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Home My Public Portal About2021-09-09_Council_Website Agenda Package Page 1 of 2 of Agenda Cover Page(s) MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA Thursday, September 9, 2021 Via Facebook Live Office Location: 151 King Street, Chester, NS 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS 3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (15 minutes) 4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 4.1 Council – August 26, 2021. 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS 6. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS 7. MATTERS ARISING 7.1 Quarterly Report – Corporate and Strategic Management Department (material to follow). 7.2 Investment Marketing Plan – Economic Development. 7.3 Request for Decision prepared August 27, 2021 – Corporate and Strategic Management Department – Special Election for District 3 Vacancy. 7.4 Request for Decision prepared August 4, 2021 – Financial & Information Services Department – Private Street Improvement By-Law – Administration Fees. 8. CORRESPONDENCE 8.1 Right to Know Week Proclamation – Week of September 27 to October 3, 2021. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1 Request for Decision prepared August 26, 2021 – Financial & Information Services Department – Annual Review of Low Income Tax Exemption Policy P-25. 9.2 Request for Decision prepared August 31, 2021 – Financial & Information Services Department – 2021/22 Capital Budget Adjustment (CCBF review of proposed Gas Tax Funded Projects). Page 2 of 2 9.3 Request for Decision prepared September 2, 2021 – Financial & Information Services Department – Server Infrastructure Replacement. 9.4 Council District Grant – District 6: a. Grant Listing. b. Council District Grant Application – District 6 – Charing Cross Garden Club - $500. 9.5 Short Term Rental Regulation Discussion – Councillor Veinotte. 9.6 Highway 329 Speed Limits – Deputy Warden Shatford. 10. IN CAMERA 11. ADJOURNMENT 296 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER Minutes of COUNCIL MEETING 151 King Street, Chester / Facebook Live, NS On Thursday, August 26, 2021 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Warden Webber called the virtual meeting to order at 8:49 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 Emily Lennox, Executive Secretary Emily Statton, Planner Jordan Daniels, Summer Planner Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS  Deputy Warden Shatford - Council requests process.  Deputy Warden Shatford - Guidelines for COVID-19.  Councillor Barkhouse - Letter of resignation. 2021-331 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the agenda and order of business for the August 26, 2021, Council meeting be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 4.1 Council – August 19, 2021. Council (continued) August 26, 2021 227 2021-332 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse the minutes of the August 19, 2021, Council meeting be approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION – No public input received. COMMITTEE REPORTS – No committee reports received. MATTERS ARISING 7.1 Second/Final Notice – Amendment of Policy P-39 Chester Village Planning Advisory Committee – regarding removal of dealing with heritage properties. Present were Emily Statton, Planner and Jordan Daniels, Summer Student Planner. 2021-333 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council conduct Second and Final Reading to amend Policy P-39 Chester Village Planning Advisory Committee – regarding removal of dealing with heritage properties. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 7.2 Second/Final Notice – Amendment of Policy P-63 Chester Municipal Planning Advisory Committee – regarding removal of dealing with heritage properties. 2021-334 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council conduct Second and Final Reading to amend Policy P-63 Chester Municipal Planning Advisory Committee – regarding removal of dealing with heritage properties. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Emily Statton, Planner and Jordan Daniels, Summer Student Planner left the meeting. 7.3 Information Memo prepared August 16, 2021 – Corporate and Strategic Management – Highway Signage. Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO, reviewed the information memo further to Council’s request. It was noted that the Municipality does not own any signs on the trunk highways, but it does own two on Highway 103. Council (continued) August 26, 2021 228 Types of signage, potential costs, and locations of “welcome” signs at all entrances to the Municipality were discussed. It was agreed to have staff provide information and costs on uniform signage, which has been discussed for quite some time, for welcome signs into the Municipality. The signage should be metal and approximately the same size as the sign near the Chester Home Hardware location. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS 6.1 New Ross Community Care Centre Society Project: a. Correspondence dated August 18, 2021, from New Ross Community Care Centre Society regarding the Affordable Housing Conditional Grant approved in 2018 for the New Ross Community Care Centre Society Project. b. Copy of letter dated September 27, 2018, to New Ross Community Care Centre Society regarding Conditional Grant and Waiving of Fees approved by Council. Present were Valerie White, Teresa Workman, and Syd Dumaresq from the New Ross Community Care Centre Society. Valerie White thanked Council for the opportunity to update Council on the New Ross project. She noted that they have had struggles but have learned a lot and are ready to move ahead. It was also noted that decisions about housing are now being made in Toronto. Teresa Workman outlined the steps they have taken since the project start four years ago. They had thought the building would be done by now, however, they have not reached that point due to the requirements needed, grants not received, etc. There have been calls for housing, however, many were unavailable. Now, in 2021, there is a new fund – Demonstration Fund – and for once it seems their goals align with goals of this funding stream. The meeting with them was positive but they said need equity of 25% of the costs including the land piece. Syd Dumaresq agreed that affordable housing is a crisis on everybody’s list and not everyone is doing anything about it except the Municipality of Chester, which is one of the few actually prepared to do something about it. One condition is that it be affordable housing and this project in New Ross will be affordable housing. The proposal would be stronger if we could say we own the land which will be included in the 25% equity. The Committee intends to work with the Community of New Ross to raise the necessary sweat equity, and he is donating his Council (continued) August 26, 2021 229 architectural services. If Council agrees to provide the money to buy the land that would be a tremendous help. If the project does not go ahead the Municipality can take over the land. Teresa Workman provided handouts to Councillors which provided more information on the project and the group. She noted that they have hired a young New Ross resident, Natalie Baker, to provide information on the importance of the project. Valerie White noted that recently Ken Rockwood (interviewed on CBC) noted that Baby Boomers will turn 75 this year – ten years will make a significant difference for people of that age – many will need some support of some kind and that will grow as they age. Residents don’t want to leave their community when they need support. She asked if Council would agree to the terms outlined in the letter so that they can purchase the property. They are also in discussions with the Credit Union for financing – this will be included in the application being submitted next week to Housing Nova Scotia. It was noted that they originally wanted to build 30 units, however, it was felt that was too big. In the end, they have decided on ten units – two 5-units of townhouse accommodation – accessible and at grade on both levels due to the grade. It was agreed that ten units is not enough, but it is a start. Councillor Connors read three emails from residents/former residents – Eleanor Barkhouse, Marty Murphy, and Don Barkhouse – all in favour of the project and asking what they can do. Warden Webber indicated that some documentation will be required that will include the land reverting to the Municipality if the project does not proceed and a performance clause of five or ten years. It was agreed to have a five-year window with an option to renew. The Municipality has a good relationship with development group; if the group or Council see nothing happening and nothing on the horizon then the agreement could be reviewed. 2021-335 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council rescind the following motion from 2018: “2018-394/402 - “… award a grant to the New Ross Community Care Centre Society in the amount of $100,000 subject to the following conditions being satisfied: 1. That a Feasibility Study be completed that demonstrates to Council’s satisfaction: a. Need/Demand Council (continued) August 26, 2021 230 b. Community support c. Financial viability and stability d. Estimated costs of construction e. Number of units and proposed rent/term of rent 2. That there be a demonstration of funding/financing being secured for the project. 3. That there be a Signed Agreement with Housing Nova Scotia and/or CMHC for Affordable Housing Units to provide assurance of affordable housing units and term. 4. That Planning Approval is obtained, as may be applicable, and that 5. There is an ongoing annual reporting on progress of the project. And Further that funding for this conditional grant be taken from the Wind Revenue Reserve, Community Development Component.” ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2021-336 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that subject to an Agreement being entered into between the New Ross Community Care Centre Society and the Municipality to be formalized through the solicitor and the CAO, which would provide that the Grant is conditional upon the first phase of the project being completed within five years of the Agreement and if not, the Grant is subject to a review which could involve either an extension for the time to complete phase one of the project or for the conveyance of title by the New Ross Community Care Centre Society free and clear of encumbrances to the Municipality, both to be at the discretion of Council. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. The New Ross Community Care Centre Society representatives thanked Council and left the room. CORRESPONDENCE 8.1 Request to proclaim September 6-10, 2021, as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Week from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Newfoundland. 2021-337 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council proclaim September 6-10, 2021, as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Week in the Municipality of the District of Chester and post the proclamation in the usual manner. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Council (continued) August 26, 2021 231 NEW BUSINESS 9.1 Council District Grant (District 3) Request from Chester Municipal Heritage Society in the amount of $2,500. 2021-338 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve the Council District Grant (District 3) Request from Chester Municipal Heritage Society in the amount of $2,500. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 9.2 September 2, 2021, Committee of the Whole Meeting. It was agreed that due to a lack of agenda items, there would not be a Committee of the Whole meeting next week. 9.3 Council Requests – Deputy Warden Shatford. Deputy Warden Shatford noted he understood that some things requested by Council can be delayed for various reasons, but he would like to see a monthly report so that Council knows where projects and tasks are in the process. The CAO indicated that there is a system that can track and provide update status. 9.4 COVID-19 – Deputy Warden Shatford. Deputy Warden Shatford asked if there were going to be any protocols after September 15th if the next phase goes ahead. There was discussion on what other places are doing, however, there have been no discussions with the COVID-19 Committee as yet. The Deputy CAO indicated that she attended a session regarding rights of the employer, and it was advised that we do not have the right to ask staff for mandatory vaccinations. Deputy Warden Shatford voiced concern for front line staff who serve the public. There is no way to know if the public is vaccinated. If September 15th comes and things open up, what, if any protocols would be in place? It was suggested that staff obtain legal advice on the matter and noted that there are differences in the public and private sector. The Deputy CAO noted that the locking/unlocking of the upper back door is a discussion to be held from a safety point of view. Council (continued) August 26, 2021 232 9.5 Letter of Resignation – Councillor Barkhouse. Councillor Barkhouse provided her letter of resignation as Councillor for District 3 effective 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021, as she has been elected as MLA for Chester-St. Margaret’s. Councillor Barkhouse thanked Councillors and Staff, noting that she looked forward to serving and working with everyone as the MLA. Warden Webber and members of Council wished Councillor Barkhouse all the best as the area MLA. It was noted that information will come to Council on September 9, 2021, regarding the next steps to fill the vacancy in District 3. IN CAMERA There were no In Camera items for discussion. ADJOURNMENT 2021-339 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting adjourn. (9:47 a.m.) ___________________________ ___________________________ Allen Webber Pamela Myra Warden Municipal Clerk September 2021 Investment Marketing Plan 1 Executive Summary The purpose of this marketing plan is to set forth the goals and strategies for the MOC marketing effort for investment attraction and retention. The intended result of this strategic marketing plan is a more focused and therefore more cost-effective effort to attract new firms and facilitate growth from existing firms. This plan will be the roadmap for the marketing activity, telling us where we are, where we want to go, and how to get there. We will target: ● Current MOC business owners / leaders ● Regional & Intermediary Organizations ● Real Estate Brokers / Developers ● Local influencers such as elected officials, news media and industry associations ● Site Selectors ● MOC residents ● Domestic and foreign businesses poised for growth in targets sectors Our goals include: ● Facilitating the expansion of current businesses ● Increasing jobs ● Attracting new investment ● Highlighting the strength of specific industry sectors by showcasing current businesses, recent investments and gathering testimonials ● Highlight advantages of locating in the MOC ● Continue to build upon existing brand ● Drive traffic to the Invest Chester website ● Identify opportunities and gaps and proactively work to find compatible investment interests to fill those gaps 2 Background Our Messages Our messaging is authentic and positions the Municipality of Chester as the best place to live, work and do business while enjoying all the benefits of Maritime life. It promises the MOC is a place where you can make a life, a living, and a profit. ● Our overall place brand message is: The Best of Nova Scotia in One Place ● Our business brand message is: The Municipality of Chester is a treasure chest enriched by tradition and filled with opportunity. Additionally, we have developed messaging for each of our target sectors: ● Arts, Culture & Recreation: The Municipality of Chester has a higher concentration of arts, entertainment and recreation workers when compared to similar communities. Our creative economy positively impacts the quality of life, attracts more creators and innovators and contributes to our community’s prosperity. ● Business Services: The comparatively low cost of doing business, diverse labour force and proximity to both Halifax and the U.S, all make the Municipality of Chester a low risk, high benefit option for business services providers. Our Messages ● Construction: Our vibrant construction industry is fueled by our high concentration of skilled trades workers which is higher than both similar communities and the province as a whole. ● Green Industries: The Municipality of Chester's Green Sector is strong and growing. Anchored by a world class solid waste facility and environmental management centre, green industries can take advantage of these facilities as well as the abundance of adjacent land for development. ● Niche Manufacturing / Value-Added: The Municipality of Chester is home to several niche manufacturers and offers a low-cost alternative that is close to major markets, ports and airports. ● Industrial Development: The Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park is an excellent investment and development opportunity. Featuring 150 acres of land and close proximity to the Port of Halifax, Halifax City Centre and Halifax Stanfield International Airport it is zoned heavy industrial with no conflicting land uses. The park is home to Sustane Technologies, Rainbow Net & Rigging and the Municipality of Chester's proven world class solid waste facility and environmental management centre. 3 Background Our Economic Development Products Defining our service products will help us to achieve our economic development goals. Our products are: ● The competitive economic and lifestyle advantage of our community. ● Property and Land Development: We will promote both privately owned and publicly owned commercial property and land in the MOC as well as provide support for those seeking property. ● Business support o Tourism Chester o Referrals o Making connections / opportunity matchmaking 4 Marketing Plan The following are our recommendations for strategic tactics for an integrated economic development marketing plan for the Municipality of Chester. Activities: ● The Invest Chester Website ● Search Engine Optimization ● Social Media ● Advertising ● Content & Collateral ● Email Marketing ● Trade Shows & Events ● Public Relations ● Direct Outreach 5 Marketing Plan The New Invest Chester Website The new website is an excellent launchpad to tell MOC success stories and provide a hub for content that inspires people to work and start or grow a business. Featuring "bite-sized" copy that draws visitors in, it also includes clear “calls to action” to learn more, download content, and connect on social media. The site reflects the Municipality's unique character and value proposition and does not use bureaucratic government language. High-quality photos, balanced with whitespace, bold colors and infographics visually communicate the MOC's creative, entrepreneurial spirit and innovative qualities. The new Invest Chester Website The site also utilizes landing pages, sometimes known as a lead capture page are single web pages that appear in response to clicking on a search engine optimized search result, marketing promotion, marketing email, call-to-action or online advertising. The new site utilizes landing pages to enable a user to enter their contact details in exchange for content. The site also integrates with other marketing activities detailed in this report such as email marketing, social media, content marketing and SEO. Website Key Performance Indicators ● Bounce Rate ● Unique Visitors ● Page views per Session ● Average Time on Page ● Top Landing Pages ● Traffic Sources ● Visits, Leads, Conversions 6 Marketing Plan SEO Search Engine Optimization (SEO) focuses on expanding a company’s visibility in the organic search results. It helps organizations rank more pages higher in SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages.) And in turn, drive more visitors to the site, increasing chances for more conversions. By utilizing an SEO friendly platform for the website (HubSpot), Invest Chester has been able to ensure relevant keywords are integrated into title tags, meta descriptions, page content and images. This ensures the site isn’t ignored or devalued by search engines. SEO Within HubSpot’s SEO tool, recommendations are organized according to their impact on your site's SEO and the technical difficulty of resolving them. This makes it easy to manage and deploy SEO tactics. SEO Key Performance Indicators ● Organic traffic growth ● Keyword rankings ● Conversions from organic traffic ● Average time on page and the bounce rate ● Top landing pages attracting organic traffic ● Number of indexed pages ● Links growth 7 Marketing Plan Social Media Social media usage continues to grow. According to SmartInsights, as of April 2021, the total number of active social media users has grown again, to 4.33 billion. That's an increase of 9.6% in 9 months. With this level of participation, social media continues to represent an opportunity for savvy marketers. Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are the platforms we will focus on. The MOC's scenic landscapes, cultural amenities and innovative businesses lend themselves very well to pictures and videos, which is why a great deal of content is already out there. ● Continued Use Multi-Media - Mixing more high-resolution photos, videos and other visual elements into your social posts is a proven strategy for increasing engagement. Specifically for business attraction via social media. ● Be a Reliable Resource - If you become a resource to your key audiences, your following will naturally grow. Part of being a resource is posting consistently. Schedule evergreen content that promotes your website and videos in advance and mix in timely news to ensure consistent posting. Social Media Key Performance Indicators ● Social traffic growth ● Website visits ● Followers ● Follower growth ● Clicks ● Comments ● Likes ● Shares ● Inquiries 8 Marketing Plan Advertising Traditional advertising is often too expensive for economic development. Nevertheless, there are targeted opportunities to advertise in local media, select industry related trades and as part of larger regional advertising campaigns. Digital advertising is where you’ll get the biggest “bang for your buck” in the paid media arena. Each platform offers a plethora of targeting parameters. Beyond basic user demographics, you can choose from psychographic factors such as interests, hobbies, personality types, and more. Digital advertising offers several types of ads depending on budget, goals, and audience, including: ● AdWords (Google’s online Pay-Per-Click [PPC] offering) and Bing (Microsoft’s online PPC offering) ● Display Ads: banners at the top, sides or footer of a website or search engine result pages (SERP’s) ● Retargeting Ads: ads that display on other websites based on a user’s previous searches ● Boosted posts: Displaying your organic content and posts to targeted audiences who are not following you. Digital advertising has several benefits for the MOC: ● It is an important conversion driver. Unlike typical organic results, paid ads are (or at least should be) linked to landing pages. ● It works with almost any budget. ● It is especially helpful for local marketing. For search queries like “commercial land near me”, local marketing results make those queries connect with your ads. ● PPC search ads allow you to target specific demographics and create custom audiences who are far more likely to see and engage with your ads than the average searcher. ● Ads appear first in search engine results. Having a paid search ad gives you a good chance of being at the top of the Search Engine Results Pages if your keyword bid is high enough and your quality score is good. Advertising Key Performance Indicators ● Impressions ● Reach ● Paid traffic growth ● Clicks ● Click Through Rate (CTR) ● Cost Per Click (CPC) ● Engagement Rate ● Conversion Rate 9 Marketing Plan Content & Collateral Content marketing is the process of creating relevant and valuable content—from blog posts to infographics to video—that attracts, engages, and serves your audience. By becoming a credible, authoritative resource on topics that matter to visitors, residents and investors, the MOC is more likely to get discovered by the right audience and earn their trust—which, in turn, enables you to build marketing relationships and grow your database. Content should live in multiple formats: video, blog, social share, collateral. Developing the same story line in multiple formats enables you to stretch budgets and provide multiple engagement points. We have already started the process by developing and adding to our site: ● Community Profile ● Sector Profiles ● Videos ● Local Success Stories Print collateral is less necessary as business attraction goes digital however creating digital-first collateral that can be easily updated and printed on demand according to need is recommended. In addition, we will ● Create content that showcases the Municipality’s point-of-view and speaks in our voice ● Make content downloadable where possible: by incorporating higher value downloadable content, such as helpful infographics, guides, etc., we gain the opportunity to further engage visitors and potential investors with the MOC, generate leads and nurture them through the customer management process. ● Utilize data as content for infographics or other relevant content. ● Share more success stories ● Expand use of GIS for real estate marketing 10 Marketing Plan Content Ideas ● Meet the Professionals: Showcase CEO and young professionals and let them tell their stories ● “Why the Municipality of Chester”: Testimonials from major companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs in a range of industries. ● Green Biz Powers the Economy feature telling how efforts at Kaizer Meadow help fuel the MOC economy and paint the picture of the opportunity for other Green Sector businesses. ● New in Town feature on a person who recently moved to the MOC and invested in / started a business. ● Boomerangs feature residents who have returned “home” and why. ● Old Meets New showcases a traditional business that employs staff in a way not normally associated with the industry (i.e. IT professionals in a construction business or finance in a niche manufacturer) ● The Business of Tourism highlights a tourism business operator ● Meet a Tourist: Showcase visitors and let them tell their stories. ● Chester Municipality is Hiring: could target regional college and university students to plant seeds early that the MOC offers job and career opportunities, as well as fertile ground for entrepreneurs to start a business. Video Invest Chester has started to build a library of videos to showcase the community. We will continue to build out this library, both by creating new, streamlined content of our own and by editing video assets already available. Content & Collateral Key Performance Indicators ● Collateral ● Video ● Downloads ● Conversion rate ● # of leads generated ● Shares ● Inquiries ● Number of views ● View-through rate ● Watch time ● Shares 11 Marketing Plan Email Marketing HubSpot provides toolsets that can enable Invest Chester to use email for both broad awareness campaigns and specific follow up activities. Announcement Campaigns: Email is a simple and low-cost way to provide local business, residents, visitors, Chambers, elected officials and the news media a steady stream of “good news” and all the positive things happening. SEO Drip Campaigns: Drip campaigns are automated sets of emails that go out based on specific timelines or user actions. They enable you to stay in touch with groups of people based on events like when a user downloads content or how often that user visits your site. Each time a drip email is sent out, it comes from a queue of already-written emails—there’s no need to manually write and send each one. They can even be personalized with your contacts’ name, company info, and more. Drip campaigns can also be created for various scenarios such as follow up after an event, site tour or in response to inquiries. Email Marketing Key Performance Indicators ● Delivery rate ● Unsubscribe rate ● Open rate ● Click through rate ● Conversion rate ● Forward/shares ● Website visits ● Content downloads ● Inquiries 12 Marketing Plan Events & Tradeshows Event and Tradeshow marketing includes: ● Participating in trade missions, webinars or other events put on by regional, Provincial and Federal Economic Development organizations and target sector associations ● Attending an event as an exhibitor to educate influencers and prospects Examples: ● Atlantic Provinces Economic Council Major Projects Event ● Business Development Canada events and webinars ● Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurships events and mixers ● Christmas Tree Council of NS events ● Innovacorp events ● Maritimes Energy Association CORE Conference ● Nova Scotia Innovation Hub ● Perennia Events and Conferences ● Site Selectors Guild events ● Southwest Nova Scotia Agriculture Day ● Trade missions such as the recent NS – Finland Forestry Bioeconomy Online Trade and Study Mission via Nova Scotia Business Inc., Community Business Development Corporation, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Global Affairs Canada, and Export Development Canada. ● Volta Labs events ● World Biogas Association ● Western Woodlands Association and NS Forestry conferences ● Etc., Events and Tradeshows Key Performance Indicators ● Leads generated ● Meetings held ● Inquiries 13 Marketing Plan Public Relations Public relations is convincing trusted sources who have an audience, inside the MOC and outside our usual sphere of influence, to promote business and tourism, support our positions, and recognize our accomplishments. An ideal PR plan would have us push out a steady stream of positive MOC business news to targeted in-province, trade and national media through proactive pitching. SEO As a start we will: ● Encourage local companies and industry leaders to send business news our way in advance. ● Partner with regional economic development agencies on pushing out newsworthy announcements to relevant trade and media. PR Key Performance Indicators ● Frequency ● Traffic generated to website from press releases, and news 14 Marketing Plan Direct Outreach Although direct outreach falls last on this long list of tactics, it is far from least. Regular communications to existing businesses is a high priority and part of Invest Chester's everyday job. By connecting directly with visitors, residents, businesses and investors, Invest Chester can utilize very specific content and offers which can help drive better ROI. There are two specific initiatives that relate to direct outreach: Business Retention & Expansion A Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program works to improve the competitiveness of local businesses by identifying and addressing their needs while building on business development opportunities. This process is essential to the sustained vitality of the MOC since businesses that stay competitive are more likely to remain and expand in the community. Some goals and objectives for developing this program include: ● Build relationships with existing businesses ● Build a database of businesses in our community (who they are, what do they do, local or foreign ownership) SEO ● Collect relevant data on local companies (# of employees, location details, export status, expansion or change in operations) ● Identify opportunities and actions to assist local businesses in expansion. ● Assist in retaining and creating of jobs ● Identify opportunities and gaps and proactively work to find compatible investment interests to fill those gaps. ● Establish and implement strategic actions for economic development. Research and anecdotal evidence have shown that the majority of new jobs created in a community come from existing businesses highlighting the point that an effective investment marketing program must first and foremost be inward looking in the community. Details on the development of MOC’s BRE program will be outlined in the next and final phase of the Sector Marketing Strategy. 15 Marketing Plan Direct Outreach Business Attraction & Foreign Direct Investment Partnerships Investment attraction activities are being done by several organizations both provincial and federal including: ● Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (via funding programs and Atlantic Canada Site Certification Program) ● Business Development Canada ● Canadian Trade Commissioners ● Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship ● Consider Canada City Alliance ● Economic Developers Association of Canada ● Export Development Canada ● Global Affairs Canada ● Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia ● Innovacorp ● Invest in Canada ● Intergovernmental Affairs ● Nova Scotia Business Inc. ● Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage ● Nova Scotia Innovation Hub ● Screen Nova Scotia We believe the best use of the Municipalities’ resources (both budget and staff) is to develop partnerships with these organizations and develop recognition of the MOC as an attractive location for business and industry. Potential activities for this include: ● Develop and send a “marketing piece” to relevant regional economic development organizations, along with a letter or announcement concerning the new, improved Invest Chester website. ● Meet with key staff of the relevant regional economic development organizations on a regular basis to discuss prospect activity. ● Participate in marketing opportunities as presented by regional economic development organizations. Direct Outreach Key Performance Indicators ● # of visits ● Actions taken as a result of ● # Referrals 16 Marketing Action Plan for Remaining FY 2021-22 Tactics Resources / Costs Possible future initiatives (new plan to be created each fiscal) Website ➔ News updates ➔ Business count data updates ➔ Commercial property inventory updates and Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park updates ➔ Staff time ➔ Statistics Canada data charge ➔ News updates ➔ Campaign related landing pages ➔ Tracking URLs SEO ➔ Address current on page issues ➔ Add keyword rich content via news/announcements and landing pages ➔ Staff time ➔ Arrange for links on relevant partner / industry websites ➔ Create employment lands / industrial lands specific content to promote Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park ➔ Keyword research tool (i.e. SEMRush) Social Media ➔ Post 2x weekly ➔ Develop a social media calendar ➔ Share expansions and success stories ➔ Continue to share 3rd party endorsement ➔ Promotion of available public and privately owned properties ➔ Staff time ➔ Increase # of weekly posts ➔ Automate some social publishing ➔ Schedule at least 1 post per week (evergreen content) for 3 months Advertising ➔ Boost select social media posts ➔ Start process for 103 Highway signage for Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park ➔ Plan marketing campaign for biz owners (letter from Warden/info package/Industrial Lands awareness) ➔ Receive Atlantic Canada Site Certification for Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park ➔ Staff time ➔ Social media boosting costs ➔ Printing ➔ Postage ➔ Boost select social media posts ➔ Race Week Sponsorship campaign ➔ Digital display Halifax International Airport ➔ Google AdWords campaign ➔ Plan / Deploy marketing campaign for Site Selectors (postcard mailout, LinkedIn) ➔ 103 Highway Signage installation ➔ Highway 14 signage update ➔ Create tax bill insert ➔ Advertise Kaizer Meadow on Viewpoint 17 Content & Collateral ➔ Develop success story ➔ Develop marketing piece for regional economic development organizations ➔ Provide content for Municipal newsletter ➔ Develop helpful guides that are sector specific for setting up new business ➔ Staff time ➔ Develop success story ➔ TBD content Email Marketing ➔ Email to support campaigns ➔ Plan & deploy follow up drip campaign ➔ Good news content / updates Tradeshows & Events ➔ Update pullup banners ➔ Agriculture Day 2022 ➔ APEC Major Projects Event ➔ EDAC Conference ➔ Identify other events to attend this fiscal ➔ Continue to sponsor ED events ➔ Printing ➔ Updated pullup banners x3 ➔ Conference costs ➔ Participate in partner events ➔ Updated tradeshow booth Public Relations ➔ Press release announcing new website ➔ Staff time ➔ Press releases Direct Outreach ➔ Build out Business Retention and Expansion Program ➔ Identify key regional economic development staff ➔ Set up meetings with key regional economic development staff ➔ Marketing campaign for economic development organizations where it is not possible to meet face to face ➔ Identify and meet with commercial realtors ➔ Printing ➔ Postage ➔ Consultant costs for BRE build-out ➔ BRE business visits /survey ➔ BRE data analysis ➔ BRE service delivery ➔ Continue to meet with key regional economic development staff ➔ Identify marketing opportunities with regional economic development partners REQUEST FOR DECISION Prepared By: Pam Myra, Municipal Clerk Date August 27, 2021 Reviewed By: Sam Lamey, Solicitor Date September 1, 2021 Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date September 3, 2021 CURRENT SITUATION Municipal Elections occur every four years. The 2020 Municipal Election was held on October 17, 2020. On August 17, 2021, Councillor Barkhouse was elected as the MLA for Chester-St. Margaret’s leaving the seat for Council District 3 vacant. A special election is required to fill the vacancy. Within four weeks of Councillor Barkhouse’s resignation (August 28), Council is required to set an election date – either at Council September 9, 2021 or September 23, 2021. 1. Dates for Special Election Day and Advance Polls As per Section 13 (2) of the Municipal Elections Act, the Special Election shall be a “Saturday not more than eleven weeks after the meeting of the Council at which day was named.” Section 13(3) notes “Nomination day for a special election shall be the fourth Tuesday preceding ordinary polling day.” If Electronic Voting is chosen, then the dates of November 13 or 20 for an Election are preferred. If paper ballot voting is chosen, then later dates would be preferred to allow for hiring staff and renting facilities. Possible Election Dates if declared September 9, 2021: Timeline Election Day Nomination Day 11 Weeks Saturday, November 20, 2021 Tuesday, October 26, 2021 10 Weeks Saturday, November 13, 2021 Tuesday, October 19, 2021 9 Weeks Saturday, November 6, 2021 Tuesday, October 12, 2021 Possible Election Dates if declared September 23, 2021: Timeline Election Day Nomination Day 11 Weeks Saturday, December 4, 2021 Tuesday, November 9, 2021 10 Weeks Saturday, November 27, 2021 Tuesday, November 2, 2021 9 Weeks Saturday, November 20, 2021 Tuesday, October 26, 2021 REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Corporate and Strategic Management MEETING DATE: September 9, 2021 SUBJECT: Special Election – District 3 ORIGIN: Resignation of District 3 Councillor 2 Request For Decision 2. Appointment of Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer The Municipal Solicitor and the Municipal Clerk have previously been appointed by Council to Serve as Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer. 3. Polling Divisions Polling Divisions were confirmed in the 2020 Municipal Election (previously approved by the NS Utility and Review Board on July 13, 2015). There are three polling divisions in District 3 – Division 12, Division 13, and Division 14 (Shoreham). 4. Preliminary List of Electors Municipalities have been using the Provincial List of Electors for Municipal Elections - there is an agreement in place for municipalities to utilize the Provincial List of Electors. 5. Voting: The 2020 Municipal Election was carried out entirely electronically due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The 2012 and 2016 Elections had both electronic voting (advance voting period) with voting in person on Election Day only. Note: Electronic Voting provides two modes of voting - internet and telephone. Electronic Voting - Due to potential COVID-19 restrictions, consideration is suggested to carry out this special election electronically. Electronic voting can be done by phone or internet (computer, iPad, tablet, or cell phone). For those who are unable to vote electronically at home by the methods noted above, the Saturday Advance Poll date could be used, and a kiosk provided at the Municipal Building - by appointment. In the 2020 Municipal/School Board Election there were fewer than 15 people who required in person assistance by the Assistant Returning Officer. The estimated cost for electronic voting is approximately $5,600 as per the information received from Intelivote and estimates. The quote from Intelivote includes training services, help desk training, and mailing out the Voter Instruction Letter. Intelivote has conducted electronic elections for this Municipality since 2012. Traditional Paper Ballot Voting – Due to ongoing potential COVID-19 concerns, voting with a traditional paper ballot would require additional staffing at polls to control entrance, exit, and cleaning. There would be three polls requiring a Deputy Returning Officer, Poll Clerk, and one additional person to admit voters, and to carry out the 3 Request For Decision necessary cleaning protocols if any are in place as per Public Health. There would also be the requirement two Advance Voting Polls and the ballots themselves. Requirements would be 12 staff, the cost of 3 polling stations (Shoreham Village, and two polling stations broken down by A-H and I-Z) as well as the two Advance Voting Poll Days. At this time some facilities are opening up, however, it is noted that if another wave of COVID-19 takes place, it could affect the use of facilities. It is estimated that a paper ballot election would cost approximately $10,000.00 and does not include training or mailing the Voter Instruction Letter or additional costs for printing and postage for the Voter Instruction Letter and ballots. 6. Voting Period: With Electronic Voting, the voting period can take place over an extended period of time at the convenience of Electors who are able to vote from anywhere, 24 hours a day; whereas paper ballots provide electors limited opportunities to vote in person at a physical location (advance poll or election day). In the 2020 Election the electronic voting period was 10 days. 7. Revision Period: As per Section 33, 34, and 35 of the Municipal Elections Act, the Revising Officer is directed to ensure the list is revised by adding/deleting/correcting the voter information. In a municipal-wide election, this is advertised as a three week process carried out by the Revising Officer, however, since this is an election for one district, it is suggested that a two- week time frame will be sufficient as there is still a process for electors to be added/deleted from the list following the revision period, up to and including Election Day. 8. Voter Information Letter/Voter Instruction Letter: In past elections, a Voter Information Letter was sent to all electors on the preliminary list of electors indicating what information was on file for them. Ads are also placed in the circulating newspapers advising residents of the upcoming election and how to determine if they are on the List of Electors. When Electors receive this information, they are able to advise the Election Staff if there are any revisions to their information, i.e., the information is incorrect, or they did not receive a Voter Information Letter. Since the Preliminary List of Electors received from the province is up to date as of July 2021, it is suggested that the first Voter Information Letter not be distributed, and that notice be provided as per Section 34(4) of the Municipal Elections Act – in the circulating newspapers, Municipal 4 Request For Decision Newsletter, social media, and the Municipal website. Those who are not sure they are on the voters list can contact the Election Staff for confirmation. Following the Revision Period and prior to the election, a Voter Instruction Letter will be sent to all voters on the list. The Voter Instruction Letter will provide the information required to vote. 8. Revising Officer for Revision Period: This has been carried out by the Assistant Returning Officer for previous elections. 10. 2021 Election Fees: A draft schedule of fees has been prepared for the Committee’s review showing the 2020 Election Fees and the increase using CPI for 2021 (0.3%) for the 2021 Special Election. OPTIONS: 1. Election Date: a. Election Day as chosen by Council – November 6, November 13, November 20, November 27, or December 4. b. Another date as proposed by Council. 2. Appointment of Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer: a. Appoint the Solicitor as Returning Officer and the Municipal Clerk as Assistant Returning Officer for the 2021 Special Election. b. Appoint alternate persons. 3. Polling Divisions: a. Confirm Polls as approved by the NS Utility and Review Board on July 13, 2015. b. Other. 4. Preliminary List of Electors: a. Use the Provincial List of Electors. b. Use another method to establish a List of Electors. 5. Voting: a. Conduct the election electronically by internet and telephone. b. Conduct the election electronically and use a kiosk for those unable to vote electronically located at the Municipal Building on the Saturday Advance Poll Day by appointment. 5 Request For Decision b. Conduct the election using traditional paper ballots with three polls (9 staff) on Election Day and two Advance Polls (3 staff). d. Other. 6. Voting Period: a. Electronic Advance Poll Period and Election Day – depending upon the election date, begin electronic voting on the 2nd Wednesday before Election Day allowing 11 days for electronic voting to take place. b. Paper Ballot Voting. – Two Advance Polls as well as Election Day. c. Other. 7. Revision Period: a. Two weeks – dates depend upon date of election chosen. b. Other. 8. Voter Information Letter: a. Not send the initial Voter Information Letter as the Preliminary List of Electors received from the Province is up to date as of July 2021. Advertisements in the local newspapers, in the municipal newsletter and on social media will be carried out. b. Send the Voter Information Letter to those listed on the Preliminary List of Electors received from the Province. Advertisements in the local newspapers, in the municipal newsletter and on social media will be carried out. 9. Revising Officer for Revision Period: a. Assistant Returning Officer. b. Other. 10. Election Fees: a. Approval of Draft Schedule of Fees (attached). b. Other. IMPLICATIONS Policy n/a Financial/Budgetary For the 2020/21 Year, $19,000 has been transferred to Reserves for Elections/Plebiscites. Environmental n/a 6 Request For Decision Strategic Plan n/a Work Program Implications This can be accommodated in the current work plan ATTACHMENTS Schedule A –2021 draft fee schedule for approval. Schedule B – 2021 Estimated costs with 2021 Fees used. COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Newspapers Municipal Newsletter Social media 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION - DISTRICT 3 - SCHEDULE OF FEES20172018201920202021RECOMMENDATIONRETURNING OFFICER1.2%1.1%2.2%1.6%0.3%For all services in connection with an election:a. If no poll is held, for each polling division$110.31$111.52$111.40$113.18$113.52115.00$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division$208.47$210.77$210.53$213.90$214.54215.00$ c. Each additional poll$73.88$74.69$74.61$75.80$76.0376.00$ ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERFor assisting the Returning Officer in connection with an election, an allowance of:a. If no poll is held, for each polling division$55.66$56.27$56.21$57.11$57.2858.00$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division$104.24$105.38$105.27$106.95$107.27108.00$ c. Each additional poll$37.44$37.86$37.81$38.42$38.5339.00$ DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICERa. For all services/expenses in connection with training$91.08$92.08$91.98$93.45$93.7394.00$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division$177.10$179.05$178.85$181.71$182.26183.00$ c. Each additional poll$25.30$25.58$25.55$25.96$26.0426.00$ d. For standby service as a substitute, a daily allowance of$35.42$35.81$35.77$36.34$36.4537.00$ POLL CLERKa. For all services/expenses in connection with training$91.08$92.08$91.98$93.45$93.7394.00$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division$146.74$148.35$148.19$150.56$151.01151.00$ c. Each additional poll$15.18$15.35$15.33$15.58$15.6216.00$ d. For standby service as a substitute, a daily allowance of$35.42$35.81$35.77$36.34$36.4537.00$ RECOUNTS OR CONTROVERED ELECTIONS (Section 131(2) of the Elections Act)For required attendance by the Returning Officer at recount or hearing of a complaint$175.08$177.00$176.81$179.63180.00$ regarding controverted election, a daily allowance ofPOLLING STATIONS (Sections 60-63 of Elections Act)For the use of a building or part of a building including fuel, lights, cleaning services,$151.80$153.47$153.30$155.75160.00$ opening/closing, and furniture for one or more ordinary polling stations - per poll stationREVISING OFFICER (Section 33 of the Elections Act)Revision Period - September 20 to October 1, 2021 (excluding holidays) from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. a daily allowance of 50.00$ CONSTABLESA daily allowance of (Previously was a standby position)200.00$ ANNUAL CPI 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION - DISTRICT 3 - ESTIMATE OF COSTS FEE PAPER BALLOT ELECTRONIC RETURNING OFFICER For all services in connection with an election: a. If no poll is held, for each polling division 115.00$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division 215.00$ 3 645.00$ 215.00$ c. Each additional poll 76.00$ ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICER For assisting the Returning Officer in connection with an election, an allowance of: a. If no poll is held, for each polling division 58.00$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division 108.00$ 3 324.00$ 108.00$ c. Each additional poll 39.00$ DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICER a. For all services/expenses in connection with training 94.00$ 12 is 1,128.00$ -$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division 183.00$ 12 is 2,196.00$ -$ c. Each additional poll 26.00$ d. For standby service as a substitute, a daily allowance of 37.00$ POLL CLERK a. For all services/expenses in connection with training 94.00$ 12 is 1,128.00$ -$ b. If a poll is held with one election per polling division 151.00$ 12 is 1,812.00$ -$ c. Each additional poll 16.00$ d. For standby service as a substitute, a daily allowance of 37.00$ RECOUNTS OR CONTROVERED ELECTIONS (Section 131(2) of the Elections Act) For required attendance by the Returning Officer at recount or hearing of a complaint 180.00$ regarding controverted election, a daily allowance of POLLING STATIONS (Sections 60-63 of Elections Act) For the use of a building or part of a building including fuel, lights, cleaning services,160.00$ 4 is 640.00$ -$ opening/closing, and furniture for one or more ordinary polling stations - per poll station REVISING OFFICER (Section 33 of the Elections Act) Revision Period - September 20 to October 1, 2021 (excluding holidays) from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. a daily allowance of 50.00$ 9 450.00$ 450.00$ CONSTABLES A daily allowance of (Previously was a standby position)200.00$ INTELIVOTE (Electronic voting, voter instruction letters, training)4,554.80$ Mailout of Voter Instruction Letter 1,554.80$ Ballots 150.00$ Additional Staff Time (Estimate)250.00$ 250.00$ 10,277.80$ 5,577.80$ PAPER BALLOT ELECTRONIC REQUEST FOR DIRECTION Prepared By: Tim Topping, Director of Financial and Information Services Date August 4, 2021 Reviewed By: Dan MacDougall, CAO Date August 23, 2021 Authorized By: Dan MacDougall, CAO Date August 23, 2021 CURRENT SITUATION Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law No. 72 allows for property owners on a private street to have the Municipality complete or facilitate the completion of the required improvements and/or distribute the funding for approved maintenance activities. The costs of this work, or distribution, is then recovered by the Municipality through a special tax is levied in the amount of the direct costs plus interest and a 10% administration charge. Administration has been asked to review the 10% administration charge in order to determine if that charge may be reduced or removed. Any reduction in administration charge will not have an immediate impact on 2020/21 area rates as the association budgets and rates have already been approved by the associations for the year, however, a reduction would lead to a rebate being provided to the owners’ associations and will provide them the opportunity to budget for a lower rate in future years. RECOMMENDATION That Council direct Administration to reduce the administration charge to 5% (option 2, below). This option would still apply a sufficient administration charge to cover the direct costs of administering the program, while also bringing the cost of Chester’s program more in-line with similar programs in neighbouring communities and direct staff to review By-Law 72 BACKGROUND Per paragraph 4 of By-Law No. 72, “The total amount of the special tax levied by the Municipality under this By-Law shall not exceed the cost of the street improvements and/or maintenance to the Municipality plus interest and an administration charge of ten percent (10%)”. This wording (“shall not exceed”) provides for the ability to apply and administration charge of less than 10% without requiring a change to the By-Law. There are currently 12 owners’ associations participating in this program, with administration charges for their roads ranging between $63 and $2,200 per year. REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department DATE: September 2, 2021 SUBJECT: Private Street Improvement By-Law – Administration Fees ORIGIN: Administrative Review 2 Request For Direction /Direction The practice has been to recover the full 10% amount provided for in the By-Law. The total administration charges for the year ended March 31, 2021, were $12,275 ($11,263 in 2020, and $10,510 in 2019). Comparable administration charges levied by other municipalities include: - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg: 5% - East Hants: 5% - Municipality of Shelburne: 5% - County of Kings: 4% This program ensures that owners of property on private roads are able to access the resources of the Municipality to achieve required improvements and/or maintenance activities for their private roads, but no one is compelled to utilize this program, so property owners are still free to arrange improvements and maintenance of their private roads without participating in this program or paying the administration charge. DISCUSSION What property owners must do to participate in the program Owners must submit a petition to the Municipality, representing the support of at least 67% of property owners, owning at least 67% of the real property in the affected area, requesting an improvement or maintenance for an approved purpose. Owners will pay for the work required plus interest and the administration charge on their property taxes (annually for maintenance, and over a period of up to 10 years for improvements). What property owners receive for participating in the program Once the application is approved, the Municipality will either make the improvements or provide the budget for the maintenance requested. The costs of such improvements and/or repairs plus interest and administration charge will be collected from property owners via a special tax levied over a period of up to ten years (for improvements), or annually (for maintenance). This means that property owners are not required to manage the collection of funds from their neighbours to pay for the approved repairs or maintenance, and in the case of improvements, owners don’t have to deal with hiring, managing, and paying for the construction work, and are given up to 10 years to pay for the work. IMPLICATIONS Policy N/A Financial/Budgetary Option 1 will have no implication to the Municipality. Options 2 and 3 would reduce the revenue received, thus reducing the General Operating Reserve Fund balance Environmental N/A Strategic Plan Reviewing and revising the private roads administration charge amounts will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Areas of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: 3 Request For Direction /Direction Governance & Engagement  Priority Outcome 1: Ensure municipal service delivery is efficient and effective, communicated and accessible  Priority Outcome 2: Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing needs Healthy & Vibrant Communities  Priority Outcome 1: Ensure residents have access to facilities, natural assets, programs, and services that enrich a quality of life and provide safe communities for residents and visitors alike. Work Program Implications N/A OPTIONS Option 1 – Continue the practice of recovering an administration charge of 10% for the municipal services provided under By-Law No. 72 Option 2 – Direct administration to reduce the Administration Charge to 5% (or some other amount less than 10%, as determined by Council) Option 3 – Direct administration to cease the practice of recovering an administration charge for municipal services provided under By-Law No. 72 Other options considered – Administration has considered the implementation of a flat rate administration charge for each association. This option is not recommended due to the varying sizes of the approved roads budgets. This option would create a situation where the smaller associations would be paying a significantly higher percentage of their budget than the larger associations. For example, if the Municipality was aiming to recover the equivalent of a 5% administration charge, this would lead to some associations paying as low as 2% of their budget, while others paid more than 20% (and in one case 74%!) ATTACHMENTS List attachments here. COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Internal – Finance staff External – public via website, newsletter, and directly to the affected owners’ associations PROCLAMATION RIGHT TO KNOW WEEK September 27 to October 3, 2021 WHEREAS the Municipality of the District of Chester has adopted the principles of openness, transparency, and accountability; and WHEREAS Part XX of the Municipal Government Act gives citizens a right of access to information in the custody or under the control of the Municipality of the District of Chester; and WHEREAS access to information ensures citizens of Nova Scotia have the opportunity for meaningful participation in the democratic process; and WHEREAS a celebration of the right of citizens to access information will facilitate informed public participation in policy formulation, ensure fairness in government decision-making and permit the airing and reconciliation of divergent views; and WHEREAS Municipality of the District of Chester joins all other Canadian jurisdictions and democracies world-wide in acknowledging international Right to Know Week; THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Allen Webber, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Chester, do hereby proclaim September 27 to October 3, 2021, to be Right to Know Week in the Municipality of the District of Chester. ________________________________________ Allen Webber Warden REQUEST FOR DIRECTION/DECISION Prepared By: Tim Topping, CPA, CA, Director of Financial and Information Services Date August 26, 2021 Reviewed By: Date Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date August 31, 2021 CURRENT SITUATION MODC’s Tax Exemption policy provides low income tax exemptions as allowed under section 69 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). Section 7.0 of the current policy has the following guidance for annual adjustment of income levels and exemption amounts: 7.0 Annually tax exemption income levels and the exemption amounts will be adjusted as follows: (i) Annual adjustments in the income levels, below which an exemption for taxation is granted, will be adjusted by either the annual increase in CPI for Nova Scotia or to the extent that council considers appropriate. (ii) Annual adjustments in the scale of exemption amounts granted will be adjusted by either the annual increase in the average residential tax bill for the general tax rate and waste collection and disposal area rate or to the extent that council considers appropriate. On May 13, 2021 the annual budget of the Municipality for 2021/22 was approved with a reduction of the annual budget for low income tax exemptions from $114,000 to $104,000. This document looks at options for amending the tax exemption amounts granted by the Municipality for individuals with low income. RECOMMENDATION That Municipal Council approve the following changes to the Tax exemption policy (Option 1), to increase the income thresholds and exemption amounts by 0.3%: Amend section 2.0 i), ii) and iii) as follows: 2.0 The Municipality shall grant an exemption as follows: i) For owners with an Income Level of $16,160 $16,208 or less the tax exemption shall be the lessor of $769.00 $771 or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and disposal area rate only; ii) For owners with an Income Level of $16,160 $16,208 to $20,161 $20,221 the tax exemption shall be the lessor of $769.00 $771 less the bracket’s change in the exemption amount ($308 $309) prorated for the income above $16,160 $16,208 divided by the REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department DATE: Sept 9, 2021 SUBJECT: Amendments to Policy P-25 Tax Exemption ORIGIN: Annual review of low income exemption amounts 2 Request For Direction/Decision /Direction bracket’s income size* or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and disposal area rate only. * i.e. $769 – (((income - $16,160) / ($20,161 - $16,160)) x ($769 - $461)) * i.e. $771 – (((income - $16,208) / ($20,221 - $16,208)) x ($771 - $462)) iii) For owners with an Income Level of $20,161 $20,221 to $27,123 $27,204 the tax exemption shall be the lessor of $461.00 $462 less the bracket’s change in the exemption amount ($153) prorated for the income above $20,160 $20,221 divided by the bracket’s income size^ or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and disposal area rate only. ^ i.e. $461 – (((income - $20,160) / ($27,123 - $20,160)) x ($461 - $308)) ^ i.e. $462 – (((income - $20,221) / ($27,204 - $20,221)) x ($462 - $309)) Amend Appendix A as follows: SCHEDULE A MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER – PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT YEAR DISTRICT ACCOUNT EXEMPTION AMOUNT NUMBER 2020/21 2021/22 I/We, ____________________ & ____________________, property owners of ____________________ in the County of Lunenburg, Province of Nova Scotia, and is our principal residence, make oath and say as follows: 1. That the total income before deductions of all assessed owners, their spouses (including Common Law Spouses) who occupy the property as their principal residence, family members residing at the same household, who contribute to household expenses and those who hold an interest in the property and contribute to household expenses was as follows during the calendar year 2018 2019. Any Allowance paid pursuant to the War Veterans Allowance Act (Canada) or pension paid pursuant to the Pension Act (Canada) is not to be included in a person’s total income for this purpose. ___ Combined Income was $16,159 $16,207 or less; OR ___ Combined Income was between $16,160 $16,208 and $20,160 $20,220; OR ___ Combined Income was between $20,161 $20,221 and $27,123 $27,204 AND BACKGROUND Section 69 of the MGA states that Council may, by policy, grant an exemption from taxation, in the amount or to the extent set out in the policy, for a person whose income is below the amount set out in the policy and may prescribe a scale of exemptions related to income. Historically, the income thresholds and exemption amounts have been increased annually to align with increases in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). In 2020/21, the thresholds and exemption amounts were increased by 25% to help alleviate some of the financial burden low-income residents were experiencing, at least in part due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. 3 Request For Direction/Decision /Direction In 2020/21, tax exemptions were granted in the amount of $95,473 versus a budget of $114,000. The budget amount has changed to $104,000 for 2021/22. Tax exemption expenses for the last five years were as follows: - 2020/21 $95,473 - 2019/20 $53,491 - 2018/19 $51,786 - 2017/18 $33,978 - 2016/17 $30,457 The exemptions provided in 2020/21 break down as follows: On May 13, 2021, the annual budget of the Municipality for 2021/22 was approved with a $10,000 reduction of the annual budget for low income tax exemptions from $114,000 to $104,000. DISCUSSION Given the actual cost of this program in 2020/21 ($95,473), the current 2021/22 budget of $104,000 would be sufficient to absorb an additional 9% growth of use in the program above what was experienced last year. IMPLICATIONS Policy – N/A Financial/Budgetary Increasing the income limits and exemption amounts will likely increase the costs associated with the program. A year-over-year cost increase of 9% has been provided for in the 2021/22 budget already. Environmental – N/A Strategic Plan Revising the low income exemption amounts will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Areas of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Governance & Engagement  Priority Outcome 2: Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing needs 4 Request For Direction/Decision /Direction Work Program Implications – N/A OPTIONS Option 1 (recommended): Increase the income limits and exemption amounts by 0.3% to align with the annual Nova Scotia CPI increase. This option would set the income thresholds at $16,208, $20,221, and $27,204, and the exemption amounts at $771, $462, and $309. Option 1A: Increase the income limits and exemption amounts by some amount other than CPI (0.3%). If this option is selected, Council should provide an alternative percentage by which the amounts will increase. Option 2: Leave the income limits and exemption amounts bat the current levels. This option would leave the income thresholds at $16,160, $20,161, and $27,123, and the exemption amounts at $769, $461, and $308. Option 3: Reverse the prior year 25% increases and adjust the income limits and exemption amounts by 2.4% for the last two years of Nova Scotia CPI increase (2019 2.2%, 2020 0.3%). This option would set the income thresholds at $13,237, $16,597, and $22,219, and the exemption amounts at $630, $378, and $252. ATTACHMENTS Draft amendments to policy P-25 COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Internal – Finance staff External – public via website, newsletter FIRST NOTICE – SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 REFER TO SECOND NOTICE (SEPTEMBER 23, 2021) Municipality of the District of Chester Tax Exemption Policy Policy P-25 Amended - Effective Date: TBD Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 2 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER POLICY P-25 TAX EXEMPTION POLICY WHEREAS Section 69 of the Municipal Government Act permits a Municipality to grant a tax exemption for low income earners; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of the District of Chester adopts the following policy respecting property tax exemptions. 1.0 In this Policy, 1.1 INCOME means a person’s total income (total income before deductions) from all sources for the calendar year preceding the fiscal year of the Municipality of the District of Chester, excluding any allowances paid pursuant to the War Veterans Allowance Act (Canada) or Pension paid pursuant to the Pension Act (Canada) and includes: i) The income of all assessed owners, their spouse(s), including common law spouses who occupy the property as their principal residence; ii) The income from members of the same family residing in the same household, who contribute to the household expenses; and iii) Those who hold an interest in the property and contribute to the household expenses. 1.2 Owner and those who an interest in the property includes: i) The person assessed for the property; ii) A person who holds title including a part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, or joint tenant of the property; and ii) A person with a life interest in the property; and iv) A person with a matrimonial interest. Not included are those with a leasehold interest and those with an interest under an agreement of purchase and sale. 1.3 Principal Residence is the ordinary place of residence for greater part of the year of an owner as well as an owner in a hospital or nursing care facility, unless that person has not slept at the property for a period of two (2) years or more, or unless the property has been rented to paying tenants, in either of which events, the property shall be deemed to cease being the owner’s ordinary place of residence. 1.4 SAME FAMILY in section 1.1(ii) is defined as including, but not limited to, children and step-children connected to at least one of the legally married or common-law couples included in section 1.1(i). 2.0 The Director of Finance of the Municipality shall grant an exemption as follows: Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 3 i) For owners with an Income Level of $16,208 or less the tax exemption shall be the lessor of $771 or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and disposal area rate only; ii) For owners with an Income Level of $16,208 to $20,221 the tax exemption shall be the lessor of $771 less the bracket’s change in the exemption amount $309) prorated for the income above $16,208 divided by the bracket’s income size* or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and disposal area rate only. * i.e. $771 - (((income - $16,208) / ($20,221 - $16,208)) x ($771 - $462)) iii) For owners with an Income Level of $20,221 to $27,204 the tax exemption shall be the lessor of $462 less the bracket’s change in the exemption amount $153) prorated for the income above $20,221 divided by the bracket’s income size^ or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and disposal area rate only. ^ i.e. $462 - (((income - $20,221) / ($27,204 - $20,221)) x ($462 - $309)) 3.0 A person or persons applying for an exemption must: i) Make an affidavit: a) Regarding his/her income from all sources in the calendar year preceding the Municipal taxation year for which the exemption is sought. Satisfactory verification of income must be presented to substantiate the exemption. Exemption form attached as Schedule "A”. b) Verify that any person who either holds an interest in the property or are family members residing in the same household, whose income is not included in household income pursuant to clause 1.1 (ii), does not contribute to paying household expenses. c) Provide satisfactory verification of income to substantiate the exemption. Satisfactory evidence includes a CRA notice assessment, GST/HST credit notice, and copy of tax return prepared by a third-party tax preparer. iii) Apply for the exemption each year prior to March 31st of the Municipal taxation year, with the exception of the 2019/20 fiscal year – the deadline for applications will be June 30, 2020. 4.0 The exemption shall only apply to a property where at least one of the assessed owners occupies it as his/her principal residence; 5.0 Prior to an exemption being granted, all outstanding debts to the Municipality, which are not a lien on the property, shall be paid in full. This would include any fees such as building permit fees, landfill tipping fees, recreation fees, etc. Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 4 6.0 A refusal to grant an exemption pursuant to this Policy may be appealed to Council. 7.0 Annually tax exemption income levels and the exemption amounts will be adjusted as follows: i) Annual adjustments in the income levels, below which an exemption for taxation is granted, will be adjusted by either the annual increase in CPI for Nova Scotia or to the extent that council considers appropriate. ii) Annual adjustments in the scale of exemption amounts granted will be adjusted by either the annual increase in the average residential tax bill for the general tax rate and waste collection and disposal area rate or to the extent that council considers appropriate. Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 5 SCHEDULE A MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER – PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT YEAR DISTRICT ACCOUNT EXEMPTION AMOUNT NUMBER 2021/22 I/We, ____________________ & ____________________, property owners of ____________________ in the County of Lunenburg, Province of Nova Scotia, and is our principal residence, make oath and say as follows: 1. That the total income before deductions of all assessed owners, their spouses (including Common Law Spouses) who occupy the property as their principal residence, family members residing in the same household, who contribute to household expenses and those who hold an interest in the property and contribute to household expenses, was as follows during the calendar year 2019. Any Allowance paid pursuant to the War Veterans Allowance Act (Canada) or pension paid pursuant to the Pension Act (Canada) is not to be included in a person’s total income for this purpose. ___ Combined Income was $16,207 or less; OR ___ Combined Income was between $16,208 and $20,220; OR ___ Combined Income was between $20,221 and $27,204 AND 2. ___ Verification Provided of combined income of $______________. Check one of the following: ___ Notice of Assessment, _____ GST/HST Credit Notice, _____Copy of tax return. NOTE: - THIS IS A LEGAL SWORN AFFIDAVIT AND THE APPLICANTS SIGNATURE(S) ENDORSED BELOW ARE VERIFICATION THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS TRUE IN ALL RESPECTS. THE AMOUNT OF EXEMPTION GRANTED WILL BE DETERMINED AFTER THE FINAL TAX BILL IS PRODUCED AND WILL BE LIMITED TO THE GENERAL RESIDENTIAL TAX AND WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL AREA RATE PORTION OF THE OVERALL TAX BILL (I.E. DOES NOT INCLUDE OTHER AREA RATES). Sworn to at ______________ in the County of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia on the ____ day of ________, 20___. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Staff Signature ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ A Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Signature of Applicant(s) Nova Scotia or a Municipal Councillor REQUEST FOR DECISION Prepared By: Tim Topping, CPA, CA, Director of Financial and Information Services Date August 31, 2021 Reviewed By: Date Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date September 1, 2021 CURRENT SITUATION Review of the approved 2021/22 capital budget funding has identified that the Recreation & Parks project, Trails – Bridge Evaluation, does not qualify for funding under the Gas Tax, as was initially approved. RECOMMENDATION That Council approve modifying the funding source for the Trails – Bridge Evaluations project to the General Operating Reserve BACKGROUND On May 13, 2021, Council approved the 2021/22 Capital Budget, which included the Trails – Bridge Evaluation project, with an expected cost of $25,000 to be funded through the Gas Tax funding provided by the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF). This project is near complete (~90%), and the total cost is now known to be $19,120.84, net of HST. On review, CCBF has noted that this project does not qualify for Gas Tax funding, as it does not contribute directly to the development or improvement of an asset. The results of the evaluation may lead to further work which does qualify for Gas Tax funding; however, the evaluation portion of the work does not qualify under current guidelines. The amount that does not qualify for funding through the Gas Tax, will remain in reserve, available to be used on future qualified costs. MODC does not lose any existing Gas Tax funding by changing the funding source of this project. DISCUSSION Current balance of the General Operating Reserve is $11,378,221.40 Total cost for this project (net of HST) is $19,120.84 REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department DATE: SUBJECT: 2021/22 Capital Budget Adjustment ORIGIN: CCBF review of proposed Gas Tax funded projects 2 Request For Decision /Direction IMPLICATIONS Policy – N/A Financial/Budgetary Approving the recommended change in approved funding sources will reduce the General Operating Reserve Fund balance by $19,120.84, and the available Gas Tax funding will increase by that same amount. Environmental – N/A Strategic Plan Updating the funding source for the Trails Bridge Evaluation project will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Areas of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Governance & Engagement Priority Outcome 2: Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing needs Work Program Implications – N/A OPTIONS Other than the recommended option, Administration has considered recommending the use of the Capital Reserve Fund, however, that funding source has legislated allowable uses defined in the MGA, and this project is not considered to be any of the legislated allowable purposes. Administration also considered borrowing to fund this project, however, since the project is not directly contributing to the creation or improvement of an asset, it does not qualify to be funded through borrowing. ATTACHMENTS Capital budget slide from the 2021/22 Budget presentation. This RFD is referencing the first item on this list (“Trails – Bridge Evaluation”). COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Internal – Finance and Recreation staff External – public via website, newsletter 7. Municipality of the District of Chester Capital Budget - 2021/22 Reserve Grants Grants Funding Operations Fund from Department Project Name Project Cost Type Federal Provincial Reserves or Area Rate Borrowing Trails - Bridge Evaluation- Carried forward from 2019-20 25,000 Gas Tax - - 25,000 - - Wild Rose Park washroom renovation 54,000 Gas Tax - - 54,000 - - East River trail foot bridge 25,000 Private grant/Gax Tax 16,000 9,000 - - East River Trail Parking Area 30,000 - - - 30,000 - Leachate treatment plant upgrade (phase 2)1,850,000 - - - - 1,850,000 Dozer D6 500,000 - - - - 500,000 Public Drop off Renovation 100,000 - - - - 100,000 Landfill cell 3B design & construction 75,000 - - - - 75,000 Heavy equipment (320 excavator)425,000 - - - 100,000 325,000 CFC removal 10,000 - - - 10,000 - Green carts 200 15,000 - - - 15,000 - Information Services VMWARE Infrastructure 60,000 Equipment - - 60,000 - - Mantenance hole Repairs & Infiltration Reduction 50,000 - - - 50,000 - Lift Station Panel Upgrades and generators 350,000 - - - - 350,000 Pump Replacements - Allowance 30,000 - - - 30,000 - Wastewater needs assessment 310,716 Gas Tax - 130,358 180,358 - - Wastewater collection extension 52,000 Gas Tax - - 26,000 26,000 - Mill Cove – Addition of Biofilter Unit 310,000 - - - 310,000 Fire Protection System - Option Selected-Const & Design 124,900 - - - 124,900 Wharf Repairs- New wharf or new boat launch 150,000 - - - 150,000 - Boat launch upgrade 30,000 - - - 30,000 - Municipal Building Improvements & Repairs-Annex 60,000 Operating - - 60,000 - - Truck Replacement - 3/4 tonne 55,000 - - - - 55,000 Trail Surface Upgrades 25,000 - - - 25,000 - Roads Rehabilitation (J-Class)550,000 Gax Tax - - 550,000 - - Enviro Toilets and Wild Rose Park washroom 245,000 Operating 122,500 - 122,500 - - 1. Hwy 3 - Chester Basin to Western Shore (6km)660,000 Operating 264,000 217,800 178,200 - - SIDEWALKS and other AT SOLUTIONS 3. Hwy 329 to trail (60m)72,000 Operating 28,800 23,760 19,440 - - 4. Hwy 3 to Croft Road (265m)318,000 Operating 127,200 104,940 85,860 - - 5. Our Health Centre to Pig Loop (160m)192,000 Operating 76,800 63,360 51,840 - - 6. Duke St. to Victoria St. (660m)792,000 Operating 316,800 261,360 213,840 - - RAPID RECTANGULAR FLASHING BEACONS (RRFB’s) 18. Hwy 3 at Walker Cut Rd trail cross 20,000 Operating 8,000 6,600 5,400 - - 19. Hwy 3 at East River trail cross 20,000 Operating 8,000 6,600 5,400 - - 24. Hwy 3 at Lawrence Hatt Rd.20,000 Operating 8,000 6,600 5,400 - - 26. Hwy 3 at hwy 12 20,000 Operating 8,000 6,600 5,400 - - Open Space/Parks (locations 25-29) Gold River 16,000 Operating 3,200 2,640 10,160 - - Haughan 5,000 Operating 2,000 1,667 1,333 - - Moland Point 14,200 Operating 5,900 4,867 3,433 - - East River 17,300 Operating - - 17,300 - - Castle Rock 40,200 Operating 4,500 3,713 31,988 - - Total Projects & Funding Contributions 7,718,316 983,700 856,865 1,721,852 466,000 3,689,900 Recreation & Parks Active Transportation Universal Sewer Projects: Municipal Property: Solid Waste REQUEST FOR DECISION Prepared By: Cliff Gall, Director of Information Services Date September 2, 2021 Reviewed By: Tim Topping, Director of Finance and Information Services Date September 2, 2021 Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date September 2, 2021 CURRENT SITUATION The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to award a contract in the amount of $55,865 including HST to IMP Solutions for the supply of server infrastructure to replace our existing servers and storage. RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT a contract for the supply of 3 Dell Servers and 1 Storage Array be awarded to IMP Solutions in the amount of $55,865, including HST. 2. THAT the Director of Information Services be authorized to execute the contract. BACKGROUND As part of our server replacement program, servers and/or storage devices are replaced on a four-year cycle, with funding provided from the IT Equipment Reserve. The 2021/22 Capital Budget includes $60,000 for the replacement of server infrastructure. DISCUSSION Request for Quotation for the supply of server infrastructure was requested from IMP Solutions who is currently the vendor of record (Standing Offer Outline Agreement - 4600021764) for Dell Server Infrastructure for the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia. After review, the following Dell configurations meet our requirements:  Dell PowerEdge R640 x 3  Dell EMC ME4023 Storage Array IMPLICATIONS Policy Procurement Policy-04, Alternative Procurement – Appendix 1 A 5. Ensure compatibility with existing products (Dell infrastructure). Financial/Budgetary $55,865 from the 2021/22 Capital Budget (IT Equipment Reserve, Balance as of 2021-09-02 - $70,888) REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Cliff Gall, Director of Information Services DATE: 2021-09-09 SUBJECT: Server Infrastructure Replacement ORIGIN: 2021/22 Capital Budget 2 Request for Decision-Direction Environmental N/A Strategic Priorities By replacing our aging server infrastructure, we will advance the following Priority Areas of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Governance & Engagement  Priority Outcome 1: Ensure municipal service delivery is efficient and effective, communicated and accessible. Infrastructure & Service Delivery  Priority Outcome 1 Develop and implement evidence-based plans for future infrastructure and service needs, along with related funding models, to accommodate sustainable growth and levels of service.  Priority Outcome 2: Create efficiencies through innovative service delivery, and proactive maintenance and operations of existing infrastructure. Work Program This Project will be accommodated in the baseline work program of the Information Services department. OPTIONS 1. Do not purchase server equipment at this time. 2. Purchase server infrastructure in the amount of $55,865 including HST. ATTACHMENT a) 2016-06-09_Request for Decision – VMWare Server Infrastructure Replacement COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) District Council Grants 2021 - 2022 Updated September 2, 2021 Requested Approved Date Approved *Ocean Swells Community Association: Maintain facility 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021 *District 1 Community Centre: Maintain facility 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021 District 1 Community Centre: Water Softener 547.50$ 547.50$ June 24, 2021 District 1 Community Centre: Parking Lot Repairs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 24, 2021 Chester Jr Sail Program: Equipment & Repairs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ August 19, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 3,547.50$ *Funds Carried Forward from 2020-2021 2,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 8,452.50$ Chester Brass Band: Summer Band Stand Concerts 600.00$ 600.00$ June 24, 2021 Hubbards Area Lions Club: Purification System 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 27, 2021 Through the Years Day Care & Comm Centre: Court Surface 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ June 10, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 4,600.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 5,400.00$ Chester District Soccer Association: Purchase New Jerseys 500.00$ 500.00$ April 15, 2021 Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market: Storage Shed 800.00$ 800.00$ June 24, 2021 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Farmers Market Pavillion 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ August 26, 2021 Chester Theatre Council (Playhouse): Summer Programs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 10, 2021 Chester Yacht Club: Race Week Adaptations (Virtual, PPE, etc.) 500.00$ 500.00$ May 27, 2021 Starfish Reunite, St Stephens Parish: Refugee Family Fundraising 500.00$ 500.00$ August 12, 2021 Chester Jr Sail Program: Equipment & Repairs 500.00$ 500.00$ August 19, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 5,800.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 4,200.00$ RC Legion, Br 88, Chester Basin: Community Banner Project 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ August 12, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 4,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 6,000.00$ Western Shore & Area Improvement Asso: Flower Baskets 3,248.75$ 3,248.75$ June 24, 2021 Western Shore & District Fire Department: Western Shore Days 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ August 12, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 5,248.75$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 4,751.25$ Charing Cross Garden Club 500.00$ Forties Community Centre: Oktoberfest 500.00$ 500.00$ May 27, 2021 RC Legion, Br 79 New Ross: Canada Day & Remembrance Day 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ June 24, 2021 New Ross Community Care Centre: Communications 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ July 22, 2021 New Ross Farmers Association: Septic Upgrades & Maintenance, etc. 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ August 12, 2021 New Ross Farmers Association: Comm Rink Materials & Supplies 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ August 12, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 6,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 4,000.00$ Chester District Soccer Association: Purchase New Jerseys 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021 District 7 Chester Jr Sail Program: Equipment & Repairs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ August 19, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 2,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 8,000.00$ Total Funds Approved 31,196.25$ District Grant Budget 2021-2022 70,000.00$ Plus 2020-2021 Carried Forward 2,000.00$ Total District Grant Budget 72,000.00$ Remaining Funds 40,803.75$ District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6