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MEETING #449
MINUTES OF MEETING
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL
7:00 P.M., TUESDAY, JULY 28TH, 2015
PRESENT: Mayor:
Allan Hawkins
Deputy Mayor: Barry Manuel
Councillors:
Amy Coady-Davis, Darren Finn, Rodney Mercer,
Bruce Moores, Tom Pinsent
Staff:
M. Pinsent, Town Manager\Clerk
D. Nichols, Director of Parks and Recreation
ABSENT: Staff:
J. Saunders, Director of Engineering & Works
B. Griffin, Director of Finance
G. Hennessey, Economic Development Officer
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and asked for any errors
or omissions to the Minutes of Meeting #448 of Tuesday, July 7th, 2015.
Motion
Moores\Pinsent
Be it resolved that the Minutes of Meeting #448 of Tuesday, July 7th, 2015
would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
None
DISBURSEMENT REPORT
Councillor Pinsent presented the disbursement report in the amount of
$1,212,926.58.
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Motion
Pinsent\Moores
Be it resolved that the disbursement report in the amount of $1,212,926.58
would be adopted as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Works and Planning
The following report was presented by Deputy Mayor Manuel.
Main Street Parking and Traffic Flow
Staff met with several businesses on Main Street that expressed concerns
with the parking. They have been invited to the next Public Works and Planning
Committee meeting for further discussion.
High Street Parking
Staff met with the Disability Association to discuss concerns they have with
the accessible parking spaces on High Street. Staff will commence work on
moving the spaces to align with the depressions in the walkway. All space will be
painted and appropriate signs erected. Crosswalks will also be identified and
signed.
Garbage Truck
Staff explained issues we are having with one (1) of our two (2) stream
garbage trucks. It is a 2012 model, but has lost the engine twice and has been
down for extended periods. We have been looking to upgrade our old single
stream side loader garbage truck with a used two (2) stream truck as a spare, but
they are not available.
There was an understanding that a new tandem truck with snow and ice
control equipment would be tendered in 2015 for delivery in January 2016. Staff
are now requesting this purchase be postponed for one (1) year and tender be
called for a two (2) stream garbage truck. The garbage truck is estimated at
$300,000 which is less than the tandem truck which is estimated at $340,000.
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The Committee recommends proceeding with the tender for the new garbage
truck for delivery in 2016.
Sanitary Sewer Upgrading – Second Avenue
There have been ongoing issues with overloading of the sanitary sewer on
Second Avenue\Victoria Street in recent years. Work has been done to remove
storm water from the sanitary system and the lift station is being upgraded.
Camera inspections were just completed on the existing system and more
will be done in the next couple weeks. Survey work is also being done by a
consultant on all existing infrastructure to determine elevation and location. Town
staff are investigating possible external sources of infiltration.
This information will be presented to the Committee at the next Public
Works and Planning meeting for discussion and project decision.
Main Street West Development
The residential land on Main Street West is being developed for sale by the
Town as single family homes. Interest by prospective purchasers has been very
low. One (1) point mentioned to staff several times is the land is priced too high
($625\foot frontage). We have also had a request to develop the land as multiple
units and\or smaller affordable homes.
The Committee is open to reconsider the costs as well as the zoning and
recommends it be discussed in more detail at the next Committee meeting.
Land for Violence Prevention South & Central
The Violence Prevention South & Central has purchased a parcel of land
from us on Main Street adjacent to the former Oil Bulk Plant. The Bulk Plant
property was remediated and there are two (2) small sections that cannot be
developed. Violence Prevention South & Central have been told they cannot get
funding because of the Bulk Plant land being adjacent to their land unless there is a
Phase II Environmental Assessment completed. This is on the land being
purchased from the Town and they have asked this be done and costs
(approximately $3,500) be covered by the Town.
The Committee recommends this assessment be completed and costs be
charged to land sales.
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Land Request – 4 Kerry Place
The Committee discussed a request for land at the rear of 4 Kerry Place to
construct an accessory building.
The Committee recommends it be approved and sold as per policy. The
green belt between Kerry Place and Union Street must be maintained so only trees
necessary to allow construction are to be removed.
Cartwright Street\O’Neil Avenue Development
The Committee discussed the latest plan for the duplex on O’Neil as well as
comments from the business group.
The Committee recommends that a RFP be called for the sale and
development of one (1) duplex unit. The grubbing for the rear access road will be
completed by the Town. It will be the responsibility of the business group to
purchase and place any road gravel as required.
Correspondence – KDJ Enterprises Ltd.
The Committee discussed correspondence from KDJ Enterprises Ltd.
requesting approval to truck Class A and Class B from a pit on Ivany’s Road to the
arterial road project.
The Committee recommends this be approved, but with the following
conditions:- Maximum of four (4) trucks.
- Trucks go in different directions on Peddle Drive to minimize traffic on the
west end.
- Trucks to travel below the speed limit.
- Monitor any debris on the road from the trucks and clean up immediately.
- Maintain dust control on the end of Ivany’s Road near the homes.
- This is for Class A and B only.
- This is a onetime approval for this project only and no other approvals will
be considered in the future.
- Any other issues that arise during the trucking will have to be addressed by
KDJ.
- If complaints are received, the approval may be reconsidered.
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Parking Concerns – Finn Avenue and Beaumont Avenue
The Committee discussed parking issues on Finn Avenue and Beaumont
Avenue. Finn Avenue has been resolved. Staff are suggesting that parking on
Beaumont Avenue from Suvla Road to Lincoln Road be permitted on the sidewalk
side only.
The Committee recommends this be approved and the appropriate signage
be installed.
Correspondence – Rezoning Station Road – Colin Power
The Committee reviewed the request from Mr. Power to rezone 8 Station
Road to allow for affordable residential apartments.
The Committee recommends this request be supported and the process to
change the zoning commence. All costs associated with the zoning change will be
the responsibility of the applicant.
Civil Matters between Neighbours or Town Responsibility
The Committee discussed this issue based on a recent issue before the Court
and recommends it be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
Nalcor Tour
Nalcor staff have offered a tour of the local facilities in Grand Falls-Windsor
and suggested evenings would work best.
The Committee recommends staff arrange a meeting in early August outside
Committee week and let Council know the details.
Long-Term Care
Several businesses have contacted the Town looking for 2-5 acres of land to
construct a Long-Term Care Facility. This is in response to the RFP the Province
has called for the private sector to construct and operate long-term care facilities
throughout the Province.
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Land Request – 43 Lincoln Road – Chris Parsons
The Committee reviewed a request to sell land adjacent to 43 Lincoln Road
and recommends it not be sold at this time. The applicant can continue to use the
property to park his trailer until a decision is made.
Accessory Building – 60 Lincoln Road – Jeff Ivany
The Committee discussed correspondence from Mr. Ivany requesting to
construct an accessory building on his property as per the attached drawing.
The Committee recommends the application be approved provided the
building is rotated and the setback from the road be the same as the residence
located at 62 Lincoln Road.
Land Request – 5 Knight Street
The applicant has requested an additional fifty (50) feet at the rear of 5
Knight Street.
The Committee recommends this be approved and sold as per policy.
Correspondence – 100 King Street – Robert McDonald
The Committee discussed the correspondence from Mr. McDonald
concerning garbage collection at his four (4) unit apartments at 100 King Street
and the additional costs associated with the new Central Waste Management
Regulations.
Four (4) unit residential buildings are taxed at the same mil rate, but are not
assessed by the same method. Three (3) units or less are based on market value
where four (4) units and above are based on income approach. The income
approach results in a reduced assessed value and therefore less tax.
The Committee recommends no change in present policy.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Manuel\Pinsent
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
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The following tenders were presented by Councillor Finn:Gilbert Street - Water and Sewer Upgrades
Tenders for the Gilbert Street – Water and Sewer Upgrades were received.
Two (2) bids were received.
Piercon Limited
W. Reid Construction Ltd.
$499,887.10
$640,690.79
HST Included
HST Included
It is recommended that the contract be awarded to Piercon Limited in the
amount of $499,887.10.
Motion
Finn\Pinsent
Be it resolved that the tender for the Gilbert Street – Water and Sewer
Upgrades would be approved as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Town Hall – Windows, Cupola and Renovations
Tenders for the Town Hall – Windows, Cupola and Renovations were
received. Three (3) bids were received.
R & D Construction
Traytown
Bluebird Investments Ltd.
$118,650.00
$145,745.00
$169,500.00
HST Included
HST Included
HST Included
It is recommended that the contract be awarded to R & D Construction in the
amount of $118,650.00.
Motion
Finn\Moores
Be it resolved that the tender for the Town Hall – Windows, Copula and
Renovations would be approved as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 70.
The following Demolition Order was also presented by Councillor Finn:-
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REMOVAL ORDER
TO: RAY HUNTER
43 PEDDLE DRIVE
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL
A2B 1K8
IN THE MATTER OF the Municipalities Act, 1999 AND the Urban & Rural
Planning Act, 2000.
AND
IN THE MATTER OF:
An Order of the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor concerning a dilapidated
building near Ivany’s Road, adjacent to the Corduroy Subdivision, leased
by Mr. Hunter, within the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor.
TAKE NOTICE THAT the Occupancy and Maintenance Regulations, Regulation
5 and Regulation 12, under the Urban & Rural Planning Act, 2000
Provides that:
Maintenance
5. All properties in the areas listed in the Schedule including land,
buildings, structures, dwelling, fences, sheds, garages, parking lots,
driveways, landscaping and all appurtenances shall be maintained in
a state of good condition and repair in accordance with the standards
set out in these regulations and as otherwise ordered by the
enforcement authority.
Exterior Walls
12. (1) Exterior walls and their components shall be adequate to support
loads upon them and shall be maintained to prevent their
deterioration from any cause.
(2) Exterior cladding or covering must be reasonably durable and be
maintained in accordance with the standards set out in these
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regulations and as otherwise determined by the enforcement
authority.
TAKE NOTICE THAT the Municipalities Act, 1999, Part XIV – Orders and
Permits, Section 404
(1) provides that:
A Council may make an Order that
(f) where a building is in a dilapidated state, or is, in the opinion of the
Council, unfit for human habitation, or another use for which it is then
being used, or is a public nuisance, the owner or occupier is to pull
down, remove, fill in or otherwise destroy the building and restore the
site to its original state, or make the disposition or alteration of the
building that the Order directs;
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the building on leased property is in a
dilapidated state. According to a recent Building Inspection and Property Report
dated June 16th, 2015, Building Inspector, Dave Gardner, stated the “There has
been no attention paid to the exterior of the structure (since the last Report dated
May 12th, 2014). Structural cracks are still visible and no attempt has been made to
repair them. Windows and window frames, door frames and doors are still
deteriorating. The entire eave structure has deteriorated. As per National Building
Code of Canada, Section 5.1.4.2 Resistance to Deterioration, materials used in
building components and assemblies exposed to the exterior, shall be, a)
compatible with adjoining materials and b) resistant to any mechanisms of
deterioration that may reasonably be expected given, i) the nature and function of
the materials, and ii) the exposure and climatic conditions in which they will be
installed…..To date no work has been carried out to correct any of the buildings
many building code deficiencies. As a result, it is recommended that a demolition
order be issue(d).”
Inspector Gardner had stated in the 2012, 2014 and 2015 Building Inspection &
Property Reports that the building is in need of maintenance and repair in order to
meet the National Building Code of Canada and the Occupancy and Maintenance
Regulations under the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000.
AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that with the ongoing deficiencies since 2012,
the building on this leased property is now structurally unsound as well as public
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nuisance with negative impacts on the adjacent residents and subdivision
development.
IT IS ORDERED that you demolish the building, remove all residual debris, and
restore the property to its original state.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that you undertake this action by August 19th, 2015.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that refusal or failure to comply with this Order
makes you guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine, a
period of imprisonment, or to both. Council can also take the action that it
considers necessary to carry out this Order and any costs, expenses and charges
incurred as a debt owed to Council as per Section 404 (5) of the Municipalities
Act, 1999.
Dated at Grand Falls-Windsor, NL this 16th day of July , 2015.
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
Town Manager\Town Clerk
You have the right to appeal this Order.
The appeal and a fee of $100.00 plus HST ($113.00 total) must be submitted to the
Secretary of the Appeal Board at the Department of Municipal and
Intergovernmental Affairs, 1st Floor, Confederation Building (West Block), P. O.
Box 8700, St. John’s, NL, A1C 4J6 within 14 days of the day that you receive this
Order. If the appeal and fee is not submitted within this time limit, your right to
appeal is considered to be forfeited.
Motion
Finn\Moores
Be it resolved that the Demolition Order as presented would be adopted by
Council. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
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Parks, Recreation and Special Events
The following report was presented by Deputy Mayor Manuel.
Playground Update
The Parks and Recreation Foreman informed the Committee that work is
progressing well at the Sutherland Drive playground. Our Parks and Recreation
staff have commenced the landscaping of the playground and the walkways. The
playground is expected to open for activities within the next two (2) weeks. Work
has commenced on the Main Street playground and is proceeding on schedule. A
tentative opening date will be presented at the next Committee meeting.
Splash Pad Update
The Parks and Recreation Foreman informed the Committee that the splash
pad has been commissioned for usage. The contractor has a few small items to
complete and our staff have commenced landscaping the area and the walkways.
The splash pad will be ready to open for activities within the next two (2) weeks.
The splash pad and Sutherland Drive playground will open on the same day.
Meeting with Dog Park Association
The Committee welcomed Mr. Elmo Hewlett and Mr. Michael Goodyear
from the Dog Park Association to the meeting at 5:15 P.M.
The Committee and the representatives of the Dog Park Association
discussed the newly opened dog park operations and policies. The Dog Park
Association is very pleased with the new dog park and all of the features and
amenities included in the dog park. The addition of a small dog park section has
also been a positive way to ensure the safety of small dogs. The Association
requested the parks accessibility issues be dealt with and that directional signage
for the dog park be placed on the Trans Canada Highway and around Town. The
Association informed the Committee that the dog park is receiving much usage and
at times there has been up to twenty (20) dogs using the park at a time. The
Association noted that all children should be supervised by their parents or
guardians while at the park due to safety concerns.
The representatives of the Dog Park Association were excused from the
meeting at 5:40 P.M.
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The Committee discussed the items of concern brought up at the meeting by
the Association.
The Committee recommends that staff improve the entrance and walkway
accessibility and that dog park directional signage be erected on the highway and
in a few areas around Town. The Committee also recommends that the official
opening of the dog park be held in September as suggested by the Association.
Free Summer Concerts Update
The Committee discussed the Free Summer Concerts in the Park. The first
concert was held on Friday, July 17th at Church Road Park and was a great success.
Over two hundred (200) people attended the concert and enjoyed the music of the
Charlotte Murphy Band. Staff recommends that Church Road Park is a more
convenient site to hold future free concerts. The next concert will be held on this
Friday, July 31st from 7:00-9:00 P.M. at Church Road Park. The Committee
discussed the possibility in the future of switching to another weekday and having
a day concert. The Committee will discuss these matters at the next Committee
meeting.
Correspondence – Gorge Park Request
The Committee discussed correspondence requesting the use of Gorge Park
for an event in September.
The Committee recommends that the Director obtain further information on
this request and identify the responsibilities requested of the Department and report
back to the next Committee meeting for discussion.
Ball Field Lights Update
The Parks and Recreation Foreman informed the Committee that both the
Main Street field and the Goodyear Avenue field lighting have been installed,
commissioned and are in operation. There are a few programming areas that will
be adjusted to accommodate different game times, but overall the lights are
working well and the staff have received many positive reports from the field
users.
2015 Spring and Summer Special Events Update
The Director presented a Summer Special Events and Tournaments updated
list. There are three (3) new events added since the last list was presented. It was
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also noted that the Windsor Stadium will open for the Summer Hockey and Figure
Skating Schools on Friday, July 31st, 2015. As a result, the Department’s Summer
Sports Program and the Summer Camp have been relocated to the Joe Byrne
Memorial Stadium and Exploits Valley Intermediate School.
The Committee complimented the Department on their work throughout all
of the Special Events and Tournaments.
Summer Program Update
The Leisure Services Programmer informed the Committee that the
Department’s Summer Sports and Summer Camp Programs are going well.
Registration is up to over two hundred (200) participants and the Summer Camp
Program is up to capacity. The Department is also involved in co-sponsoring and
assisting minor baseball, minor soccer, volleyball and tennis. All of these
programs have increased registrations this year and their programs are all running
well. The unpleasant July weather has not discouraged any youth from
participating in the various programs.
Communities in Bloom Judging
The Director informed the Committee that the National Communities in
Bloom Judges were in Town from July 16th-18th to evaluate Grand Falls-Windsor
for the 2015 National Finalists Competition. The Director and Chairman Deputy
Mayor Manuel hosted judges Mr. Bruce Hay from Toronto, Ontario and Mr. Jim
Baird from Saint John, New Brunswick. The judges were shown many areas of
strength our Town has to offer as the 2015 Provincial Tidy Towns Winner and a
2015 Communities in Bloom Finalist. In addition, the judges were given a
personal Exploits River Boat Tour from Mr. Kenneth Stanley which they enjoyed.
The judges also attended the Queen Street Dinner Theatre and Motown Show and
were impressed with the talent in our Town. The judges reported a good showing
and have since recommended that we apply for an additional Heritage Award
which is offered to qualifying communities. The results of the judges evaluation
will be presented on September 30th, 2015.
Green Space Mowing Request
The Committee discussed a request from a resident that the Town mow and
care for a green space area adjacent to his property.
The Committee recommends that this request be denied.
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Valley Road Cemetery
The Committee discussed a request from a resident regarding the Valley
Road Cemetery. The Parks and Recreation Foreman was going to contact the
Interfaith Cemetery Committee. Due to other pressing work the Foreman was not
in contact with the Interfaith Cemetery Committee. The Foreman will follow up
and obtain the information for discussion at the next Committee meeting.
Memorial Grounds Project Update
The Committee discussed the Memorial Grounds Project. The Committee
requests that staff arrange a meeting with the Royal Canadian Legion Memorial
Grounds Project Committee to jointly discuss the progress of the project.
No Smoking – Town Facilities
The Committee has noticed that a number of residents have been smoking at
Town facilities. No smoking is permitted at any Town facilities and in particular,
at any recreation facilities. It has been noted that many people are smoking while
activities are being played, while children are present and also that many sports
participants are smoking while playing their sports.
The Committee recommends that staff erect several new “No Smoking”
signs at all of the Town recreation facilities. The Committee also requests that
residents please respect the “No Smoking” Policy as a courtesy to protecting other
people’s health and space.
Stadiums Year End Financial Statements
The Committee discussed the Stadiums Year End Financial Statements and
some ways to decrease the Stadiums deficits. The Director noted that rentals
decreased by 14-18% last year. Also many of the groups are not interested in
starting up until mid October. The Director noted that the Windsor Stadium will
open for ice activities on July 31st, 2015. The Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium will
open for ice activities on October 20th, 2015 pending ice rentals demand. The staff
will also strictly enforce the “No Cancellations Policy” throughout the season.
Staff will have additional proposals to decrease the Stadiums deficits at the next
Committee meeting.
The Committee recommends that the presented staff proposal be approved
and that additional ways be pursued to decrease the Stadiums deficits.
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I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Manuel\Coady-Davis
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Coady-Davis reminded the public that the AND Co. Dinner
Theatre is available and encouraged people to go. She congratulated the Minor
Baseball Association for being successful in getting the Blue Jays Baseball Camp
to come to Grand Falls-Windsor.
Councillor Moores congratulated Councillor Finn on his hard work and
dedication with the Salmon Festival. He also congratulated Minor Soccer on a
very successful Mega Tournament on the week-end that hosted eighteen (18)
teams.
Councillor Mercer reviewed the Senate Committee Report on the CBC. One
(1) of the recommendations was that the CBC be more transparent in awarding
contracts. This was an issue the Town presented to the Committee. He also
surmised that Canada Post would soon be eliminating door-to-door delivery. He
advised the public that there are new signs at the Grenfell Heights\Hardy Avenue
intersection and to pay particular attention to them.
Councillor Pinsent recognized the Town Staff on their hard work on the
Salmon Festival, as well as the Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Finn. He
also congratulated the St. Joseph’s Parish on their 75th Anniversary and reviewed
some of the celebration events.
Deputy Mayor Manuel recognized the Minor Baseball Association and the
Blue Jays who attended the Blue Jays Camp. They have committed to come back
next year. This year they have contributed $150,000 towards the ball field lights.
He also encouraged Council to lobby the Provincial Government to locate the
“Consolidation of Services” in Grand Falls-Windsor given the mill closure and the
recent mine closure.
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Motion
Moores\Pinsent
Be it resolved that the meeting of the Grand Falls-Windsor Town Council
would be adjourned until the next regular scheduled meeting of 7:00 P.M.,
Tuesday, August 18th, 2015. This motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Allan Hawkins
Mayor
M. Pinsent
Town Manager\Clerk