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MEETING #410
MINUTES OF MEETING
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL
7:00 P.M., TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH, 2013
PRESENT: Mayor:
Allan Hawkins
Deputy Mayor: Anne Blackmore
Councillors:
Jean Buffet-Mercer, Amy Coady-Davis,
Darren Finn, Bruce Moores
Staff:
M. Pinsent, Town Manager\Clerk
J. Saunders, Director of Engineering & Works
D. Nichols, Director of Parks & Recreation
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 #409 of Tuesday, February 26th,
2013.
It was noted on page 9 “net income” should be “net profit”.
Motion
Coady-Davis\Finn
Be it resolved that the Minutes of Meeting #409 of Tuesday, February 26th,
2013 would be adopted as circulated with the noted change. This motion carried
by a vote of 6-0.
Motion
Moores\Finn
Be it resolved that the Salmon Festival Committee Report be removed from
the agenda. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
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BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
None
DISBURSEMENT REPORT
Councillor Finn presented the disbursement report in the amount of
$193,181.42.
Motion
Finn\Buffet-Mercer
Be it resolved that the disbursement report in the amount of $193,181.42
would be adopted as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Councillor Finn also presented the disbursement report in the amount of
$204,632.57 for the Exploits Regional Service Board.
Motion
Finn\Blackmore
Be it resolved that the disbursement report in the amount of $204,632.57
would be adopted as presented. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks, Recreation and Special Events
The following report was presented by Councillor Coady-Davis.
Soccer Clubhouse Capital
The Director informed the Committee that staff have met with the
Executive of the Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Soccer Association to finalize the
plans for the new Soccer Clubhouse. The Director presented the final plans to the
Committee for approval. The Minor Soccer Association Executive approves the
plans and they are excited about the new Clubhouse.
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The Committee recommends that the presented plans be approved and
staff meet with Exploits Engineering Consultants Ltd. to proceed with the project.
BMX\Skateboard Park Capital
The Committee discussed the proposed BMX\Skateboard Park Capital
Project in detail. The Director presented a customized BMX\Skateboard Park
design for Grand Falls-Windsor. The Director and staff have met with
representatives from the local BMX\Skateboarders group and the group is very
pleased and excited about the presented plans. The group stated that the
proposed design addresses all of their needs and they look forward to an
excellent BMX\Skateboard facility. The proposed location for the
BMX\Skateboard Park will be at the Centennial Field Complex close to the Beach
Volleyballs Courts. The group supports that location and indicated that the area
was their number one choice of location.
The Committee recommends that the proposed BMX\Skateboard Park
design and location at the Centennial Park Complex be approved. The Committee
also recommends that staff proceed with the Public Tender of this Project.
Splash Pad Capital
The Director presented information and a splash pad design for discussion.
In order to implement the proper water conservation recirculation system the
cost estimate for the Splash Pad Project will be approximately $301,000. The
approved capital amount for the project is $175,000.
The Committee recommends that a request for an additional $125,000 to
complete this project in full be referred to the Finance and Administration
Committee for consideration.
YMCA Pool Capital
The Director informed the Committee that staff have been in contact with
Atlantic Design Consultants Inc. A company representative will be in Town within
the next few week to begin the design and engineering review of the YMCA Pool.
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Dog Park Capital
The Committee discussed several proposed locations to establish a new
Dog Park. The Committee directed staff to prepare a list of possible locations and
an analysis of each location for discussion at the next Committee Meeting.
Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball Association Presentation Discussion
The Committee discussed issues presented at the previous Committee
Meeting by the Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball Association. The Association
had presented several immediate and long-term requests in several areas. These
areas included structure upgrade, field maintenance and care, training facility and
Goodyear Avenue proposal. The Committee noted that no capital funding has
been allocated for these requests in the 2013 Budget. The Committee directed
the Director to perform some minor repairs and plumbing upgrades to the
Goodyear Avenue Clubhouse and to continue with regular field maintenance and
care.
The Committee also recommends that staff meet with Minor Baseball
Association representatives to make the necessary operational arrangements for
the upcoming season programs and tournaments.
Correspondence – Sple’tk First Nation Inc.
The Committee discussed correspondence received from the Sple’tk First
Nation Inc. regarding Louie John Hill.
The Committee recommends that this correspondence be referred to the
Committee of the Whole.
Correspondence – Atom Hockey Tournament
The Committee discussed correspondence received from a representative
of the Provincial Atom Mega Hockey Tournament for a donation towards the
Tournaments operation.
The Committee recommends that a donation of $100.00 be granted to
assist with the Provincial Atom Mega Hockey Tournament.
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Winterlude 2013 Review
The Committee reviewed the 2013 Winterlude. This year’s activities were
well attended. The exceptional weather on Saturday contributed to record
attendance at several of the Saturday’s events. The Committee would like to
thank all the groups and individuals who participated in the organization and
operation of the events. The Committee noted that next year the fireworks will
be scheduled after the outdoor rink skating on Monday night to conclude
Winterlude activities.
Community Enhancement Employment Program Update
The Director informed the Committee that the Community Enhancement
Employment Program at the Scott Avenue Cross Country Ski Trails will conclude
on Friday, March 15th, 2013. This Program Grant has helped with trail clearing, ski
hut operation and provided assistance to the Cross Country Ski Club.
Exploits Valley Cross Country Ski Club
The Director updated the Committee on the activities of the Exploits Valley
Cross Country Ski Club. The Club currently has just under eighty (80) members
which is double the number from last season. The Club has held many events
including the Winterlude scavenger hunt, moonlight skiing, geocaching and
Tuesday night skiing. The Club has twenty-two (22) participants in the Jack Rabbit
and Bunny Rabbits Program from ages three (3) to eleven (11) years. The Town
has sponsored the registration costs for the participants in both these Children’s
Programs.
The Committee extends congratulations to the Exploits Valley Cross
Country Ski Club on a very successful season.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Coady-Davis\Moores
Be it resolved that these recommendations and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
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Economic Development and Tourism
The following report was presented by Councillor Buffet-Mercer.
Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Urban Summit – St. John’s March 1-2,
2013
The Mayor, Town Manager\Clerk and Economic Development Officer
represented the Town at this Summit hosted by Municipalities Newfoundland and
Labrador. Twenty (20) of the largest communities in the Province were
represented at this two (2) day conference. The main theme was Regional
Economic Development. There were several speakers including our own Mayor
Hawkins. Several presenters mentioned Grand Falls-Windsor and acknowledged
the fact that we were well prepared and bounced back very quickly from the mill
closure in 2009.
Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador Conference – February 21-22, 2013 Report
The Chair of Economic Development and the Economic Development
Officer attended this Conference\Trade Show in St. John’s recently. It was hosted
by Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador. They attended several presentations
on tourism related topics and used the opportunity to network with other
communities and tourism and accommodations operators.
Newcomer’s Information Fair
The Town, in partnership with the Department of Advanced Education &
Skills, Central Health, Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Exploits
Valley Community Coalition and the Women’s International Group is hosting a
“Newcomer’s Information Fair” on Monday, March 18th.
The purpose of this Fair is to introduce newcomers to our region to various
services that will assist them in settling into our communities. Such groups as
representatives of day cares, service clubs, sports associations and other groups
that are of interest to newcomers are being invited to participate in this event. In
addition, traditional food samples from various nationalities will be available as
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well as traditional music. The intention of this event is to bridge the gap for
newcomers and make them feel more at home in our communities.
Lesley Oake School of Dance Funding Request
The Town has received a request from Lesley Oake to help support one of
their events in April. Council instructed the Economic Development Officer to ask
Ms. Oake to supply a detailed budget of the activity for them to review first.
EXCITE Minutes – February 6th, 2013
The EXCITE Minutes of the February 6th meeting were presented and
reviewed. They were adopted as read.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Buffet-Mercer
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 Moores.
57 Grenfell Heights – Home Based Business Application
The Committee reviewed the request for a home based business permit at
57 Grenfell Heights. This is for administration only.
The Committee recommends it be approved.
267 Grenfell Heights – Business Plan
The Committee reviewed the correspondence from Mr. Tuck on his
proposed farming activities at 267 Grenfell Heights.
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The Committee recommends that staff meet with Mr. Tuck to discuss his
access requirements before any final decision is made.
457 Grenfell Heights – Discretionary Use
The Committee reviewed the request for keeping two (2) horses at 457
Grenfell Heights. This property is for sale and a potential buyer made this
application.
The Committee reviewed the information provided by our Town Planner
(attached) and recommends that this request be denied.
36 Southcott Drive – Discretionary Use, Home Based Business Application
The Committee discussed the request for a preschool at 36 Southcott Drive.
A notice was mailed out to adjacent property owners and it was advertised in the
local newspaper. The Engineering Department did not receive any objections.
The Committee recommends this application be approved.
44 Beaumont Avenue – Home Based Business (Mobile) Administration
The Committee reviewed a request for a mobile carpet and upholstery
cleaning business at 44 Beaumont Avenue. The property will be used for
administration only.
The Committee recommends this application be approved.
Correspondence – Heritage Designation Regulations
In 2004 the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador introduced
a Municipal Outreach Program. At the time, the Foundation understood that the
Town need only designate a property as a motion of Council under Section 200 (1)
of the Municipalities Act. This is not the case and the Town must first make
Heritage Regulations under Section 414 (2) (dd) of the Municipalities Act. When
these Regulations are complete they have to be adopted and any properties we
have designated in the past would have to be included as schedules to the
Regulation.
The Committee recommends that staff draft appropriate Regulations for
review and recommendation by the Committee.
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Civic Numbering Regulations
The Committee discussed issues raised by our Fire Chief concerning civic
numbering.
The Committee recommends that staff draft appropriate Regulations for
review and recommendation.
Crown Land – Consent to Assignment – Claude Janes, Cabin in Watershed Area
The Committee reviewed the request by Mr. Janes for permission to
transfer ownership of his cabin in the watershed area to his uncle.
The Committee recommends this transfer be approved but the new owner
will have to accept and agree to all conditions that are assigned to having a cabin
in this area.
Regional Inspectors Meeting – Minutes, Environment Assessment for Demolition
The Committee reviewed the Minutes for the Inspectors Meeting held last
fall. Most issues we have in our community exist elsewhere and are common.
Environmental assessments for properties being demolished is becoming more
important and has an impact on demolition costs.
The Committee recommends that a condition be noted with the permit,
informing the applicant that an environmental assessment must be completed
and all hazardous waste must be removed and disposed of properly, prior to any
demolition work.
Correspondence – Exploits Welding Shop
The Committee discussed the correspondence from Exploits Welding
requesting an extension to an offer to purchase land adjacent to their building on
Queensway.
The Committee recommends the extension be approved.
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Correspondence – Martin Racine – Affordable Housing
The Committee discussed correspondence from Mr. Racine concerning
affordable housing.
The Committee recommends that staff meet with Mr. Racine to discuss his
proposal.
Correspondence – Jill Oldford, Street Name
The Committee reviewed the request from Ms. Oldford to include her
father’s name, Thomas Quilliam, on the list for street names.
The Committee recommends this be added to the list for further
consideration.
Land Request – Rear of Medical Clinic, Pinsent Drive
The Committee reviewed a request for back land for the Medical Clinic on
Pinsent Drive.
The Committee recommends this be sold as per policy ($1.00\square ft.
plus legal, survey and HST).
Permit Summary
The Committee reviewed the permits statistics up to the end of February.
The number of permits issued has increased by 100% and the value has increased
from $94,000 to $1,000,000.
The Committee is pleased with these statistics and recommends the report
be approved.
Correspondence – Friendly 50 Plus Club, Main Street
The Committee reviewed the correspondence from the Friendly 50 Plus
Club concerning land at the rear of their building they wish to acquire for parking.
Unfortunately, this land was sold last year in a tax sale and therefore is not
available.
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The Committee recommends that staff inform the Friendly 50 Plus Club of
this situation and determine whether there are other options to assist the Club
with parking.
Correspondence – Central Auto Glass
The Committee discussed a request from Central Auto Glass for land at the
rear of their property at 7 and 9 Bayley Street. This will be used for self-storage
units.
The Committee recommends this request be approved.
Correspondence – Town of Point Leamington
The Committee discussed correspondence from the Town of Point
Leamington requesting transfer of our old Fire Emergency Vehicle to their Fire
Department.
The Committee recommends this request be approved.
I move the recommendations and report of this Committee.
Motion
Moores\Blackmore
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 also presented by Councillor Moores.
Home Based Business Application – 2 Aspen Heights
The Committee discussed a home based business application for painting
and odd jobs at 2 Aspen Heights. The property is used for administration only.
The Committee recommends the application be approved.
I move the recommendation and report of this Committee.
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Motion
Moores\Finn
Be it resolved that these recommendation and report would be adopted as
circulated. This motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
It was noted that Councillor Coady-Davis declared herself in conflict of
interest for these Minutes and was excused from the meeting for the
presentation and voting on these Minutes.
NOTICE OF MOTION
Councillor Moores gave notice of a new regulation at the next meeting to
regulate the mandatory display of civic numbers for residences and businesses to
assist the general public and emergency response agencies.
OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Coady-Davis advised that she represented Council at the opening
of the 2013 Kiwanis Music Festival.
Councillor Buffet-Mercer thanked all the volunteers who work to make the
Music Festival such a success.
Motion
Moores\Coady-Davis
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, April 9th, 2013. This motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M.
Allan Hawkins
Mayor
M. Pinsent
Town Manager\Clerk