HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-02-17 COW_Website Agenda Package-Updated Feb 14, 2022Page 1 of 1 (Cover Pages)
Committee of the Whole AGENDA
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Livestreamed via YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_uKlob3qOA6eD62x1kK5Kw
151 King Street, Chester, NS
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (9:00-9:15 a.m. if any)
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 February 3, 2022.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS/APPOINTMENTS
5.1 Elizabeth Finney, Bonny Lea Farm – Home Today. Home to Stay
5.2 Valerie White, New Ross Community Care Society
6. MATTERS ARISING
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Information Report prepared February 7, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation –
Development Agreement for Chester Hills.
8.2 Request for Decision prepared February 9, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation –
Request for Development Agreement Discharge for 4564 Highway 3.
8.3 3rd Quarter Financials – Director of Finance & Information Services.
8.4 Capital Budget Discussions – Director of Finance & Information Services. Material to follow.
9. IN CAMERA
9.1 Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations – New Ross Continuing
Care.
10. ADJOURNMENT
APPOINTMENT(S)
9:00 a.m. Elizabeth Finney, Bonny Lea Farm – Home Today. Home to Stay.
9: 0 a.m. Valerie White, New Ross Community Care Society.
25
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Via YouTube Live from 151 King St, Chester, NS
On Thursday, February 3, 2022
CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:47 a.m.
Present: District 1 – Councillor Andre Veinotte District 4 – Warden Allen Webber
District 2 – Deputy Warden Shatford District 3 – Councillor Derek Wells
District 5 – Councillor Abdella Assaff District 6 – Councillor Tina Connors
District 7 – Councillor Sharon Church
Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO
Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
Bruce Blackwood, Fire Services Coordinator
Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
Additions:
Strategic Workshop – February 15, 2022 - CAO.
Correspondence – Fire Service Follow-up – Councillor Connors.
2022-029 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff the February 3,
2022, Agenda and Order of Business be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR.
MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC INPUT
Public Input was ready by the Communications & Outreach Officer from Ryan Cameron
regarding his request to rename the Community of Windsor Road to Chester North.
A discussion was held, and Councillor Church indicated that she has spoken with Mr. Cameron
and does not support the request at this time and feels confident that the residents of the
Community of Windsor Road are not in favour.
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 3, 2022 26
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Committee of the Whole – January 20, 2022 – Warden Webber.
2022-030 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the
minutes of the January 20, 2022, meeting of Committee of the Whole be
approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
There were no public presentations.
MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising for discussion.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1 Correspondence dated January 25, 2022 from Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
regarding the 2022/23 REMO Operating Budget – Chester’s portion is $44,078.35.
It was noted there is a small increase which reflects the inclusion of a contingency as well as a
$3,000 increase to Search and Rescue.
2022-031 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve the 2022/23 REMO
Operating Budget with the Municipality of Chester’s portion being $44,078.35.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
8.1 District 3 Council Grant Request – Our Health Centre - $1,654.25.
Councillor Wells indicated that he had spoken with Councillors Church and Veinotte and
agreed that each would contribute $500 from their Council District Grant budgets.
2022-032 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Committee
of the Whole recommend to Council that $500 be distributed from Districts 1, 3,
and 7 for the District Grant Request from Our Health Centre. ALL IN FAVOUR.
MOTION CARRIED.
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 3, 2022 27
8.2 Information Report prepared January 17, 2022 – Corporate & Strategic Management –
2021 Year End Fire Department Call Report.
Bruce Blackwood was present via Zoom and outlined information contained in the report,
commenting on overall district responses, the return to some medical calls that may be critical
in nature, the number of motor vehicle accidents, “other” responses, fire and carbon monoxide
alarms, mutual alarm incidents (mutual aid), and fire department calls by type and the
comparison to the previous year.
Councillor Connors indicated that she had received an email from the New Ross Fire Chief, Lyle Russell
who had some questions and she read the email:
Review of the Fire Advisory Committee – referring to the March 23, 2021 meeting and motion
2021-360 which indicated that Council approved the “re-establishment of a Fire Advisory
Committee as a Committee of Council; and invite the Fire Services from the Municipality to
determine the terms of reference with all seven fire services represented.”
o He has not received any correspondence on this item and asked why, four months after
the motion, that there has been no contact.
Risk Assessment – the project has been on-going since 2019, and several people have put
significant effort into trying to get this project completed. It is now 2022 and this project is still
not complete. He asked where this item stood and why the delay in what the consultants
updating the report.
The Fire Services Coordinator outlined the process which was a second round of individual site visits and
the compilation of all information coming from those site visits, i.e., calls, operation procedures, etc. and
submitting them to the consultants with the intent to address the questions raised from the steering
committee on the first draft. That has been done and the Consultant is preparing that now. He had a
conference call last week and is expecting the second round of drafts in the next couple of weeks.
The goal is for the material to come to Council in April to review the recommendations from the
consultant and steering committee. The Deputy CAO noted that the Fire Advisory Committee is on the
work chart that was provided to Council in the fall, with a focus on the fire services review but in the
workplan for 22/23 – hope to have something with options coming in April.
It was noted that it has been a long time since February 2019 – three years ago that Council committed
to improving lines of communication between the Municipality and the Fire Services.
This is a sensitive issue, and no one will force people to attend meetings. If they wish to meet in a
different format that is ok. Some may wish to come, and some may not.
The Fire Service Coordinator indicated that he would like to incorporate the presentation with Council
and noted that the fire services are meeting amongst themselves now on how they want to go forward.
8.3 2022 Polling District Review – Report #1.
The Deputy CAO reviewed the slide deck provided in the agenda package.
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 3, 2022 28
It was generally agreed that the size of Council is fine; however, the big questions is whether
the Municipality would like to consider the Mayoral system.
There was lengthy discussion on:
Options and if they are mandatory by the Utility & Review Board;
Minimum requirements for public consultation;
Having a mayor would require the reallocation of district boundaries; and
Information previously provided regarding the difference between the two systems –
Mayor or Warden.
The Solicitor indicated that traditionally Council has reviewed the numbers within the districts
and if they fell within the board required +/- 10% there was no need for change. However, if
something was way off base then that might inform the decisions.
It was noted that in the last review, there were articles, online polls, and information on the
differences of the mayor system and warden system.
Councillor Veinotte commented that there could have been more interaction with the public
as there were only 50 responses and 35 responses indicated that they did not want a mayor.
He felt the only way to do it is with a consultant. If we want to keep the size of Council the
same and there are no population swings, we could make the decision very quickly – basic
level study and keep the status quo; however, you could argue that is oddly self-serving. That
is the question Council needs to answer – do we want a more wholesome discussion?
A mayor and six Councillors will require a major change. It was felt that the consultant would
need to have a “feel” for the communities. Someone from the outside may not know those
nuances.
Deputy Warden Shatford commented that this municipality has done quite well and wea re in
a good position; there has been no cry for a change. He noted the more significant the
change, the more the level of effort required. A consultant would describe the community
engagement and include public meetings; interviewing each councillor as well as other
techniques could be used to ensure they are informed on local knowledge before they provide
advice.
Councillor Veinotte indicated that there haven’t been complaints about our system, but don’t
mistake apathy for success. People may not be overly engaged or think there is an option. A
lot of units are moving to a Mayor system. The Mayor is elected by the entire community and
not one district and tends to bring a vision that municipal-wide. It is a different dynamic
because of the way that a mayor is elected – not to detract from the leadership/system we
currently have. If we decide to engage a consultant, he wouldn’t be opposed to having a
more wholesome discussion and put this topic to bed once and for all.
Councillor Connors agreed with Councillor Veinotte and was interested and curious in looking
for engagement by the community members 1.5 years after she was elected. She did hear
some comments on a mayor system and her response to individuals that she recalled when
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 3, 2022 29
the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg had the discussion, it resulted from a group in
Riverport. Although she wasn’t knocking on doors in 2016 and 2020, she has heard from
people who note that the Municipality of Lunenburg, Municipality of Kings, and West Hants
have a mayor system. She would like to explore it.
Councillor Assaff commented that a consultant would look at the matter forensically.
Warden Webber commented that, from staff perspective, it is another job they don’t have time
to do.
The CAO noted that the more dramatic a change, the more passion and emotion in a
community. For those kinds of decisions around representation it is best practice to not have
staff be part of it. It would be more objective and would protect staff from those more
passionate discussions that might occur. He would strongly recommend using a third party to
do the work.
It was noted that if there were major consultation on mayor vs warden, it would likely exceed
the $40,000 budget.
The CAO provided a graph showing voters and dwelling units comparing 2016 to 2020. Trying
to be a little prospective in where changes might occur in the 2024 election. We are getting
close to possible boundary changes. If the municipality went with a mayor system and stay
with 7 Councillors, it would be mandatory for a look at polling changes in the districts.
Councillor Veinotte noted that there is growth in the Aspotogan area and Council is about to
go into a workshop to talk about servicing Hubbards. There is a highway being twinned to
that community. If those areas are serviced, we will see amazing growth in the next few years.
Councillor Church suggested getting Census data and review that; if the numbers are out of
line, then look to hiring a consultant. The Deputy CAO noted that the Census data won’t be
available until the end of February so it would be difficult to get an RFP out before the end of
March.
It was agreed to discuss the matter at the February 10th Council meeting.
8.4 Strategic Planning Workshop – February 15th.
The CAO indicated that the Director of Financial & Information Services is preparing to discuss
budgets as early as the February 17th Committee of the Whole meeting. He would like to have
a workshop on February 15th.
It was agreed to meet at 4:00 p.m. on February 15th for the Strategic Planning Workshop.
The Deputy CAO will provide the material to Councillors by February 10th.
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 3, 2022 30
The CAO indicated that the consultant who will be joining Council for the Wastewater
Workshop has no power and will not be able to meet until 10:30.
IN CAMERA
There were no In Camera items for discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
2022-033 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting
adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (10:00 a.m.)
___________________________ ___________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
Together we make a difference
BONNYLEAFARM.CA/HOMETODAY
549 donors & sponsors
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
We are growing!!
Two new homes in the community:
Phase I: at Bonny Lea Farm
Capital funded by Bonny Lea Farm through
fundraising
Operational funding from Province of Nova Scotia
Phase II: Location not yet confirmed
Capital & Operational funding from Department of
Community Services
Why?
Of the 36 participants living at
Bonny Lea Farm:
More than half are over 50.
Many of them are over 60.
One is 70+.
Others use mobility devices.
Their needs are changing.
We need to change too.
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
Jan
When asked for one word that sums up what Bonny Lea Farm means
to her, Jan did not hesitate in saying “Home”. And, she is not the only
one.
We are honoured that Jan feels this way, as she has lived here since
1986, and attended our program as a student since we began in 1973.
Among her favourite things about living at Bonny Lea Farm are her
friends and her housemates.
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
What?
First of its kind in Nova Scotia
____
Specialized mobility supports
____
Ability to support those with light medical needs
____
24/7 Barrier Free Home that never closes
____
$4.5 million
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
A MODEL FOR BARRIER FREE & SUPPORTED LIVING FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
Government grants
Municipality of Chester
Major Grant Proposal under consideration
Province of Nova Scotia
Capital funding to build second home
Operational funding for both homes
Government of Canada
Discussions underway
Foundation grants
Proposals being made
Corporate donations
Proposals being made
Private donations
$1.6 million pledged &/or received to date.
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.How will we pay for it?Capital CampaignCAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Chairs
Jack FlemmingColin MacDonald
John BiebesheimerRick EmberleyKim GeldartLisa Murphy
SupportKaren Lake, Executive DirectorLiz Finney, Fund Development Director
“You can design and create, and build the
most wonderful place in the world. But it
takes people to make the dream a reality.”
-Walt Disney
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
Join us by leading
the way to make our
dream a reality.
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
THANK YOU
You make a difference.
For more information please contact:
Liz Finney
Fund Development Director | Bonny Lea Farm902.277.0986 | efinney@bonnyleafarm.ca
HOME TODAY. HOME TO STAY.
INFORMATION REPORT
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
MEETING DATE: February 17th 2022
DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation
SUBJECT: Development Agreement Application
ORIGIN:
Date: February 07, 2022 Prepared by: Emily Statton, Planner
Date: February 07, 2022 Reviewed by: Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner
Date: Authorized by: [staff, title]
CURRENT SITUATION
Planning Staff have received an application for a Development Agreement dated January 11th, 2022. The
application states the proposal is for an aging-in-place residential community consisting of a variety of housing
options including semi-detached units, townhouses, multi-residential and single-family style homes.
BACKGROUND
The application and fees (paid January 14th, 2022) were
submitted by Aaron Ewer on behalf of Halyard Developments
Ltd. The proposed development is for 62+/- residential
structures on the 53.2-acre lot (PID 60140340) at Lot 1 Stanford
Lake Road, Chester. The property is in the Mixed-Use zone,
which allows for a 12 or more dwelling units on a lot and/or
land-leased communities via Development Agreement.
DISCUSSION/UPDATES
The cover letter submitted with the application outlines
preliminary details of the proposed development. You can see a
preliminary site planned attached. The developer intends to
approach this as a phased development.
The application describes their intention to do a bare lands condo for this development. In this scenario the
developer has ownership of the land and it remains as one (1) parcel, rather than subdividing each parcel with a
proposed structure on it. Residents would be able to purchase or lease the structure and have exclusive rights to
the driveway and small yard. The roads are not municipally owned or required to follow spec and would be
maintained by the developer. The development intends to have on-site water and septic systems; however, they
are open to conversations of the potential of extending the current municipal wastewater system to the
proposed development site.
Staff are working with the developer as they finalize plans to prepare for a draft development agreement.
OPTIONS
1. Direct staff to prepare a draft Development Agreement and hold a Public Information Meeting.
2. Direct staff to not prepare a draft Development Agreement.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2
ATTACHMENTS
1. Application
2. Cover Letter
3. Preliminary Site Plan