HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-04-22_COW_Website Agenda PackagePage 1 of 2 (Cover Pages)
Committee of the Whole AGENDA
April 22, 2021
Chester Municipal Council Chambers / Facebook Live
151 King Street, Chester, NS
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
3. INTRODUCTION OF VOLUNTEER NOMINEES FOR 2021
8:45 am – Rufus Sweet
8:50 am – G & C Hughes Enterprises (Colin Hughes)
9:00 am – Erin Gore
4 . PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (9:15 a.m.)
5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
5.1 Committee of the Whole – April 8, 2021.
6. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS/APPOINTMENTS
6.1 Bob Youden and Jane Raeburn – Commercial Requirement at 122 Queen Street property
(appointment at 9:15 a.m.)
7. MATTERS ARISING
8. CORRESPONDENCE
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1 May 2021 Meeting Schedule – NSFM Virtual Spring Workshop is being held May 6-7, 2021.
9.2 Request for Decision prepared April 4, 2021 – Infrastructure and Operations - Excavator
Replacement for Kaizer Meadow.
10. IN CAMERA
10.1 Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Property – Trail Parking
10.2 Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Property – Easement.
10.3 Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Property – Sale.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Page 2 of 2 (Cover Pages)
APPOINTMENT
9:15 a.m. Bob Youden (in person) and Jane Raeburn (via Zoom).
117
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Via Facebook Live from 151 King Street, Chester, NS
On Thursday, April 8, 2021
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:48 a.m.
Present: District 1 – Councillor Veinotte District 2 – Deputy Warden Shatford
District 3 – Councillor Barkhouse District 4 – Warden Webber
District 5 – Councillor Assaff District 6 – Councillor Connors
District 7 – Councillor Church
Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO
Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer
Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
Additions:
Councillor Barkhouse – New Business – Forest Heights
Councillor Barkhouse – New Business - Land Use By-Law
2021-149 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse the Agenda
and Order of Business be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION
CARRIED.
INTRODUCTION OF VOLUNTEER NOMINEES FOR 2021
Warden Webber gave an overview of the way to recognize the 2021 Volunteers due to
COVID-19 restrictions.
Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development and Recreation reviewed the
schedule to recognize volunteers nominated. He also indicated that the volunteers
would be recognized in the weekly newspaper as well as on our website which includes a
picture and bio.
Committee of the Whole (continued) April 8, 2021 118
Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development and Recreation read the bios of the
following volunteer nominees (bios at the end of these minutes):
Cecil Joudrey, Martins Point – nominated by Royal Canadian Legion Harding Branch 144.
Roger & Christine Hirtle, Chester Basin – nominated by Errol Zwicker.
Carol Nauss, Chester – nominated by the Chester Municipal Heritage Society.
Anita Hume, East Chester – nominated by Ladies Auxiliary of Royal Canadian Legion Branch
88.
PUBLIC INPUT
There was no public input received.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Committee of the Whole – March 18, 2021.
2021-150 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the
minutes of the March 18, 2021 meeting of Committee of the Whole be approved
as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
MATTERS ARISING
7.1 Request for Decision prepared March 11, 2021 – Corporate and Strategic Management –
Sidewalk Cafés.
Erin Lowe, Development Officer, attended the meeting via Zoom and reviewed the Request for
Decision prepared March 11, 2021 regarding sidewalk cafés.
2021-151 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to temporarily suspend
enforcement of the Land Use By-Law regarding outdoor cafes, and it is further
recommended that the program be extended from April 15 to November 15, 2021
and direct staff to begin work on a stand-alone By-Law to cover 2022 and beyond,
so that businesses need only apply annually for an outdoor dining license. ALL IN
FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
6.1 Our Health Centre at 9:15 a.m. – Thelma Costello (in person), Lorraine Burch (via Zoom)
and Leo Blain (via Zoom).
Committee of the Whole (continued) April 8, 2021 119
Thelma Costello, Chair of the Board was present in person and was accompanied by Lorraine
Burch and Leo Blain via Zoom.
Ms. Costello thanked and acknowledged Council for the support to the Health Centre since the
start of the project and reviewed the presentation provided in the agenda package.
Following a review of the presentation and questions answered, Ms. Costello outlined the
Centre’s ask to Council which was for consideration of an annual financial commitment of
$10,000 to Our Health Centre. The funds would be used to provide additional funding for
community based programming. This would not be used to provide health care (doctor care or
walk-in services) as those costs are covered by the Health Authority. There is a separation of
what is considered health care and what is community programming.
Leo Blain agreed with the concern of Council about taking over services that are the
responsibility of other levels of government. This programming is about keeping the members
of the community healthy with programming. They do not receive funding for those services.
Lorraine Burch also commented that residents who are isolated, lonely, or struggling need to be
reached, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions. They have been making calls to those
people they have identified as needing that outreach. If any members of Council knew of a
resident who needed some assistance with registering a vaccine, she suggested that they call
them and give the vaccine registration number or website (1-833-797-7772 or
www.novascotiahealth.ca/coronavirus .
Warden Webber commented that this will take some thought and consideration. Council would
not be interested in providing an operating grant to fund what is the responsibility of the
province. The community programming aspect is different. This will be discussed during
budget deliberations. He thanked the Our Health Centre representatives for their presentation.
6.2 Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee at 9:45 a.m. - Robin McAdam (in person) and
Melanie Kingsbury (via Zoom).
Robin McAdam was present in person and Melanie Kingsbury via Zoom to provide input from
the Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee.
Mr. McAdam and Ms. Kingsbury reviewed the presentation included in the agenda package that
included information on algae blooms in Sherbrooke Lake and the intention of the Committee
to assist in collaborating on a pilot program developed by Coastal Action to monitor and
analyze for the presence of cyanobacteria and any associated toxins in Sherbrooke Lake. This
will improve the scientific validity of any public advisories as well as improving the means of
informing the public.
Committee of the Whole (continued) April 8, 2021 120
The expanded program will require an increase in the costs of the baseline water quality
program of approximately $12,000 as well as a one-time cost of $2,700 for an algae probe.
They will also work with municipal communications staff to raise the owner awareness of
behaviours that harm versus protect the lake. They are also awaiting confirmation from the
Department of Environment regarding a financial contribution.
It was noted that the program was initially started to have a baseline of the lake before the
public access was to be provided and the committee if a joint committee of the Municipalities of
Chester and Lunenburg. There was discussion regarding effects of various impacts (behaviour
of residents and climate change) and outcomes of the project, contributions by property
owners, communication to residents, etc. Additional request becoming a budget issue, lack of
follow-up by the NS Department of Environment,
The consensus was that there was no issue to testing this year to determine if the algae blooms
are dangerous, however, without a policy in place Council did not want to commit to future
funding.
Mr. McAdam thanked Council for their time and left the meeting.
A break was held from 10:45 to 10:57 a.m.
Warden Webber indicated that Council was not in a position to make a decision today as
Council needs to have a policy discussion. A report was requested from staff on what is
currently being done regarding water quality testing. The Sherbrooke Owners Association will
hear by mid-April on provincial funding.
CORRESPONDENCE
NEW BUSINESS
9.1 Forest Heights Prom – Councillor Barkhouse
Councillor Barkhouse indicated that some parents have reached out to her with regard to
requesting Council to assist, as they did last year, in the prom activity costs for this year’s
graduates.
Councillor Barkhouse asked the Director of Community Development and Recreation to reach
out to the parent she received the request from (she has forwarded to the Director).
9.2 Land Use By-Law – Councillor Barkhouse
Committee of the Whole (continued) April 8, 2021 121
Councillor Barkhouse provided some information about a lot that crosses over District 3 and
District 7. When this happens, the property takes on the most stringent rules of whatever
district has those rules regarding zoning.
In this instance the portion within District 3 is very minimal and the owner has brought to staff’s
attention that the by-law includes wording that indicates new lots must have 29,000+ square
feet for on-site sewer systems. However, there are other options for systems that would not
require that much square footage for a lot. If that were changed, the owner could then
subdivide the lot and construct on the new lots.
Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner, indicated that the standard is fairly dated and the approach in
the new plan is to not have the minimum lot size stated and say, instead, that the size would say
“as per NS Department of Environment” regulations. This would just require the removal of the
reference to 29,000 square feet.
2021-152 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the
Committee of the Whole direct staff to move forward with an amendment to the
Land Use By-Law to remove the reference of the requirement of 29,000 square feet
size requirement and instead replace that number with “as per NS Department of
Environment”. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
The Senior Planner asked for clarity if staff should he undertake this as an amendment
undertaken by Council as an outdated piece that should be removed, and Council did agree.
IN CAMERA
There were no In Camera items for discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
2021-153 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse the
meeting adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (11:06 a.m.)
___________________________ ___________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
Committee of the Whole (continued) April 8, 2021 122
VOLUNTEER BIOS
Cecil Joudrey - Volunteers are the backbones of the community. Sometimes you do not even
know that they are contributing to the community as much as they are because they do not do it
for the recognition. A true volunteer steps up when needed and often in the background “getting
the work done”. As a member of the Legion, Cecil has been one of those “backbone” members –
stepping into any role that requires dedication and work to better an organization dedicated to
our honoured veterans.
Cecil’s volunteer activities have impacted people of all ages, from young children in scouting, to
cancer survivors, to our older and diminishing veteran population. The organizations that have
benefited and flourished because of his dedication and community spirit are:
Royal Canadian Legion Harding Br #144 – a member since 1973. He has held many roles
over the years such as President, Past President, 1st Vice President, Sergeant at Arms,
Building Maintenance, and Poppy Chair.
Scouting - more than 20 years as a Cub Leader and Scout Leader.
Red Cross – a canoe instructor for over 10 years.
Western Shore & District Volunteer Fire Department – a regular volunteer helping with
the Annual Garden Party for many years. The Fire Department awarded Cecil with the
Community Service Award in December 2009.
Chester Relay for Life – a valued member of the Chester Municipal Relay for life Logistics
Committee for 6 years.
South Shore Wildlife Association – organizing fishing derbies for seniors as well as youth
with disabilities.
St. Marks Church Parish – holding roles such as Warden, Cemetery Committee Member,
and assisting in maintaining the Church and Cemetery properties.
Royal Canadian Legion Br #144 Ladies Auxiliary – with an aging Auxiliary volunteer base,
Cecil stepped up and helped the Ladies Auxiliary with various events and was also
instrumental in the renovation of the bar and kitchen.
Cecil’s quiet and steadfast contribution to organizations that impact youth, seniors, veterans, and
community members is valued and deserves to be recognized by not just our community, but by
the Municipality as well.
Christine and Roger Hirtle - You may recognize Roger & Christine as Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause.
They have been doing this in the community for the last 30+ years. The Santa visits hold a special
place for them, and the families visited. The memories have involved two generations with the
children of 40 years ago now sharing the visit with their children. The Santa visits was, and still is
the dream of Rogers and it soon involved Christine. Once it became known that there was a Santa
in the area, additional requests began to come in from schools, organizations, corporate and
private.
Roger & Christine volunteer for the Church, Fire Department, Nursing Home, Fundraising and Just
Friends Group, and many other functions as required. Christine has been Volunteering with
Shoreham Village for over 31+ years. She also fundraises for the Heart Fund, teaching Sunday
School and in the Choir for 10+ years. Roger has been volunteering with the Chester Basin Fire
Department for 14+ years as a firefighter and Commissioner, helping neighbors, Trustee for 6
years, Teller for 4 years.
Committee of the Whole (continued) April 8, 2021 123
Roger & Christine are very much part of their community in both their contributions as volunteers
to many community organizations, but also their willingness to help anyone who needs it. It is
such a spirit of giving that inspires others to do likewise and makes a community a kinder and
better place to live.
Carol Nauss - Volunteering is not a new thing for Carol Nauss she has a lifetime of experience.
She now sits on two planning committees, Deacon of her Church, Co-chair of Municipal Canada
Day Celebration. However, her main focus has been the Heritage Society.
A member from the beginning, she has served as Chair for over twenty years. Carol was a driving
force behind the restoration of Lordly House and Maple Cottage. She is hands on, and she is
always on the lookout for artifacts or stories to add to the archives. No task is too large or too
small. You can find her writing proposals for funding, conducting a tour at Lordly House, or trying
to locate someone’s long lost relative through their genealogy. You can rest assured that if there
is a fundraiser going on, she has either helped organize it, prepared the advertising and definitely
working on the event. She was a driving force in having Lordly Park cleared and prepared to be
the beautiful greenspace in the middle of our village. She is the go-to person for anything Chester
and is the Heart and Soul of the organization.
Carol Nauss gives her full attention to any organization or group that she is involved in. Her
dedication to her community, knowledge, and ability to keep order makes her invaluable. She
believes if someone asks you to help that is what you should do. Carol is the epitome of the
phrase if you want something done ask a busy person.
Anita Hume - Anita joined the Chester Legion in 1990 and served there for 14 years until she
transferred to Everett Br in 88. For the first number of years, Anita was the coordinator of
Mayfest. Spending many weeks to make it successful, she preceded! It became an event for the
entire Municipality.
Anita has worked our Newfie Breakfasts for many years. She served on the Executive Committee
of the Branch as well. She was a member of the East Chester Rec Association Hall and in charge
of the Annual popular Mackerel Snappers Picnic for many years.
She is presently in her second term as President of the Over Forty Club. Anita has been a big
asset to our Ladies Auxiliary, and we are happy to nominate her for this recognition.
1
Pam Myra
From:Jane Raeburn <jane.janss@live.com>
Sent:April 16, 2021 1:47 PM
To:Pam Myra
Subject:Re: #External: Thursday Schedule
Brief synopsis:
Request to consider changing the requirement on 122 Queen street from 9 residential + 1 commercial, to all residential.
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Pam Myra <pmyra@chester.ca>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 1:16:54 PM
To: Jane Raeburn <jane.janss@live.com>
Subject: RE: #External: Thursday Schedule
Can I have a brief synopsis of what it is you will be discussing so I can add that as a placeholder on
the agenda.
Thanks.
Pam
From: Jane Raeburn <jane.janss@live.com>
Sent: April 16, 2021 1:16 PM
To: Pam Myra <pmyra@chester.ca>
Subject: Re: #External: Thursday Schedule
Yes - apologies Pam. We don’t need to forward Council any documents. But we will be prepared for Thursday!
I appreciate your help and consideration very much though.
Jane
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Pam Myra <pmyra@chester.ca>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 12:33:36 PM
To: Jane Raeburn <jane.janss@live.com>
Subject: RE: #External: Thursday Schedule
Hi, Jane. Just following up on your material for the agenda package.
Pam
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday MAY 2021 Meetings 1 PPE 2 3 4 5 6 COW? Virtual NSFM Spring Conference 7 Virtual NSFM Spring Conference 8 9 10 11 12 13 COUNCIL 14 15 PPE 16 17 18 19 20 COW 21 22 23 24 CLOSED – VICTORIA DAY 25 26 27 COUNCIL 28 29 PPE 30 31