HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-03-24_COW_Agenda PackagePage 1 of 1 (Cover Pages)
Committee of the Whole AGENDA
Thursday, March 24, 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 March 3, 2022.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS/APPOINTMENTS
5.1 David Murdock and Staff Sgt. Victor Whalen (RCMP) regarding Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety
Program.
6. MATTERS ARISING
6.1 Wastewater ICIP application (information to follow).
6.2 Development Fund/Deed Transfer Tax allocation (information to follow).
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Request for Decision prepared March 7, 2022 – Corporate & Strategic Management – Cost of
Living Consideration for 2022/23.
9. IN CAMERA
10. ADJOURNMENT
APPOINTMENTS
9:00 a.m. David Murdock and Staff Sgt. Victor Whalen (RCMP) regarding Lunenburg County
Seniors’ Safety Program.
55
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Via YouTube Live from 151 King St, Chester, NS
On Thursday, March 3, 2022
CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:53 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 7 – Councillor Sharon Church
District 6 – Councillor Tina Connors (Via Zoom)
Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO
Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development and Recreation
Gord Tate, Active Living Coordinator
Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
Additions:
Financial Aid for Ukraine/Refugees - Deputy Warden Shatford.
Direction regarding remote participation by Council members in Council meetings – CAO.
In Camera – Personnel Matter – CAO.
Ukraine Flag – Councillor Wells.
2022-086 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff the March 3, 2022,
Agenda and Order of Business be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR.
MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC INPUT
No public input received.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Committee of the Whole – February 17, 2022 – Warden Webber.
Committee of the Whole (continued) March 3, 2022 56
2022-087 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the minutes
of the February 17, 2022, meeting of Committee of the Whole be approved as
circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
No public presentations.
MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising for discussion.
CORRESPONDENCE
There were no items of correspondence.
NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Request for Direction prepared February 22, 2022 – Community Development &
Recreation – Public Washrooms.
Chad Haugh, Director of Community Development & Recreation was present to review the
Request for Direction regarding public washrooms/portable washrooms in eight separate
locations, i.e., Lordly Park, Croft Road Playground, Tancook Ferry Wharf, CAMS parking lot,
Chester Train Station, Wild Rose Park, New Ross at entrance to the trail system, and the East
River Parking Lot.
There was some discussion on the eco-loo locations and phases of implementation of the eco-
loos. Following discussion, it was agreed that a Phase 2 is required for other locations
identified previously, e.g., Fox Point Beach, once Phase 1 has been completed.
It was agreed that Fox Point Beach should be included in the Phase 1 listing for a port-a-potty.
It is a location that is in desperate need of a facility.
2022-088 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the
Committee of the whole recommend to Council that staff plan to provide port-a-
potties to the following locations for 2022/23 as outlined in the Request for
Decision with the addition of Fox Point Beach:
Committee of the Whole (continued) March 3, 2022 57
Lordly Park (near Prince Street Park Entrance);
Croft Road Playground (Parking Lot);
Tancook Ferry Wharf (on Municipal property near the fence);
Chester Area Middle School (parking lot at the rear of the CAMS building);
Chester Train Station (near trail parking lot);
Wild Rose Park (adjacent to washroom that is being renovated);
New Ross (Lions Park Trail Head);
East River Trail Parking Lot (near the center of the new parking area); and
Fox Point Beach.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
8.2 Chester Traffic Impact Study/Improvement Plan (Draft Report) February 2022.
Gord Tate, Active Living Coordinator provided a brief introduction to Emanuel Nicolescu,
Urban and Transportation Planner, from CBCL. He noted that CBCL was retained last year to
study and recognize ways to improve parking and traffic in Chester for all users. Also reviewed
was the Fox Point Front Road. The study specifically looked at one way street closures, traffic
calming, and the sidewalk café issues as well.
Mr. Nicolescu reviewed the Chester Traffic Impact Study/Improvement Plan dated February
2022 in detail, providing comment on the following topics:
Introduction:
o Project Overview, Study Objectives, Study Process and Methodology, Study
Challenges.
Stakeholder engagement:
o Online Engagement, Events, and What They Heard.
Existing Conditions:
o Study Areas of Chester and Hubbards, Road Network, and Data Collection.
Circulation Analysis:
o Capacity Assessment, Safety Evaluation, Traffic Calming Plan, Street
Prioritization Assessment, One-way Street Conversion.
Curbside Management:
o On-Street Parking Assessment, Sidewalk Café Assessment.
Options and Recommendations:
o Circulation, Curbside Management.
Council discussed the following topics:
Committee of the Whole (continued) March 3, 2022 58
Next steps before discussions with the Provincial Department of Public Works;
The Municipality does not own the streets within the Village;
Have staff put together recommendations in a priority order;
Get feedback from Councillors regarding options presented;
Any issues regarding infrastructure in place, i.e., pumping stations;
Connection to Active Transportation Grant application for consideration (a request for
decision will be provided);
Further engineering will be required;
Seasonal problems may have a seasonal solution;
Opportunities to implement some measures for a trial period, i.e., Chester Race Week
and Hubbards Sailing Event prior to any major investments;
Road prioritization;
Speed locations;
Directing parking elsewhere;
Traffic calming;
Reduction of speed in some areas;
Parking in private parking locations within the village and the impact of parking
availability after the Tancook Ferry is relocated (this may require another study);
Councillors indicated that they would like more time to review the report and view from a day
to day lens; there may be things that they could include or suggest.
Mr. Nicolescu indicated that he would forward the appendices for distribution.
The Active Living Coordinator indicated that the NS Department of Public Works will have a
plan with traffic calming elements that can be used in different situations.
Warden Webber thanked Mr. Nicolescu for his presentation.
A short break was held.
8.3 Request for Direction prepared February 23, 2022 – Community Development &
Recreation - Gold River Trail Bridge Repair or Construction Options.
Gord Tate, Active Living Coordinator and Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development
& Recreation were present to review the Request for Direction regarding Gold River Trail
Bridge Repair/Construction Options.
Committee of the Whole (continued) March 3, 2022 59
The Active Living Coordinator indicated that direction is required from Council on the short
term solution and the longer term solutions for the bridge itself. It was also noted that the
Municipality has all the responsibility of the bridge but none of the authority. The
stakeholders were outlined.
Short Term Detour – the Active Living Coordinator reviewed the options available after input
from the NS Department of Public Works (DPW) and Acadia First Nations (AFN). DPW has said
that cyclists and pedestrians can use the detour down Croft Road and across the Gold River
vehicular bridge but there is no option for off-highway vehicles through DPW.
Long Term Solution for Gold River Train/Trail Bridge – the Active Living Coordinator briefly
outlined the options as known at this time, i.e., refurbish or replace. He asked if Council would
like staff to pursue repair options or new construction.
In the short term, the anticipated cost is approximately $15,000, pending final approval, to
provide a detour through AFN property for cyclists and pedestrians.
A lengthy discussion was held with regard to potential long term options for the Gold River
Train/Trail Bridge, with comments on the following:
If reconstructed does the bridge have to be that high;
Location;
Refurbishing (lowering piers, refurbishing girders on land, replacing trestles, reshaping
topography – an engineer is needed for this option);
The reason for the failure of the bridge (bearings);
Unknowns of refurbishing the current bridge;
A new bridge would be up to code and there would be reliable information on the
infrastructure from day one;
Who would be responsible to deal with the “old” structure if the Municipality decides
to rebuild – potential negotiations with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR);
The bridge would not be built in the same way again;
How would we start the process – issue a Request for Proposals and invite qualified
engineering firms;
There are ICIP funding applications that have been submitted for this project;
Environmental concerns (would be dealt with through a Request for Proposals); and
Heritage component – explore possibility to leave the piers in place (rock work) – they
are in excess of one hundred years old.
Committee of the Whole (continued) March 3, 2022 60
2022-089 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the Committee of
the Whole recommend to Council to proceed with the short term solution for
pedestrians and cyclists to detour down Croft Road, across the Gold River vehicular
bridge, to Beech Hill Road and on to a detour through the Acadia First Nations
property to the trail; and further direct staff to prepare a Request for Proposals for
the consideration of a new trail bridge to replace the currently closed Gold River
train/trail bridge. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
8.4 Financial Aid to Ukraine – Deputy Warden Shatford.
Deputy Warden Shatford asked Council to consider sending aid to the refugees from Ukraine;
there are more than a million people who have left their country due to the invasion by Russia.
This can be done through the Red Cross.
2022-090 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Connors that the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve financial aid to Ukraine
through the Red Cross in the amount of $25,000.00
Discussion:
Councillor Connors thanked Councillor Veinotte for reaching out about flying the
Ukrainian Flag earlier in the week as well as thanks to staff for bringing to our
attention donations coming forward from municipalities throughout Nova Scotia.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
8.5 Request to fly the Ukrainian Flag – Councillor Wells.
It was noted that Councillor Veinotte had previously suggested flying the Ukrainian Flag and
staff have purchased one that will be arriving soon.
2022-091 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Veinotte that the Committee
of the Whole recommend to Council to fly the Ukrainian Flag.
DISCUSSION:
How long would the flag be flown? Staff will monitor what the provincial and
federal governments do.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
8.6 Virtual Meetings following end of State of Emergency – CAO.
The Deputy CAO indicated that staff were looking for direction from Council. At this time
Councils are able to meet virtually due to COVID and the emergency order in place. With
restrictions being lifted on March 21st, it is expected that the state of emergency will be
Committee of the Whole (continued) March 3, 2022 61
rescinded. With recent changes to the Municipal Government Act, this will be able to continue,
however, a policy is required.
Council agreed to direct staff to provide a policy for review.
IN CAMERA
9.1 Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations – Property at
Marriotts Cove.
9.2 Section 22(2)(c) of the Municipal Government Act – Personnel.
2022-092 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting
convene “In Camera” to discuss matters under Section 22(2)(e) and (c) of the
Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations and Personnel. ALL IN
FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
Following an In Camera session, the meeting reconvened with all members present.
ADJOURNMENT
2022-093 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the meeting
adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (12:17 p.m.)
___________________________ ___________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
Lunenburg CountySeniors’ Safety ProgramA project of Lunenburg CountySeniors’ Safety Partnership Society
Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety ProgramCOVIDHome visitsFraudAbuseP/T position ended Dec 2021Increased Demand
Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety ProgramSupport increased demandProvide stabilityRetain staffReduce burnoutSupport policingRequire Increased Funding
Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety ProgramCurrent budget$25k NS / $27k councils / $5k UWThis budget = reduced staff hoursProposed budget$25k+$25k NS / $47.5kcouncils /$8.4k UW
Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety ProgramLet’s do it together!
Thank you for your support.902-543-3567
Municipality of the District of Chester
151 King Street,
Chester, NS B0J1J0
February 21, 2022
Dear Warden Webber and Council;
Re: $10651 Grant Request - Lunenburg Coun ty Seniors’ Safety Program
We are profoundly grateful that municipalities have written to the Minister and to local MLA’s
expressing support for increased provincial funding to the Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program.
We are aware that the municipal advocacy has been heard throughout the department and that
Seniors’ Safety Programs are held in high regard.
However, we are also aware that the new government is holding tight on budget numbers for FY
22/23 with no increases anticipated for consideration until NS FY 23/24. Until then our provincial
allocation will continue at $25,000 per year. Without additional financial resources, we are at risk of
continued staffing reductions at a time when demand is at an all-time high.
Shortage of funds has already forced us to lay off our part-time Coordinator for Q4 of 2021/22 thereby
leaving Chris Acomb, our FT Coordinator, to deal alone with ever-increasing referrals. We know that
this situation is untenable but it is our reality – and yours – unless our funding picture changes. For it
to change, we need your help.
Our only confirmed funding for FY 2022/23 is the annual $25K from the Dept. of Seniors and Long-
term Care (DoS<C) plus a guaranteed contribution of $5000 from the United Way with a
conditional increase tied to any municipal increase (see attached letter). The combined municipal
contributions currently are $27,169.00 and we are asking you to increase that total in your budget
considerations for FY 2022/23.
In the meantime, there is one other avenue available to us via the DoS<C to support our core
functions – we will apply immediately for surplus funds from NS FY 2021/22. The problem is that
there is no certainty that this application will succeed and the timing of a response to this request
would likely come after municipal budget deliberations. There are also opportunities to apply for
project funding from a variety of sources – for example the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia and the
South Shore Health Services Foundation – but they do not address our need for ongoing operational
funding that would support the minimum 1.5 staffing complement required.
45 Exhibition Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 0A6
While awaiting a response from the province regarding our pending application, and with
recognition that this is a substantial request, we are asking that you include the amount of
$10651 in your budget planning as a pledge of your municipality’s contribution to the
Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program for FY 2022/23. We are asking all five municipalities
to budget a proportionately similar increase.
We are writing now in advance of an in-person presentation to your council so that you have
our proposed figures available early for your budget discussions. We would be pleased to
answer any questions you may have by phone, email or at a presentation.
Sincerely,
David Murdoch
Chair, Lunenburg County Seniors' Safety Partnership Society
Phone: 902 277 0766
Attachment: Letter from United Way of Lunenburg County
Local giving. Local results.
January 31, 2022
Dear Mayors, Warden and Councillors,
Re: The Lunenburg County Senior Safety Program
I am sure that you are all very aware of the importance of th e Lunenburg County Senior Safety
Program and the benefits it provides to our senior population. Based on 2015 census data, 21.4
% of seniors in Lunenburg County live in poverty. To put it another way, there are more
Lunenburg County seniors living in poverty than there are residents in the Town of Lunenburg.
As you know from the monthly reports many of the issues facing our seniors are serious,
complicated and heart-wrenching. The number of seniors needing help on a monthly basis is
large and growing. The issues range from elder abuse, precario us housing, personal safety
concerns, scams/fraud, food insecurity, financial hardship and so many more.
Recently the Lunenburg County Senior Safety Program laid off its part -time coordinator due to
budget constraints. This leaves a gap in the ability for the existing senior safety coordinator to
serve the complex needs of these vulnerable citizens.
Revenue for this program comes from the Provincial Government, the five Lunenburg County
Municipal units, and the United Way. There is also the potential for grants, but these grants
must be used to meet certain grant requirements. These grants do not help core operations.
Thanks to the generosity of our local donors the United Way of Lunenburg County has invested
$52,180 since 2014 to help support the operations of this important community program.
Currently our contribution is $5,000 per year.
We are concerned that with the loss of a part -time coordinator vulnerable seniors will fall
through the cracks. Obviously, this would be unacceptable.
The United Way of Lunenburg County is proposing the following. We will increase our annual
operating grant from $5,000 to $8,750 per year for the next 3 years. That is a 75% increase in
operational funding provided that the 5 participating municipal unit s commit to the same
funding increase over the same 3-year time. This additional funding will allow for the
reinstatement of the part time coordinator and will allow for greater protection of our senior
community.
Local giving. Local results.
The United Way commitment would then represent 11% of the Senior Safety Program
operating budget.
I hope as elected officials that you can see the value in this offer.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Michael Graves
Coordinator
The United Way of Lunenburg County
REQUEST FOR DECISION
REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole
MEETING DATE: March 24, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Corporate & Strategic Management
SUBJECT: Cost of Living Consideration
ORIGIN: Policy P-55 and Policy P-09
Date March 7, 2022 Prepared by Pam Myra, Municipal Clerk
Date March 8, 2022 Reviewed by Tim Topping, Director of Financial & Info Services
Date March 8, 2022 Authorized by Dan McDougall, CAO
RECOMMENDED MOTION
Refer to options.
CURRENT SITUATION
Presently salaries are determined using the 2021/22 Salary Band Schedule approved by Council on
March 11, 2021 (2021-126) which was a 0.3% increase (as per the Consumer Price Index All Items for NS
- Annual Average).
BACKGROUND
Annually Council considers applying the previous year’s Consumer Price Index Rate (All Items for Nova
Scotia - Annual Average) to salaries. This approval has traditionally been approved prior to the
beginning of the April 1 Fiscal Year to ensure a smooth transition for payroll calculations (reducing the
need for Payroll Staff to determine wages/salaries for hours incurred from April 1 to the approval date).
DISCUSSION
The Personnel Policy P-55 (Section 5.3.1) and the Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden, and
Councillors Policy P-09 (Section D) outline the process as follows:
5.3.1 Annually, the Municipal Council of the District of Chester will consider the increase which
has taken place in the cost of living over the previous year and will approve a percentage
increase in the level of compensation which is to be payable to all employees of the
Municipality who are paid a salary.
The Salary Scales will be revised each year by the amount of the percentage increase
approved by Council. The percentage increase amount will be determined by Council and
may be equal to, greater, or less than, the increase in the Consumer Price Index (all items
for Nova Scotia) for the previous year.
If the Consumer Price Index (all items for Nova Scotia) is determined to be a negative
amount, the Salary Scales will remain the same as the previous year, as approved by
Council.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2
D. Annually the Municipal Council considers the cost-of-living increase which has taken
place over the previous year and will approve an increase in the level of compensation
which is to be payable to all employees of the Municipality under Section 5.3.1. The
percentage increase approved for staff will also apply to the remuneration paid to the
Warden, Deputy Warden, and Councillors.
OPTIONS
1. Approve CPI at 4.1% by:
• Approving the Draft 2022/23 Employee Salary Bands - Approve the Cost-of-Living increase
by the Consumer Price Index – All Items for Nova Scotia Annual Average 2021 by 4.1%
Effective April 1, 2022.
• Recommend the amendment to Policy P-09 Warden, Deputy Warden, and Councillors
Salaries - Give Notice of Intention to Amend Policy P-09 Sections A, B, and C to increase
annual remuneration Cost of Living by the Consumer Price Index – All Items for Nova Scotia
2021 by 4.1% Effective April 1, 2022. OR
2. Not Approve the Cost-of-Living increase for Employee Salary Bands or Policy P-09 by the 2021
Consumer Price Index of 4.1%.
3. Approve a Cost-of-Living Increase for Employee Salary Bands or Policy P-09 at a different rate.
IMPLICATIONS
By-Law/Policy
Policy P-09 Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden, and Councillors (Section D).
Policy P-55 Personnel Policy (Section 5.3.1)
Financial/budgetary
• Approval of the CPI will result in an increase in annual staff salaries of 4.1% over the current
2021/22 Employee Salaries, equating to approximately $136,133 in total for all staff from the fiscal
year ending 2020/21 (March 31, 2021) to the fiscal year 2021/22. This calculation does not
include part-time wages, retirements, new hires, annual salary increases, or impacts on benefits.
• Approval of the CPI will result in an increase in Council Remuneration of 4.1% over the 2021/22
Remuneration equating to approximately $7,664.80 in total for all Councillors (this does not
include remuneration of Committee Members).
Environmental
Strategic Priorities
Work Program Implications
Approval of the CPI prior to April 1 will reduce the need for additional staff time required to calculate
CPI for regular and overtime salaries/wages incurred from April 1 to a later approval date.
Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ _ No _X_ N/A
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
1. Copy of information from Province of Nova Scotia’s website.
2. Draft copy of Amended Policy P-09 Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden, and Councillors.
3. Copy of Policy P-55 Personnel Policy (Section 5.3.1).
4. Calculations – Impact of CPI for Council/Staff.
5. Draft 2022/23 Employee Salary Band Schedule showing 4.1% increase in salary bands and copy
of current Salary Band Schedule.
6. History of Consumer Price Index 2016 to 2021.
1
Pam Myra (she/her)
From:NSFM Communications <communications@nsfm.ca>
Sent:March 21, 2022 3:27 PM
To:Pam Myra (she/her)
Subject:#External: NSFM's Monday Memo: March 21, 2022
View this email in your browser
NSFM SPRING CONFERENCE
The Evolution of Local Government
May 4th – 6th – White Point Beach Resort, Region of Queens.
Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to be meeting in person once again.
Look for sessions showcasing municipal success stories, diversity and inclusion,
managing social media and more. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will be
addressing delegates, as well as opposition critics for Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Buhle Dlamini will be providing an inspirational keynote on Unleashing your Greatness.
Best of all, the opportunity to network with your fellow municipal colleagues.
This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize
the sender and know the content is safe.
2
Registration will be limited to 170 delegates due to space restrictions so be sure to
look for more details, along with registration, to come out next week.
We look forward to seeing you there.
(Should Covid-19 restrictions limit our ability to meet in person, we will pivot to a virtual
event).
NSFM Municipal Group Insurance Committee
Call for Members
Background:
NSFM and AMA are re-establishing an Oversight Committee for the Group Insurance
program currently underwritten by Intact Insurance. Approximately 70 per cent of
municipalities participate in the program, along with a number of Villages. The purpose of
the Oversight Committee will be to work with our current brokers (Gallagher and
Brokerlink) to communicate information regarding the public sector insurance landscape
to our members. We are seeking two elected officials to participate in quarterly meetings
with a view to ensuring members are informed about issues relating to municipal
insurance.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of corporate or municipal insurance
Experience with large, complex contractual agreements
Knowledge of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process
Risk management experience
Tasks and Time Commitment: