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MEETING #447
MINUTES OF MEETING
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL
7:00 P.M., TUESDAY, JUNE 16TH, 2015
PRESENT: Mayor:
Allan Hawkins
Deputy Mayor: Barry Manuel
Councillors:
Amy Coady-Davis, Darren Finn,
Bruce Moores, Tom Pinsent
Staff:
M. Pinsent, Town Manager\Clerk
J. Saunders, Director of Engineering & Works
D. Nichols, Director of Parks and Recreation
B. Griffin, Director of Finance
G. Hennessey, Economic Development Officer
ABSENT: Councillor:
Rodney Mercer
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and asked for any errors
or omissions to the Minutes of Meeting #446 of Tuesday, May 26th, 2015.
Motion
Moores\Pinsent
Be it resolved that the Minutes of Meeting #446 of Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
would be adopted as circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
Motion
Moores\Finn
Be it resolved that there is a request from Councillor Rodney Mercer for an
unpaid “Leave of Absence” from June 15th, 2015 to August 1st, 2015. This motion
carried by a vote of 6-0.
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DISBURSEMENT REPORT
Councillor Pinsent presented the disbursement report in the amount of
$325,699.04.
Motion
Pinsent\Finn
Be it resolved that the disbursement report in the amount of $325,699.04
would be adopted as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development and Tourism
The following report was presented by Councillor Coady-Davis.
Employment Readiness Partnership Presentation
The Committee received a presentation from Duane Sutherland, Judy
Dobson and Lawrence Poole on a potential program to train workers for
retail\restaurant\accommodations jobs for the future. Many businesses in our area,
as well as across the Province are facing challenges in attracting workers to these
jobs. An MOU has been requested from the group.
The Business Development Officer will follow up with the presenters on this
and report back to the Committee on it.
Town Video – Seven View Studios Presentation
The Economic Development Officer presented a proposal from this
company to produce a video of the Town, spanning over three (3) seasons. The
Committee discussed the proposal and will look at other options that might be
available before deciding on this proposal.
Valley Connection Phone Book
The Committee reviewed last year’s copy of our ad in this phone book.
There were several errors in it and the Economic Development Officer has been
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instructed to contact Phoenix Publications and ask for a reduced rate for this year
and report back to Council.
Councillor Moores was excused from discussion on this topic as he is in
conflict of interest.
Hotel Update
The Economic Development Officer gave the Committee an update on the
status of the new hotel announced recently for here.
Mud Fest Status
The Economic Development Officer and Leisure Services Programmer gave
an update on the status of the event scheduled for June 12th-13th. They will
continue to promote the event on the traditional media and social media outlets
leading up to the event.
McCallum Resettlement
The Committee discussed the issues with McCallum and several other
communities on the South Coast that are considering relocating to other
communities. The Committee suggested that we send out some general lifestyle
information to this community.
The Economic Development Officer will prepare a one-page information
sheet and look into the cost of mailing it out to the citizens of McCallum.
Dimestore Fisherman
The Economic Development Officer received an inquiry from Mr. Jim
Hoey, who hosts and produces a television program called the Dimestore
Fisherman. It is based out of Alberta. They would like to come to Grand FallsWindsor and tape portions of our Salmon Festival as well as fishing on the
Exploits River as part of one of their shows on Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Economic Development Officer is looking into the details of possibly
making this happen and will report back to Council first.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
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Motion
Coady-Davis\Manuel
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Public Works and Planning
The following report was presented by Councillor Finn.
Visioning Session – Mill Lands
The visioning session report as prepared by Tract Consulting was presented,
but not much discussion.
The Committee recommends it be reviewed in detail at the next Public
Works and Planning Committee meeting.
2015 Street Resurfacing Program
The Committee reviewed the list and associated costs for the 2015 Street
Resurfacing Program and recommends it be approved.
The completion of the arterial road is in this year’s work and is expected to
be paved late summer or early fall. When completed, the street name changes as
promoted in 2013 will be implemented. Toutette Drive will include from the TCH
interchange near Main Street to the intersection with Hardy Avenue. The business
community that were affected by this change were contact originally, but should be
contacted again with a more firm date for proposed change.
The Committee also recommends that Toulette Drive be the main
thoroughfare and all stop signs will be located on the secondary roads, such as
Pondview Drive, Whitmore Street and Park Street.
Development Request – W. Reid Construction – 43 Grenfell Heights
The Committee discussed a request from W. Reid Construction for the
development of a cul-de-sac at the rear of 45-51 Grenfell Heights. Access will be
provided by purchasing 43 Grenfell Heights and removal of the residence.
The Committee approved the request in principle. The rear property is
owned by the Crown Land and must be acquired by the Town. When owned by
the Town it would have to be offered for sale by Public Tender. Full Engineering
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drawings would have to be submitted, subdivision agreement, etc… must be in
place prior to any work proceeding on development.
The Committee also recommends that even though this proposal is
permitted, notices be mailed to adjacent owners outlining the proposed
development.
Land Request – 23 Andrews Crescent
Council had previously considered fifty (50) feet of additional land at the
rear of 23 Andrews Crescent. We were waiting on a proposed residential
development plan to determine land available.
The land is available at the rear of 23 Andrews Crescent and the Committee
recommends the recent request for an additional one hundred (100) feet be denied
and fifty (50) feet be approved.
Correspondence – 41 Beaumont Avenue – Parking Regulations
The Committee discussed correspondence from a resident at 41 Beaumont
Avenue requesting a review of the “No Parking” restriction on both sides of
Beaumont Avenue.
The Committee recommends this issue be passed to the Municipal
Enforcement Department for review and recommendations to the Committee.
Development Request – 45 Carmelite Road – Andre Gill and Tarra Pennington
The Committee discussed a request to increase the residential setback at a
vacant lot at 45 Carmelite Road. They are considering purchasing the property, but
require the setback adjustment.
The Committee recommends the request be approved.
Accessory Building – 58 Pondview Drive
The Committee reviewed the request for a large accessory building at 58
Pondview Drive. This will be used to house a sea plane during winter. The
applicant has a large parcel of land so this request is at the discretion of Council.
The Committee recommends this request be approved.
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Home Based Business Application – 12 Hatt Place
The Committee discussed the request for a home based business at 12 Hatt
Place for computer training. This was advertised and notices sent to the
neighbours. The Engineering Department did not receive any objections.
The Committee recommends the request be approved.
Correspondence – Warhall Investments – Club 63 Property Development – 109A
Lincoln Road
The Committee reviewed the request for a letter of support for development
of the former Club 63 property for the construction of a long-term care facility.
The Committee supports the increase in the number of long-term care beds for
Grand Falls-Windsor. It also recognizes that there are multiple companies
interested in pursuing this public\private partnership to increase the number of
beds.
The Committee recommends that a letter of support be provided to all
companies, including Warhall Investments, for the development of new long-term
care beds for Grand Falls-Windsor.
Crown Land – 33 Thirteenth Avenue
The Committee reviewed a request to support the elimination of an access to
rear land adjacent to 33 Thirteenth Avenue.
This is necessary to access a piece of private back land and therefore the
request is denied.
Permit Summary – April 30th, 2015
The Committee reviewed the permit summary from April 30th, 2015. The
value of permits are on par with 2014 numbers and activity has increased recently.
The Committee recommends this report be approved.
Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
The Committee discussed the new Federal Program managed by ACOA.
This is for small projects up to $200,000 and funding up to 50%. Cenotaphs are
mentioned in the program details as an acceptable project.
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The Committee recommends that an application be submitted to include the
reconstruction and relocation of the Cenotaph. This work is presently in our
program and with additional funding, we can realize additional worth.
Closure of Mulrooney Avenue
A local area Committee is planning a family reunion and have requested
Mulrooney Avenue be closed to vehicle traffic on July 24th, 2015 from 12:00 noon
to 3:00 P.M.
The Committee recommends this be approved and be co-ordinated with the
Municipal Enforcement Officers.
Development Request – Chad Porter
Mr. Porter submitted a report proposing to establish a recreational zip line on
the Exploits River.
The Committee discussed this request and are excited about the possibilities.
The Committee recommends that staff meet with Mr. Porter to discuss the proposal
and what support would be required from the Town to proceed with planning.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Finn\Manuel
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Demolition Order
Motion
Finn\Moores
Be it resolved that a demolition order be served on a dilapidated building on
Ivany’s Road owned by Mr. Ray Hunter pursuant to the Urban and Rural Planning
Act and the recommendation of the Building Inspector. This motion carried by a
vote of 6-0.
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Finance and Administration
The following report was presented by Councillor Pinsent.
2014 Finance – Cash Basis
The Committee reviewed in detail the 2014 Operation Statement for the year
ended December 31st, 2014. Total revenue for the year was $15,700,000. Total
operating expenses were $15,625,000. Capital expenditures were $8,039,000
resulting in borrowing of $3,730,000.
The Committee recommends the Parks, Recreation and Special Events
Committee review the stadium revenue and expenses for 2014.
Labour Report
The Committee reviewed the labour costs as of week 21. Total labour was
$1,131,440. This was $2,823 (.2%) under budget.
The Committee recommends that staff continue to monitor labour costs.
Cash Collections
The Committee reviewed the taxation receivable report as of May 31st, 2015.
The total taxes outstanding as of that date are $4,007,392 – an increase of $68,606
(1.74%) from the previous year.
The Committee recommends that staff continue to pursue all outstanding
arrears.
Cataracts Canadian Tire Golf Tournament
The Committee received a request from the Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts
to enter a team in their 12th Annual Golf Tournament.
The Committee recommends this be approved.
All-Terrain Vehicle Regulations
The Committee reviewed a prepared draft of the All-Terrain Vehicle
Regulations and discussed the fines for violations and recommends they be
increased as per the attached schedule.
The Committee recommends the regulations be approved as amended.
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Funding Request
The Committee received a request for funding from the Windsor Collegiate
Reunion Committee and the St. Michael’s Reunion Committee.
The Committee recommends this not be approved.
Excite Building
The Committee reviewed a cost estimate for building renovations due to a
leaking problem. The preliminary estimate is $200,000.
The Committee recommends that this be tendered and funding for the
project be allocated from our Municipal Capital with 70\30 Program.
Debt Review – Maloney Street
The Committee reviewed the current outstanding debt for the Town of
Grand Falls-Windsor. It was noted that the majority of our current debt is at
locked in rates.
The Committee recommends that the Maloney Street borrowing of
$3,479,094 be converted as per the attached resolutions for variable financing to a
fixed rate due to the current low interest rates.
Policy Manual
The Committee reviewed the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Policy Manual
and recommends it be approved as presented.
Community Youth Network
The Committee reviewed a request from the Community Youth Network to
sponsor a youth for our region to attend the Building Communities for Tomorrow
Youth Conference.
The Committee recommends this be approved.
Safety Day
The Committee received the report for the Annual Safety Day held June 4 th,
2015. The Committee reviewed the agenda and attendance at the event.
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The Committee commends staff for this commitment to maintaining a safe
work environment and recommends we continue to reinforce this.
Occupational Health & Safety Policies
The Committee reviewed policies for high visibility safety apparel and
personal protective equipment.
The Committee recommends these be approved.
Insurance – Mud Fest
The Committee discussed the quote for insurance for Mud
Fest.
The Committee recommends that this be declined.
YMCA Financial Statement
The Committee reviewed the YMCA financial statements for December 31st,
2014. Due to our current funding agreement the Committee noted the strong
financial position of the YMCA and commends them for their financial
performance.
Fire Fighters Ball
The Committee received a request for additional funding to recognize the
25 Anniversary of the Grand Falls-Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.
The Committee recommends $3,000 be approved for this.
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I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Pinsent\Coady-Davis
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
The following Resolution was presented by Councillor Pinsent:-
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Resolution GF-W 2015-225
WHEREAS under Section 94 of the Municipalities Act of the Province of
Newfoundland and Labrador, subject to the approval of the Minister, Council may
borrow monies and issue securities for the repayment of monies borrowed.
AND WHEREAS it is deemed necessary to borrow the amount of $1,726,939.00
to finance Maloney Street construction.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that subject to the approval of the Honourable
Minister of Municipal Affairs, Council borrow this amount from a chartered bank
in Grand Falls-Windsor, and that this amount be repaid by general revenues at a
fixed rate over a fifteen (15) year period.
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the Mayor and Director of Finance be authorized to
negotiate said loan and to sign promissory notes and execute all documents
pertaining to this Resolution.
Motion
Pinsent\Finn
Be it resolved that Resolution GF-W 2015-225 would be adopted as
presented. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
The following Resolution was also presented by Councillor Pinsent:Resolution GF-W 2015-226
WHEREAS under Section 94 of the Municipalities Act of the Province of
Newfoundland and Labrador, subject to the approval of the Minister, Council may
borrow monies and issue securities for the repayment of monies borrowed.
AND WHEREAS it is deemed necessary to borrow the amount of $1,752,155.00
to finance Maloney Street construction.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that subject to the approval of the Honourable
Minister of Municipal Affairs, Council borrow this amount from a chartered bank
in Grand Falls-Windsor, and that this amount be repaid by general revenues at a
fixed rate over a fifteen (15) year period.
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BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the Mayor and Director of Finance be authorized to
negotiate said loan and to sign promissory notes and execute all documents
pertaining to this Resolution.
Motion
Pinsent\Finn
Be it resolved that Resolution GF-W 2015-226 would be adopted as
presented. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Parks, Recreation and Special Events
The following report was presented by Deputy Mayor Manuel.
Gorge Park Official Opening and Maintenance
The Committee discussed some repairs needed to the dock and gazebo areas
at Gorge Park. The Parks and Recreation Foreman expects to have these repairs
completed in the next few weeks.
The Committee discussed a date for the official opening of Gorge Park and
recommends that the opening be held in mid August.
Correspondence – Exploits Valley High School
The Committee discussed correspondence received from Exploits Valley
High School requesting that the Town donate the use of the Joe Byrne Memorial
Stadium to hold the 2016 Safe for a one day rental.
The Committee recommends that this request be approved. The Committee
also recommends that any additional usage required of the Stadium be billed as per
regular rental policies.
Dog Park Official Opening and Rules Update
The Committee discussed some safety concerns regarding some Dog Park
users bringing children to the Dog Park and leaving them unsupervised. There is a
risk that these children may get injured if the dogs get excited around them.
The Committee recommends that staff meet with representatives of the Dog
Park Committee to discuss this concern and some other operational issues and
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report back to Committee. The Committee also recommends that the official
opening date of the Dog Park be selected at the next Committee Meeting.
Correspondence – Mixed Slo-Pitch Softball League
The Committee discussed correspondence received from the Mixed SloPitch Softball League requesting an update on a previous facility naming request.
The Committee will have further discussion on this request at a future Committee
Meeting.
Bench Request
The Committee discussed a request from a resident to supply a bench to be
placed on Lincoln Road.
The Committee recommends that this request be approved.
Sutherland Drive Playground
The Committee discussed the installation of new equipment and the
development of the Sutherland Drive playground site. The work is ongoing and is
progressing on schedule.
Active Kids Day
The Leisure Services Programmer presented a report on Active Kids Day
which was held on Sunday, June 7th at the Windsor Stadium. The Department cosponsored the event with the Y2C. The event was a great success and over four
hundred (400) kids participated in the many activities.
JCP Project
The Programmer informed the Committee that the Department has received
a JCP Project Grant to commence work on trail cutting for a mountain biking and
snowshoe course.
Recreation Grant Application
The Committee discussed a recommendation from the staff to apply for
several pieces of active living equipment under the new Provincial Recreation
Grant Program.
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The Committee recommends that the staff apply for the proposed active
living equipment.
Correspondence – Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball Association
The Committee discussed correspondence received from the Grand FallsWindsor Minor Baseball Association requesting Town assistance to purchase two
(2) pitching mounds required for Provincial and National Baseball Championships.
The Committee recommends that this request be approved and that staff
work out the necessary arrangements.
Provincial Ball Hockey
The Committee discussed the new Minor Ball Hockey Program. The
Leisure Services Programmer informed the Committee that the new Program now
has one hundred and fifty (150) participants and the league is running well. Two
(2) all-star teams have been selected and they will compete in the Provincial Ball
Hockey Championships in St. John’s on July 3rd-5th, 2015.
Provincial Bike Race
The Committee discussed the first Provincial Bike Race which was held on
Saturday, June 13th, 2015 in Grand Falls-Windsor. The Department hosted and
assisted the Provincial Bike Association. The event was a great success with
twenty-eight (28) competitors from across the island. The Bike Association were
pleased with the organization and plans are underway for a larger event to be held
in Grand Falls-Windsor in 2016.
Mud Fest
The Leisure Services Programmer and Parks and Recreation Foreman
presented a review of Mud Fest which was held on Friday and Saturday, June 12th
and 13th, 2015. The event was a great success with over fifty (50) participants and
over four hundred (400) spectators attended the Mud Fest course runs. The social
events were also well attended. The Town received several positive reports from
the participants and all indications are that next year’s event will be well attended.
The Committee discussed several suggestions to improve the event for next
year. Some areas of consideration include changing the date to August, making the
spectator area larger, adding a host announcer, PA system and increasing some
security details. The Committee commended the staff for their organization and
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operation of Mud Fest and it was noted that the staff will conduct a written review
of the event on Wednesday, June 17th, 2015.
Athlete of the Month
The Committee discussed the implementation of an “Athlete of the Month
Award” to acknowledge a sports athlete on a monthly basis. The Committee also
discussed the possibility of combining a number of Town Awards ceremonies into
one (1) night of community recognition.
Chairman Deputy Mayor Manuel will research information on the
establishment of this event and an “Athlete of the Month” and report back at the
next Committee Meeting.
Program Registration
The Director informed the Committee that program registration for the
Summer Sports and Recreation Program began today and will be held throughout
the week at various locations. There has been a considerable amount of interest in
this year’s Summer Program and the Department looks forward to another fun
filled summer.
Corduroy Brook Building Project
The Committee discussed the Corduroy Brook Building Project. Some
additional information was requested by ACOA and it has been submitted. The
Leisure Services Programmer will be following up on the application.
2015 Tidy Towns
The Director informed the Committee that he had been in contact with the
Provincial Tidy Towns Co-ordinator and that our Town was eligible to register for
both the 2015 Tidy Towns and the 2015 Communities in Bloom Program. The
Director informed the Committee that he has proceeded with the Town’s
registration in the 2015 Tidy Towns Competition.
Fresh Start Theatre
The Leisure Services Programmer informed the Committee that the new
Fresh Start Theatre Program has been quite successful. The program is concluding
with two (2) play performances, one (1) on June 14th and one (1) on June 15th,
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2015. The Committee would like to thank the volunteer theatre organizers and
directors.
Correspondence – Exploits Valley 50+ Club
The Committee discussed correspondence received from the Exploits Valley
50+ Club requesting sponsorship for a trip for seniors for this summer.
The Committee recommends that $650.00 be provided to the Club to assist
with their trip this summer.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Manuel\Finn
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of -6-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Coady-Davis advised Council that there were twenty-three (23)
graduates from the Youth Firefighter Program carried out by our Fire Department.
She also complimented the Fresh Start Theatre on their initial production. She
gave Council a review of Mud Fest. The Public Works Depot did a great job in
planning and building the Mud Fest facilities, as well as testing the site. The Parks
and Recreation staff did a stellar job in running the event and all the social events.
Councillor Pinsent recognized the passing of Walter Critchley, a former
Councillor with the former Town of Windsor. He commended all the staff on the
tremendous amount of work done on the past week-end with Mud Fest, the
Provincial Bike Race and the Fresh Start Program.
Councillor Finn stated that he has gotten a lot of positive feedback on the
street signs recognizing the war events and people. He reminded residents that
they have to cover their garbage by regulation and Council has no choice but to
enforce the rules and prevent litter. He also expressed his disappointment with the
way the Electoral Boundaries Commission divided our Town and also that there
were seven (7) districts lost from rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
Deputy Mayor Manuel informed the public that Teck Duck Pond Operations
had a closing dinner and celebration that thanked its employees and suppliers for
their commitment to the company. He thanked them for being outstanding
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corporate citizens. He also congratulated Rachel Lane on being awarded “Youth
of the Year”. He expressed deep concern regarding the poor level of policing in
Grand Falls-Windsor. The policing per capita here is far lower than Corner Brook
and the Avalon Peninsula.
Motion
Finn\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, July 7th, 2015. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Allan Hawkins
Mayor
M. Pinsent
Town Manager\Clerk