay Memorial Library in the Town of Shelburne.  It has been stating that the meeting/community space is small and does not serve the needs of the large number of groups/organizations that use the facility.  The proposed expansion will cost approximately $225,000 with funding being sought from the Province, the Town, the Municipality, a public campaign as well as a bequest.

Discussion was held regarding ownership and maintenance, after hours use and aesthetics of the building.

The presenters were advised that their request would be reviewed during budget deliberations.  Mr. Nickerson, Ms. Race and Mr. Legere were thanked for their presentation and left the meeting.

7.  (b)   Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance, stated that Committee had previously discussed insurance on the Seacoast property and that since there is a significant chance of liability with the property, insurance should be provided.  It was noted that the Municipality is not obtaining insurance as a property owner but to protect its interests through SWSDA.

MOTION: INSURANCE COVERAGE – SEACOAST PROPERTY

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that the staff report regarding Insurance Coverage – Seacoast Property be approved, which states that:

• Council approve a payment of $1,740.00 to the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth to cover a portion of a six month insurance premium providing coverage on the assets owned by Seacoast.

-MOTION CARRIED

It was clarified that the Municipality of Yarmouth will be filtering funds for the insurance, the final liquidation of assets will be proportionate with the involved units and that the Municipality of Shelburne is responsible for a site visit every 48 hours to ensure the site is secure.

7. (c)  Dwayne Carey, Director of Finance advised that a correction is required in the draft budget before proceeding to the approval stage.  He noted that an item was duplicated, but suggested that the inaccuracy should not affect the overall agreement Council reached in relation to setting the budget and tax rate.

Discussion was held regarding reserves, tax rates and the expected surplus from 2010/11.  It was agreed that a complete and final version of the budget be reviewed and discussed at the June Committee of the Whole meeting and then forwarded to the June Council session for final approval.

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

(a)  Western Counties Regional Library – Councillor Holmes
(b)  Regional Development Authority – Kirk Cox

8. (a)  Councillor Holmes advised that the new Director of Western Counties Regional Library is Erin Comeau.  She noted that during budget discussions, cuts were required and the committee chose to reduce the cost of reading materials. The same financial contribution that was given in 2010 by the Municipality would maintain the budget and be greatly appreciated by the board.

8. (b)  Kirk Cox, CAO, advised that the CAOs of the former SWSDA partnering units were assigned the task of evaluating and assessing possible options for a new Regional Development Authority (RDA).  He reviewed a power point presentation which is being presented to all units involved to provide an overview of the CAOs’ assessments and possible outcomes.

Discussion was held regarding background, standards, operating principles, essential elements, statutory context, the case for an RDA, good governance, effective management, efficient operations, local representation, regional issues and opportunities and the action plan.

It was noted that clarification of a number of points is required before moving ahead.  The CAO advised that the next meeting will be for all Councils to meet and provide input as well as voice suggestions on how to move forward.  He will be in touch with Council directly to provide that meeting date.

9.  INFORMATION AND OTHER REPORTS:

(a)  Physical Activity and Community School Coordinator Report (April, 2011)
(b)  Assistant to the Director of Recreation and Parks Report (April, 2011)
(c)  Building Inspection Report (April, 2011)
(d)  Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee Minutes (April, 2011

9. (a)  This item was noted.

9. (b)  This item was noted. 

9. (c)  This item was noted.

9. (d)  This item was noted.
 
10.   ADDED ITEMS:

None

11.  MOTION: ADJOURNMENT

Being duly moved and seconded, be it resolved that there being no further business, the meeting be adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

-MOTION CARRIED