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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-04-13_Council_Website Agenda Package.pdf Page 1 of 3 of Agenda Cover Page(s) MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA Livestreamed via YouTube at www.youtube.com/modcvideo 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 – March 23, 2023. 4.2 Public Hearing Minutes - April 6, 2023. 5. PROCLAMATIONS 5.1 Gaelic Nova Scotia Month Proclamation (May 2023) request from The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia (and flag flying request). 5.2 Lyme Disease Awareness Month Proclamation (May 2023) request from NS Lyme Advocacy Group. 5.3 Autism Awareness Month Proclamation (April 2023) request from Autism Nova Scotia. 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Committee of the Whole - April 6, 2023 (motions for review/approval) - Warden Webber. 6.2 Audit Committee - March 16, 2023 (receive minutes) - Warden Webber. 7. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS Page 2 of 3 8. BY-LAWS AND POLICIES 8.1 Second Notice - Amendment to Policy P-09 Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors as per March 23, 2023 motion at Council. 8.2 Second Notice - Adoption of North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 - to support employees who want to volunteer with the Games. 8.3 Request for Direction prepared March 2, 2023 - Corporate & Strategic Management - Update to Policy P-40 Promotional Advertisement Policy. 9. MATTERS ARISING 9.1 Request for Decision prepared March 22, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - Water Quality Monitoring Report - Fox Point Lake. 9.2 Request for Decision prepared March 22, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - Water Quality Monitoring Report - Stanford Lake. 9.3 Request for Decision prepared March 23, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - Water Quality Monitoring Report - Expanded Water Quality Monitoring Program. 10. CORRESPONDENCE 10.1 Correspondence dated March 31, 2023 from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding Sustainable Service Growth Fund (SSGF) and agreement form (to be approved and signed). 10.2 Email from Huntington Society of Canada requesting the Municipality light up the Municipal in blue and/or purple for one or more days in May 2023. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 May 2023 Meeting Calendar Amendments. 11.2 Request for Decision prepared March 31, 2023 - Financial & Information Services - Village of Chester Village Area Rate, Outside Fire Rate and Fire Boat. 11.3 2022/23 District 3 Grant Request - East Chester Recreation Association - $1,200. 11.4 2023/24 District 6 Grant Request - Forties Community Centre - $500. Page 3 of 3 12. IN CAMERA 12.1 Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations - Kaizer Meadow. 12.2 Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations - Village Commission. 13. ADJOURNMENT APPOINTMENT 9:00 a.m. Blake McNeely, Coastal Action (Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3) 113 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER Minutes of COUNCIL MEETING Livestreamed via YouTube www.youtube.com/modcvideo from 151 King Street, Chester, Nova Scotia On Thursday, March 23, 2023 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:50 a.m. Present: District 1 – Councillor A. Veinotte District 2 – Deputy Warden F. Shatford District 3 – Councillor D Wells District 4 – Warden A. Webber District 5 – Councillor A. Assaff District 6 – Councillor T. Connors District 7 – Councillor S. Church Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Jennifer Webber, Communications & Outreach Coordinator (Via Zoom) Emily Lennox, Executive Assistant Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor Public: There were two members of the public in the gallery. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS 2023-120 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the agenda and order of business for the March 23, 2023, Council meeting be approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 114 PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 4.1 Council – March 9, 2023. 2023-121 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the minutes of the March 9, 2023 Council Meeting be approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. PROCLAMATIONS There were no proclamations for consideration. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS 7.1 Our Health Centre at 9:00 a.m. Thelma Costello and Lorraine Burch from Our Health Centre provided an update on what the Board has been doing and what was included in the material provided. Some items discussed were:  Mission and Vision.  Guiding Principles.  Leadership.  Overview of Services.  New doctors and services provided - Mental health and addiction staff on site, child and youth services, continuing care, public health, blood clinic, medical walk-in, mental health walk-in, opioid disorder clinic.  How they determine what programs and services to offer.  Grant applications.  Fundraising activities.  Budgeting is break-even and they are appealing to the province for core funding. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 115 Members of Council thanked them for their continued work and dedication to Our Health Centre. 7.2 Carol Nauss, Chester Municipal Heritage Society. Ms. Nauss passed around a spoon that they received in a bag found at the Chester Fire Department - from the Hackmatack Inn. She also told Council that when the Hackmatack Inn was torn down they had dozens of chamber pots; they were sold and used by painters for “paint cans”. Ms. Nauss noted that she had provided a copy of the audited financial statements as requested and outlined the plans for the Train Station, commenting on the history of the facility, restoration for the caboose, restoration for the freight shed, how they obtained artifacts for the museum, station renovation, boarding platform, washroom renovation, the lease they have on the property, plans to rebuild the water tower, replacement of original coal shed, what the plans for in the future (miniature railway that runs on tracks throughout the area), use for advertising, and future parking. Ms. Nauss also outlined their other responsibilities, i.e. Lordly House Museum, Maple Cottage Research Center (the first municipal office), Lordly Park, and the playground (could become accessible). Ms. Nauss outlined the reasons to support the project, i.e. generating greater tourism visits, showcasing the few remaining railway stations Circa 1905, providing information about Chester Municipality’s reliance on the railway, connecting to the role of the Municipality during the second world war, preparing work for interpreters with disabilities, and having an accessible museum. It is not just a Chester project as it will provide advertising for the village and MODC - tooting our own horn, develop and provide info on activities available throughout the Municipality, become an avenue for regular programming and storytelling about the Municipality, continue to be a tourism ambassador for MODC and the Village, provide a co-op for local artisans to sell their products, and preserve our local history. Council asked questions with regard to budgeting, budget deadline, HST rebate clarification, major project guidelines, other funding requests, budgeting outside of the fiscal year, reason why the Lunenburg Train Museum closed (the property was owned by someone else), mandate and vision of Council does not include museums. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 116 Ms. Nauss noted that they raise a lot of money through fundraisers. She also noted that there are approximately 4,000 to 6,000 people going through the Train Station every year - not everyone gets information online. Deputy Warden Shatford asked if this might be considered as part of our Gem Properties. He sees it as a value but it is an expensive project and is not certain which way Council would like to go on it. He did acknowledge a connection with tourism. Warden Webber commented that he saw it as part of the Economic Development Strategy - promoting tourism. Council thanked Ms. Nauss for coming in to provide the information. 7.3 Michael Keddy and Janet Larder. a. Letter from N Moore in response. Michael Keddy and Janet Larder were present to review their request for Council to appoint special commissioner to hear the facts of the request with regard to the Private Ways Act, RSNS 1989, c 358. Mr. Keddy reviewed the information provided in a letter dated March 16, 2023 noting that the Act gives Council an ability to begin a solution when the two parties are unable to. He also indicated that they would pay all costs. It was confirmed that the property is landlocked with no right-of-way. It was also noted that Council had postponed a decision until the court action had been resolved; it is now clear there is no right-of-way. The question is whether Council chooses the option of appointing to allow the process to take place at Mr. Keddy’s expense. It was agreed to reserve a decision until after the “In Camera” session. A break was held from 10:20 a.m. to 10:34 a.m. 7.4 Coastal Action/Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee at 9:45 a.m. Blake McNeely of Coastal Action was present as well as Garth Bangay, Chair of Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 117 Mr. Bangay reviewed the material provided in the Council package “Sherbrooke Lake 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Program.” Included in the information was various testing results for phosphorus, nitrogen, suspended solids, E. coli, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin, sediment samples, trophic stat index, as well as the conclusion and recommendation. Mr. Bangay noted that the baseline testing started 5 years ago was about public access to Sherbrooke Lake. The knowledge we are gaining is incredibly important in terms of both municipalities with respect to land use as well as use of the lake. We now have a sense of what is in the lake. This final year will give more information on what the impacts are if there is development on the lake. The fact of the matter is, those are things you can control in the watershed; what we can’t control is climate change. Water levels, temperatures, and tributaries are changing - there is not much we can do. The fact is what we can control will become more important. Since last year they have tried to engage the province - To their credit they held a session last year with other provinces - but there were more questions than answers. He can say with great confidence it is important to keep track of what is happening - to keep thinking about algal blooms. Nova Scotia, of the four Atlantic provinces, is the least engaged - they haven’t done anything yet. Several professors at Dalhousie are interested in doing work and they will continue to explore that. They would like some others to put money toward it. There is a lot of concern about algal blooms. They would like to have a rapid response group equipped with sample bottles - to get to lab for analysis as quickly as possible. The Committee will continue to inform and educate. There was some discussion regarding public access on the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL), but they don’t appear to be moving ahead. Councillor Connors noted that she typically checks in with MODL if they approve the budget to give an update to her community. Last year MODL didn’t dedicate any funds to Sherbrooke Lake. Part of the education program is to talk to people - when people are building they think they immediately need a lawn and use fertilizer - this exacerbates the problem. We can control that, but we can’t control climate change. He would like Council to consider land use decisions and have people take responsibility. Warden Webber thanked Mr. McNeely and Mr. Bangay for their presentation. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 118 COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Committee of the Whole - March 16, 2023 - Warden Webber; and 6.2 Committee of the Whole - Budget - March 16, 2023 - Warden Webber. 2023-122 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the following motions from the March 16, 2023 meeting of Committee of the Whole meeting and March 16, 2023 Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting be approved: 2023-099 - “… direct staff to engage with the appropriate provincial departments regarding Unopened Roads/Trails Acquisition in the Municipality of Chester.” 2023-100 - “… provide the information provided in the Request for Decision prepared March 10, 2023 (Regional CAOs) regarding the proposed Regional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Shared Position to the EDI Committee for feedback.” 2023-101 APPROVAL OF MARCH 2, 2023 MINUTES 2022-102 APPROVAL OF MARCH 9, 2023 MINUTES 2023-103 - “… approve the annual Cost of Living at 7.5% (All Items for Nova Scotia Annual Average) for 2023/24 by: • Approving the Draft 2023/24 Employee Salary Bands - Approve the Cost-of- Living increase by the Consumer Price Index – All Items for Nova Scotia Annual Average 2022 by 7.5% Effective April 1, 2023; and • 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 7.5% Effective April 1, 2023.” 2023-104 IN CAMERA SESSION 2023-105 - “… approve a Small Capital Grant in the amount of $8,640.00 to New Ross Fire Department (Rink Committee).” 2023-106 - “… approve a Major Capital Grant in the amount of $53,707 to the Lighthouse Foodbank.” Council (continued) March 23, 2023 119 2023-107 - “… approve a Major Capital Grant in the amount of $20,000 to Through the Years Early Learning Centre.” and 2023-109 - “… direct staff to revise the 2023/24 budget based on discussion today to: • Reduce the Residential/Resource Tax Rate by One Cent; and • Reduce the Commercial Tax Rate by Three Cents; and • Transfer Surplus to Reserve for Infrastructure Development; and • Bring forward a revised budget and motions for Council’s consideration.” ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 6.3 Recreation & Parks Committee - March 20, 2023 - Councillor Veinotte. 2023-123 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve the recommendation from the Recreation and Parks Committee as follows: 2023-112 - “… that Volunteer Karen MacKenzie-Stepner of Chester, represent the Municipality of the District of Chester at the Provincial Awards Ceremony in Halifax this Fall.” ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. BY-LAWS/POLICIES 8.1 First Notice - Amendment to Policy P-09 Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors as per March 16, 2023 motion at Committee of the Whole. 2023-124 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council conduct First Notice to amend Policy P-09 Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors as per policy by the Cost of Living. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 8.2 First Notice - Adoption of Policy P-113 North American Indigenous Games Policy. 2023-125 MOVED by Councillor Connors, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council conduct First Notice to adopt Policy P-113 North American Indigenous Games. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 120 MATTERS ARISING 9.2 Budget 2023/24. Tim Topping, Director of Financial & Information Services reviewed the RFD and budget book. In the past a number of motions ensured all of that is included in the document. For example, rates are on page 4, etc. based on discussions held over the past few weeks. Once approved would be the budget for operating and capital over the upcoming year. 2023-126 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve the 2023/24 Budget Book which includes the following rates:  Capital Budget in the amount of $19,266,261 (p. 26)  Operating Budget in the amount $31,272,251 (pp. 4-24)  Reserve Transfers for both Operating and Capital Budgets as noted on page 25 of the “2023-24 Budget Book – March 23, 2023” Document  Set the Residential and Resource tax rates at $0.695 per $100 of taxable assessed value (p. 4)  Set the Commercial tax rate at $1.50 per $100 of assessed value (p. 4)  Set the Waste Collection and Disposal Rate at $0.1205 per $100 of taxable assessed value (p. 4)  Set the Universal Sewer Rate at $691.20 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) (p. 4)  Set the Streetlight Area Rates as noted on page 4 of the “2023-24 Budget Book – March 23, 2023” Document  Set the Mill Cove Hydrant rate at $0.28 per $100 of assessed value (p. 4) DISCUSSION  Councillor Church asked about the $60,000 request from Church Memorial Park, and it was noted that it is in the budget and would require a follow-up decision from Council.  Councillor Wells asked for confirmation on the tax rate - the residential/resource tax rate will be reduced by .01 Cent (from .705 cents to .695 cents per $100 of assessment) and the commercial rate would be reduced by 3.0 cents (from $1.53 to $1.50 per $100 of assessment). ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. The CAO noted that there were some other decisions to be made, noting that Church Memorial Park was asking for a decision as quickly as possible - the additional funds for design and planning for a major roof repair. If approved, staff would send asap in the new fiscal year. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 121 There was discussion on the funding for the remainder of the project and Councillor Church noted that they are requesting funds for the Pew Trust. Also discussed was the structural review completed. It was noted that the community is supportive of Church Memorial Park. 2023-127 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council approve the $60,000 grant request from Church Memorial Park in order to complete the planning and design of a major roof repair, in addition to the pre-approved amount. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. CORRESPONDENCE No correspondence for discussion. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Request for Direction prepared March 8, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - Agreement Application - Rum Runners Lane Development. Emily Statton, Planner was present to outline the proposed development on a 24 acre property located at Barkhouse Road in Martins Point. 2023-128 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council approve the option to prepare a draft Development Agreement and hold a Public Information Meeting with regard to the Rum Runners Lane Development, Barkhouse Road, Martins Point. DISCUSSION:  Councillor Wells asked for clarification regarding the number of condos. They now require a Development Agreement as they are up to the level of units requiring the Development Agreement. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 11.2 Request for Decision prepared March 7, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - New Road Name Assignment - Blandford. Present was Sylvia Dixon who outlined the information. Seashore Lane 2023-129 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve the new road name Seashore Lane (Blandford) and direct staff to notify the Council (continued) March 23, 2023 122 appropriate persons, agencies, and departments. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 11.3 District 4 Council Grants: a. Aenon Baptist Church Fun Day - $3,000. b. Friends of 250th Legacy Park Society - $2,500. 2023-130 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve the following District 4 Council Grants: • Aenon Baptist Church Fun Day - $3,000. • Friends of 250th Legacy Park Society - $2,500. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. It was agreed to receive applications to the end of day March 2023. 11.4 Request for Decision prepared March 8, 2023 - Financial & Information Services - Temporary Borrowing Resolutions and Pre-Approval of Debenture Issuance. Tim Topping, Director of Financial & Information Services was present to review the Request for Decision prepared March 8, 2023 - Temporary Borrowing Resolutions and Pre-Approval of Debenture Issuance. 1,633,851 15 years at rate not to exceed an average rate of 6.0%. won’t know the exact rate until debentures are issued. 2023-131 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Wells that Council approve the Temporary Borrowing Resolutions and Pre-Approval of Debenture Issuance in the amount of $1,633,851 for Capital Projects - Lift Station Panels and Generators ($680,624) and Compactor ($953,227). ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 11.5 Request for Decision prepared - Community Development & Recreation - Town of Mahone Bay Inter-Municipal Agreement. 2023-132 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council extend the Inter-Municipal Service Agreement with the Town of Mahone Bay for a three month period. DISCUSSION Derek - in process of having discussions. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Council (continued) March 23, 2023 123 Warden Webber noted that it was the CAO’s last meeting before his retirement and Council wanted to acknowledge his retirement and the work he has done for us. A break was held from 11:26 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. IN CAMERA 12.1 Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Acquisition, sale, lease, and security of municipal property - Kaizer Meadow. 12.2 Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Acquisition, sale, lease, and security of municipal property - East River. 12.3 Section - M Keddy Request regarding 2023-133 MOVED by deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting convene “In Camera” as per Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Acquisition, sale, lease, and security of municipal property - Kaizer Meadow and East River. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-134 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Connors that Council approve of the request of Michael Keddy and appoint a Commissioner under the Private Ways Act, RSNS 1989, c358 with regard to the right-of-way to his property and that all costs be at the expense of the petitioner. RECORDED VOTE REQUESTED:  IN FAVOUR (2) - Councillor Assaff and Councillor Connors.  OPPOSED (5) - Councillor Veinotte, Councillor Church, Councillor Wells, Deputy Warden Shatford, and Warden Webber. MOTION DEFEATED. ADJOURNMENT 2023-135 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the meeting adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (12:50 p.m.) _________________________ _________________________ Allen Webber Pamela Myra Warden Municipal Clerk 125 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of Development Agreement to Facilitate the Construction of a 313 Square Metre 4-Bedroom Small Options Home and 2 Identified Future Development Sites at 725 Highway 14, Windsor Road (60141835) 151 King Street, Chester Livestreamed via YouTube www.youtube.com/modcvideo On Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 8:45 a.m. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. noting that the meeting was to consider a Development Agreement for the construction of a 313 square metre 4-bedroom small options home and 2 identified future development sites at 725 Highway 14, Windsor Road (60141835). Present: District 3 – Councillor Wells District 4 – Warden Webber District 5 - Councillor Assaff District 6 – Councillor Connors District 7 – Councillor Church Staff: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Emily Statton, Planner Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer Emily Lennox, Executive Assistant Olivia Corkum, Community Economic Development Officer Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor Regrets: District 2 – Deputy Warden Shatford There were approximately four people in the public gallery. COMMENTS BY MUNICIPAL SOLICITOR The Solicitor indicated the matter was properly before Council. OVERVIEW BY PLANNER Public Hearing – Development Agreement (Bonny Lea Farm) April 6, 2023 126 Emily Statton, Planner reviewed the request as included in the information provided as well as the Public Hearing Report: (A) DETAILS OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT Request from: Letter of request submitted by Dean Dumaresq of SP Dumaresq Architect LTD on behalf of Bonny Lea Farm (South Shore Community Service Association) requesting a Development Agreement to facilitate the construction of a 4-bedroom small options home and 2 identified future development sites dated October 30, 2022. Council discussed the request at a meeting held December 08, 2022, and directed staff to prepare a draft development agreement and related staff report. On March 02, 2023 Council considered the draft development agreement. Request date: October 30, 022 per the date of the letter from Bonny Lea Farm requesting a development agreement. Nature of development agreement: Be it enacted by the Council of the Municipality of Chester as Follows: Enter into a development agreement with Bonny Lea Farm to facilitate the construction of a 4- bedroom small options home and 2 identified future development sites. Purpose of development agreement: The development agreement is enabled by the Land Use By-Law zone standards; The mixed use zone allows institutional uses with a gross floor area of 2000m2, or more, by development agreement. The site has 11 existing structures. With the proposed additional structure, the total gross floor area will exceed that 2000m2. (B) MEETING DATES  08 December 2022 – Request to Council from Bonny Lean Farm considered. Staff report presented preliminary details of the proposal and requested direction from Council to proceed with a draft development agreement & related staff report.  10 January 2023 – Public Information Meeting held at Bonny Lea Farm Gymnasium (725 HWY 14, Windsor Road).  15 February 2023 – Municipal Planning Advisory Committee Meeting held.  02 March 2023 – Council considered the staff report & MPAC recommendation and gave 1st Reading to the draft development agreement. Public Hearing – Development Agreement (Bonny Lea Farm) April 6, 2023 127  06 April 2023 – Public Hearing held. (C) DOCUMENTATION Reports:  08 December 2022- Staff Report: Request from Bonny Lea Farm to enter into Development  Agreement.  15 February 2023 – Staff Report: Development Agreement and Policy Analysis.  02 March 2023 – Staff Report: Updated for Council 1st Reading.  06 April 2023 – Report prepared for Public Hearing. Advertisements (Progress Bulletin):  04 January 2022: Notice of Public Information Meeting.  08 February 2023: Notice of Municipal Area Advisory Committee Meeting.  23 March 2023: Notice of Public Hearing (1st Notice).  29 March 2023: Notice of Public Hearing (2nd Notice). Other notifications:  15 March 2023 – Notice of Public Hearing Mailed to: o Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. o Municipality of Kings.  15 March 2023 – Neighbour Notification Package sent to 14 properties (all those within 30m of a property proposed for development agreement).  22 March 2023 – signs posted at entrance to 725 HWY 14, Windsor Road.  Copies of all Progress Bulletin Advertisements posted on Municipal Website and Municipal Office doors.  Social Media postings. Fees paid: The applicant requested the advertising and application fees be waived as they are a Non-for Profit Organization. Council made a motion to approve this request. (D) Written Submissions Received: There were no written submissions received. PRESENTATION BY DEVELOPER Elizabeth Finney of Bonny Lea Farm distributed information while a video was shown that included residents of Bonny Lea and the programs they offer to the residents. The request is for a facility on the Public Hearing – Development Agreement (Bonny Lea Farm) April 6, 2023 128 property that will allow residents to stay after they can no longer be supported due to their age. The new home is designed as one floor living to allow residents to live accessibly for as long as possible. Also present was Karen Lake, Barbie Nunn-Porter, and Sydney Dumaresq. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON THE PROPOSAL There were no comments from the public. DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL 2023-136 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council enter into a Development Agreement with Bonny Lea Farm (South Shore Community Service Association) to facilitate the development of a 313 square metre structure and two identified future development sites. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. CLOSING REMARKS (CHAIR) There were no closing remarks. ADJOURNMENT 2023-137 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church the Public Hearing adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (8:56 a.m.) __________________________ __________________________ Allen Webber Pamela M. Myra Warden Municipal Clerk Proclamation Gaelic Nova Scotia Month WHEREAS 2023 marks the 27th anniversary of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month which is a time to embrace, honour and celebrate the history, culture, language, contributions, and achievements of Gaels across the province; and WHEREAS Gaelic culture is an integral part of the identity of Nova Scotia and one of the earliest non-indigenous cultures to settle in Mi’kma’ki; and WHEREAS new generations of language learners and cultural champions are carrying on and building upon the legacy of Gaelic Nova Scotia’s tradition bearers; and WHEREAS government remains committed to collaborating with Gaelic communities to support opportunities for enhanced learning to ensure Gaelic language and culture will thrive in the Municipality of the District of Chester; THEREFORE I Allen Webber, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Chester do hereby proclaim May 2023 as “Gaelic Nova Scotia Month” in the Municipality of the District of Chester. _______________________________ Allen Webber, Warden ________________________________ Date Gairm Mìos nan Gàidheal SEACH GUN COMHARRAICH 2023 an seachdamh ceann bliadhna air fhichead do Mhìos nan Gàidheal, tha e ’na àm gus eachdraidh, cultur, cànain, is àrd-ghnìomharan nan Gàidheal thar na mór-roinneadh is na chuir iad rithe, a dhlùth-ghabhail , onorachadh is a ghléidheadh; agus SEACH GU BHEIL cultur nan Gàidheal ’na phàirt bhunaiteach do dh’fhéin-aithne na h- Albann Nuaidhe is e fear dhe na culturan neo-thùsanach na bu tràithe a thuinich ann an tìr nam Mìogmac; agus SEACH GUM BI ginealaich ùra do luchd-ionnsachaidh na cànain, agus suinn culturail, a’ cumail orra ‘s iad a’ leantainn gu dlùth ri dìleab na feadhnach a dh’ionnsaich a’ Ghàidhlig o ’n ghlùin an Albainn Nuaidh; agus SEACH GU BHEIL an riaghaltas an geall air a bhith a’ co-obrachadh le coimhearsnachdan Gàidhealach gus taic a thoirt do chothroman ionnsachaidh adhartaich ’s mar sin, a bhith a’ dèanadh cinnteach gun soirbhich leis a’ Ghàidhlig is a cultur ann an Cathrachd Municipality of the District of Chester; MAR SIN Tha mise, Allen Webber, Warden na Municipality of the District of Chester a’ gairm a’ Chéitein 2023, ’na mhìos dha na Gàidheil ann an Cathrachd Municipality of the District of Chester. _______________________________ Allen Webber, Warden ________________________________ Date PROCLAMATION LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH May 2023 WHEREAS Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by the bite of a blacklegged tick infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi: and WHEREAS blacklegged ticks carrying a variety of diseases or illnesses can now be found in all parts of Nova Scotia; and WHEREAS awareness, education and practicing preventative measures, such as daily tick checks and proper tick removal, can help reduce your chances of contracting tick-borne diseases; THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Warden Allen Webber, on behalf of the Municipality of the District of Chester, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month”. Dated at Chester, Nova Scotia this 13th day of April 2023. _____________________________ Warden Allen Webber Proclamation World Autism Acceptance Month April 2023 WHEREAS it is estimated that 1 in 66 people across the country are Autistic/have autism, and 1 in 32 people—approximately 30,000 individuals— in Nova Scotia are Autistic/have autism; and WHEREAS, many dedicated Autistic individuals/people with autism, parents, teachers, researchers, and professionals, including those at Autism Nova Scotia and other community- based organizations, work tirelessly throughout our province to make the communities where we live accessible and inclusive for Autistics/individuals with autism, and their loved ones; and WHEREAS, with 11 locations throughout the province and with the support of the autism community, Autism Nova Scotia builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifespan; and WHEREAS, this month of April marks Autism Acceptance Month, and Sunday, April 2nd, marked World Autism Acceptance Day, when people across the globe came together as a community to celebrate autism and promote acceptance and inclusion. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, I, Warden Allen Webber on behalf of the Municipality of the District of Chester, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as Autism Acceptance Month throughout the province and encourage all of our citizens to recognize the Autistic individuals/people with autism, family members, caregivers, educators, and other professionals who strive to make Nova Scotia an inclusive and accessible place for us all to call home. Dated at Chester, Nova Scotia this 13th day of April 2023. _______________________________________ Allen Webber Warden MOTIONS FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF COUNCIL FROM APRIL 6, 2023 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING 2023-138 AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS APPROVED 2023-139 APPROVAL OF MARCH 6, 2023 MINUTES 2023-140 APPROVAL OF MARCH 6, 2023 BUDGET MINUTES 2023-141 INSTALLATION OF SIX PUBLIC MOORINGS MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve participation in the public mooring project and the cost associated with the installation of six public moorings in the waters near Chester (two at Birch Island, two at Squid Island, and two at Clay Island). ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-142 CHESTER MUN HERITAGE SOCIETY - MAJOR CAPITAL GRANT $40,000 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that a Major Capital Grant in the amount of $40,000 be awarded to Chester Municipal Heritage Society (Train Station). FOUR IN FAVOUR, TWO OPPOSED. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-143 CHESTER ART CENTRE - ANNUAL BUDGETED GRANT - $25,000 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Wells that Council approve an annual Budgeted Grant for the Chester Art Centre in the amount of $25,000. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-144 IN CAMERA - Section 22(2)(e) of the MGA - Contract Negotiations - Village Commission of Chester. 2023-145 ADJOURNMENT 103 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER Minutes of Meeting of AUDIT COMMITTEE 151 King Street, Chester, NS On Thursday, March 16, 2023 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. Present: Warden Webber (District 4) Deputy Warden Shatford (District 2) Councillor Wells (District 3) Councillor Connors (District 6) Councillor Church (District 7) Councillor Veinotte (District 1) Councillor Assaff (District 5) Heather McLeod Sandy Dumaresq Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Tim Topping, Director of Finance & Information Services Solicitor: Sam Lamey Auditors: Kelsey Murphy, Grant Thornton Victoria Ells, Grant Thornton APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS 2023-114 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the agenda of the March 16, 2023 meeting of the Audit Committee be approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 3.1 Audit Committee - July 21, 2022. AUDIT COMMITTEE (continued) March 16, 2023 104 2023-115 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church the minutes of the July 21, 2023 Audit Committee be approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. MATTERS ARISING There were no matters arising. CORRESPONDENCE There were no items of correspondence. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Report to Audit Committee - Audit Strategy. Present were Kelsey Murphy and Victoria Ells from Grant Thornton. Ms. Murphy indicated that they met with the Director of Financial & Information Services in December and January to review the procedures and provide advice on the preparation of the financial statements. She briefly outlined CAS315 - New Auditing Standards which impacts the work the auditors rather than staff time. They try to keep costs as low as they can. The changes are to understand the world around the IT environment, which is changing rapidly. This forces all auditors to become aware of the systems and risks. She noted that the Audit Plan was outlined in Appendix A and reviewed the following: Considerations:  Laws and Regulations - not aware of any non-compliance.  Fraud - don’t look for fraud but is something they consider. They have discussions with the Director and the Finance Team and review the minutes. They also like to take this opportunity to determine if Council is aware of anything. Significant Risks:  Fraud risk from revenue recognition. In this case it primarily relates to other streams - not taxes and grants. AUDIT COMMITTEE (continued) March 16, 2023 105  Fraud risk from management override/segregation of duties - they do a little more work around journal entries, review accounting estimates, and evaluate significant transactions.  Asset retirement obligations (PS 3280) - one of two new standards is Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO). The Standard is in effect as of April 2022. There are new guidelines. For instance, the wind turbine comes down at end of its useful life, asbestos in buildings, wharves that have to be removed. Right now, the risk is in year one. At the end of the day the statements will look different and Council will have risk statement for the prior year (so it is not all in one year). From an auditing perspective they need to review scope, factors used to make sure they are reasonable, consider the impact of that on the liability. It will look different this year. The big thing about this is that it may not incur all of the expenses. For example, asbestos only has to be dealt with if a building is torn down or renovated. If it is sold, would assume the selling price would be lower and the liability removed at that time. Other Planning Matters:  Use of Experts - post employment benefits and compensated absences. For example, sick time - some take it all and others take none. An actuary does that calculation.  An Engineer report for landfill obtained last year will be used this year. There may be some additional engineering reports obtained in determining costs. They will rely on those items. Team, Timing and Communications:  The timeline was reviewed.  The team was reviewed. Technical updates - Highlights (Victoria Ells):  The package goes into more detail regarding CAS 315, ex IT controls and systems and what could go wrong. There are more questions for the Director this year and they working to understand that. They also look at control deficiencies - financial statement as a whole or other areas. Appendix A - Overview and Approach:  Roles and Responsibility of Council, Management, and Grant Thornton.  Five phases of audit approach - Planning, Assessing Risk, Evaluating internal controls, Testing accounts and transactions, Concluding and reporting. Appendix B - PSAS Accounting Developments and Effective Dates. AUDIT COMMITTEE (continued) March 16, 2023 106 The Director noted that the Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) requires a lot of work. The biggest piece of that is Kaizer Meadow landfill, but we have a history of getting engineering reports. For other asset retirements, we will be relying on outside assistance and for some others we will be using internal expertise, i.e. Inventory of asbestos in buildings. 6.2 Committee meeting with auditors without staff if required. A meeting without staff was not required. IN CAMERA There were no In Camera items for discussion. ADJOURNMENT 2023-116 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (10:49 a.m.) ________________________________ ________________________________ Allen Webber Pamela M. Myra Warden Municipal Clerk Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors Policy P-09 ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – March 16, 2023 First Notice – Council – March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Council - April 13, 2023 Effective Date – MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER POLICY P-09 REMUNERATION WARDEN, DEPUTY WARDEN, AND COUNCILLORS 2023/24 BE IT RESOLVED that the remuneration of the Warden and Councillors shall be as follows: A. The Warden shall be paid a base salary of $51,040.03 $54,868.03 per annum, payable monthly. B. The Deputy Warden shall be paid a base salary of $26,710.26 $28,713.53 per annum, payable monthly. C. All remaining Councillors shall be paid a base salary of $23,372.15 $25,125.06 per annum, payable monthly. 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. E. All Councillors, including the Warden and Deputy Warden, in addition to the payments set forth above, shall be paid an allowance for travel for kilometres travelled once each day for going to and returning from every daily session of the Council or a Committee or attendance at every Board Meeting or other function if this attendance is as a representative of Council. The allowance for travel will be a per km rate reimbursed at the provincial rate. F. A Warden or Deputy Warden and Councillors who miss more than three (3) Council or Committee meetings in any year without leave of Council shall have the sum of $55.00 per missed meeting deducted from any salary paid to such individual. H. This Resolution shall take effect on the 1st day of April 2023. Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors Policy P-09 ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – March 16, 2023 First Notice – Council – March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Council - April 13, 2023 Effective Date – RECORD OF ADOPTION/AMENDMENTS Effective Date Reason for Adoption/Amendment April 1, 2017 2017-135 – Approval of Cost of Living (CPI) of 1.2% approved by Council on March 16, 2017. July 31, 2017 Amendment to change all policies with mileage references to reflect use of provincial mileage rate. April 1, 2018 2018-105/111 - Approval of Cost of Living (CPI) of 1.1% approved by Council on March 8, 2018. January 1, 2019 2018-567/2019-003 - Approval of increase to maintain same net income after elimination of the one-third tax free allowance. April 1, 2019 2019-121/134 – Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 2.2% approved by Council on March 28, 2019. April 1, 2020 2020-140 – Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 1.6% approved by Council on April 2, 2020. April 1, 2021 2021-158 – Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 0.3% approved by Council on April 15, 2021. April 1, 2022 2022-148 - Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 4.1% approved by Council on April 14, 2022. Municipality of the District of Chester North American Indigenous Games Policy Policy P-113 Effective Date: MMDDYYYY North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 2 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER POLICY P-XXX NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES POLICY 1. INTRODUCTION The 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) is a multi-sport and cultural celebration for Indigenous athletes from across North America. This prestigious event will bring together 5,000 athletes from 756 Indigenous Nations. NAIG happens every four years, and this year, it is taking place in Halifax, Dartmouth, and Mill Brook First Nation from July 15 to 23, 2023. The NAIG is heavily dependent on the recruitment of approximately 3,000 volunteers. 2. PURPOSE The Municipality of the District of Chester recognizes the significance of the NAIG and supports employees who want to volunteer with the Games. This Policy will provide guidelines to grant special leave for volunteering employees. 3. POLICY STATEMENTS Scope 3.1. The North American Indigenous Games Policy applies to all permanent employees of the Municipality of the District of Chester who: 3.1.1. Have been selected by the NAIG 2023 Volunteer Team to serve in Lead Volunteer or Games-Time Volunteer roles. 3.1.2. Wish to serve as a Games-Time Volunteer for the 2023 NAIG; and 3.1.3. Have permission from their Director through the application process outlined within this Policy. 3.2. Selected employees are eligible for a special leave of up to a maximum of five (5) days to volunteer at the 2023 NAIG, half of which would be their own vacation or banked time and the other half is that matched by the Municipality. The minimum volunteer commitment to the Games is 18 hours, or three 6-hour shifts. North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 3 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - 4. PROCESS 4.1. Requesting Volunteer Leave - Employees wishing to take special leave to fulfill their training and volunteer responsibilities may access matching leave by providing confirmation from NAIG 2023 detailing their volunteer assignment to their Director along with a leave request form (Appendix B attached). Employees must have regular leave (vacation or banked time) available equal to half of the leave being requested. Volunteers are required to complete cultural awareness training and volunteer training, totaling approximately 2.5 hours prior to their volunteer commitment of a minimum of 18 hours (three shifts) during the Games. The special leave with pay will be on a 50/50 basis, and a payroll code will be provided to record the leave. The Director will provide final approval for all their Department’s respective requests. Each department will be responsible to record approved volunteer leaves to Payroll. 4.2. Leave for Volunteers and Officials - Where an employee has been selected to volunteer, the Director may grant up to five (5) working days special leave as outlined in 4.1. Any period of leave granted in excess of the five days shall be charged against the employees annual vacation leave entitlement or banked time. 4.3. Expenses - Any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by employees, i.e. travel, parking, meals, accommodations, etc., for the purposes of volunteering are the sole responsibility of the employee. 5. ATTACHMENTS 5.1. Appendix A – Frequently Asked Questions 5.2. Appendix B – Application for Special Leave North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 4 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - Annotation for Official Policy Book Reason for Adoption To provide a policy to manage requests for special leave for full-time employees accepted as volunteers at the North American Indigenous Games 2023. Notice of Intention to Adopt Date of First Notice at Council Date of Second Notice at Council Effective Date I certify that this Policy was adopted by Council as indicated above. Pamela M. Myra, Municipal Clerk Date Experience the Games as a volunteer. Why should I volunteer for NAIG 2023? By volunteering at the Games, you will be a part of the largest multi-sport and cultural event in Atlantic Canada since contact. You will have the opportunity to form new connections, see first- hand the impact of the Games, and learn about Indigenous cultures from across Turtle Island. How do I volunteer with NAIG 2023? To volunteer, please visit our www.naig2023.com, click Get Involved, on the top right of the screen and click the red Sign Up Now button. From here, you can register your Gems.Pro volunteer profile. Prior to the Games, all volunteers are required to participate in three training sessions: 1. NAIG Orientation, 2. Cultural Awareness, and 3. Role-Specific. You need to complete each training once. Upcoming Training Sessions can be found by visiting www.naig2023.com/opportunities. Volunteers will be in environments that include youth and elders, therefore you will need a Criminal Record Check & Enhanced Police Information Check. A direct link to Sterling Backcheck will be provided upon registration at no cost to the Volunteer once you have completed both Volunteer Orientation and Cultural Awareness training. What types of roles are available? There are two types of volunteers for the Games - Lead Volunteers and Games-Time Volunteers. Lead Volunteer roles are a larger time commitment and require availability prior to the start of the Games. For Games-Time volunteers, the shifts take place only during the week of the Games with roles like accreditation and wayfinding. How can I become a lead volunteer? If you indicate when registering that you would like to be considered for a lead role, our staff will contact you to complete an interest form to determine where you may fit in best. Leadership volunteers have a higher level of commitment, including monthly meetings and a requirement to commit to the entire duration of the Games. There are many roles to choose from, please browse our leadership role descriptions to see what interests you by selecting Lead Volunteer Roles from the drop down menu under Get Involved on our homepage. VOLUNTEER FAQ Experience the Games as a volunteer. What do I receive as a volunteer? • A volunteer kit which includes volunteer t-shirts, a water bottle and more. • Free access to Halifax Transit services during the week of the Games. • Orientation, cultural education and role-specific training. • An opportunity to welcome 756 Nations to Mi’kma’ki. What are the age requirements? Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age as of June 1, 2023. Volunteers in leadership roles must be at least 18 years of age. Any volunteer under the age of 16 is required to have a parent or legal guardian complete and sign a consent form. Junior volunteers are between the ages of 14 and 15, and will work in groups with a chaperone. What is the time commitment required to volunteer? Levels of commitment vary based on the role you are interested in: • Games-Time volunteers agree to a minimum of 18 hours or 3 shifts the week of the games. • Volunteer Leads have a larger commitment to planning - this means at least 8 hours a month leading up to the Games. • Indigenous volunteers agree to commit to a minimum of 10 hours. Where/When will I be volunteering? When registering as a volunteer, you have the opportunity to select your preference for: • Area of interest: We will do our best to accommodate your preferences. • Availability: We will use this information to assign volunteer shifts. If you would like to update your preferences, you can do so on your Gems.Pro profile anytime. I have questions about volunteering, who do I contact? Send any inquiries to volunteer@naig2023.com and someone from our team will contact you. North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 5 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - APPENDIX B MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL LEAVE VOLUNTEER - 2023 NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES Applicant Information Name Title Department Contact info Phone: Email: Volunteer Role Notification attached from 2023 NAIG Volunteer Team confirming volunteer status. Select role LEAD VOLUNTEER GAMES-TIME VOLUNTEER Photographer Accessibility Culture Culture (accommodations) IT Venue Team Lead Venue Team Lead (accommodations) Logistics Marketing/Communications Security & Essentials Services Sport Transportation Volunteer Services Accommodations Accreditation Administration/Finance Athlete Services Brave Spaces Culture & Ceremonies Food Services IT Logistics Marketing/Communications Medical On call Protocol & Honorary Guest Services Security Sport Transportation Venue Operations Volunteer Services Employee’s Signature: __________________________________ Date: REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole MEETING DATE: April 6, 2023 (?) DEPARTMENT: Corporate & Strategic Management SUBJECT: Update to Policy P-40 Promotional Advertisement ORIGIN: Date: March 2, 2023 Prepared by: Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer & Outreach Coordinator Date: Reviewed by: Date: April 5, 2023 Authorized by: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION That Council amend Policy P-40 Promotional Advertisement to better align with current practices. CURRENT SITUATION The existing Promotional Advertising Policy is out of date, listing occasions that aren’t happening any longer or are being advertised differently. Staff is proposing updating part of the current list to bring the list of events up to date and include occasions that mirror our organization’s direction. BACKGROUND Council adopted Policy P-40 in December 2010 to manage the advertising requests of local media. The list of 11 events/advertising opportunities were relevant at the time but are now out of date and do not include observances that the Municipality endorses. DISCUSSION With the Municipality taking a more proactive stance in terms of promoting events and observances that reflect our organizational values, we have increased our promotion of national and international events by using social media, special interest flags, and, from time to time, special offers through local media for ad purchases. Specifically to promotional ad purchases, local media have also increased their advertising opportunities for businesses and organizations, like municipalities who are often perceived as role models in this regard. The Municipality receives invitations to advertise in two publications throughout the year with recent additional interest from radio and another local publication. There are a few things to take into consideration: 1. Equity – We have three local publications and two radio stations that serve our Municipality. 2. Cost – Advertising opportunities range from $40 to $220 each. The current budget for all advertising is $15,000. The cost of promotional advertising, if current rates do not change and if the amended policy is adopted, will be approximately $4000 or 27% of the budget. We usually advertise on an ‘as requested’ basis. This amount represents the total amount in the case of all outlets requesting ads. This does not include instances that arise under Section 1, 1.12 of the Policy. R e q u e s t f o r D i r e c t i o n P a g e | 2 3. Alternate platforms – Since 2010, we have cultivated our social media presence and often use it to promote social occasions with some success. We also use local community newsletters on occasion as well as put out a bimonthly newsletter of our own to every household. OPTIONS 1. Amend the current Policy P-40 as presented. 2. Amend the current Policy P-40 based on Council discussion today. 3. Leave the current Policy P-40 as is. 4. Repeal the current Policy P-40 and do not participate in promotional advertising in local media sources. IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy Policy P-40 Promotional Advertisement Policy Financial/budgetary The proposed change to the Policy will result in an approximate cost of $4000 for 2023-24. Has Legal review been completed? __ Yes __ No X N/A ATTACHMENTS 1. Policy P-40 Promotional Advertisement Policy (effective December 2010) 2. Proposed Policy P-40 Promotional Advertisement Policy Municipality of the District of Chester Promotional Advertisement Policy Policy P-40 Effective Date: December 9, 2010 Promotional Advertisement Policy P-40 (continued) 2 Notice of Intention of Amendment Given – By-Law Committee – October 21, 2010 First Notice –Council – November 10, 2010 (2010-513/541) Second Notice – Council – December 9, 2010 (2010-608) Effective Date – December 9, 2010 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER PROMOTIONAL ADVERTISEMENT POLICY POLICY P-40 1. It is the policy of Council of the Municipality of the District of Chester to support promotional advertisements, that promote safety, civic pride, and/or community awareness, outlined as follows, in print and on radio in only one edition per publisher. The use of publications that cover a portion of the geographical area of the Municipality will be used for matters pertaining only to that particular area of distribution. 1.1 African Heritage Month 1.11.2 Canada Day 1.3 Congratulations of High School Graduates 1.2 Chester Race Week (promoted through sponsorship and free options) 1.4 Fire Prevention 1.5 Holiday Greetings 1.6 International Women’s Day 1.7 Small Business Week 1.31.8 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) 1.9 Prevention of Drunk Driving () 1.41.10 Remembrance Day 1.5 Fire Free Christmas (a sample fire escape plan in conjunction with the Volunteer Fire Departments) 1.6 Prevention of Drunk Driving (during the Christmas season) 1.7 May Day Activities 1.8 Seniors in Action (normally a fall special edition) 1.91.11 Volunteer Week 1.10 Christmas Greeting Advertisement 1.11 Chester Playhouse Program Brochure (1/4 Page) 1.12 Advertisements promoting Municipally-aligned sponsored activities with approval of Council. 2. This list of promotional advertisements may be amended by Council from time to time. Formatted: Font: (Default) Leelawadee UI Promotional Advertisement Policy P-40 (continued) 3 Notice of Intention of Amendment Given – By-Law Committee – October 21, 2010 First Notice –Council – November 10, 2010 (2010-513/541) Second Notice – Council – December 9, 2010 (2010-608) Effective Date – December 9, 2010 Annotation for Official Policy Book Notice of Intention to Amend October 21, 2010 2010-513 Date of First Notice at Council November 10, 2010 2010-513/541 Date of Second Notice at Council December 9, 2010 2010-608 Effective Date December 9, 2010 I certify that this Policy was amended by Council as indicated above. _______________________________________ October 11, 2019 Pamela M. Myra, Municipal Clerk Date REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: April 13, 2023 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: Receive 2022 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Report & Consider 2023 Monitoring Program Budget ORIGIN: Date: March 22, 2023 Prepared by: Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner Date: April 5, 2023 Reviewed by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Date: April 5, 2023 Authorized by: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION For discussion and consideration. CURRENT SITUATION Beginning in 2015, Municipal Council approved a Water Quality Monitoring Program for Fox Point Lake. Each year a report is presented to Council to outline the findings from the previous season’s sampling. Council then considers the budget for the coming year and whether to continue funding the program. Coastal Action has completed and submitted the 2022 Monitoring Report (Appendix A). The Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee met on March 21, 2023. Blake McNeely and Kaylee MacLeod of Coastal Action presented the findings of the report and answered questions from Committee members. Following discussion, the Committee passed the following motion: MOTION: MOVED by Kathy Gamache, SECONDED by Ross Shatford, that the Committee accept the 2022 Monitoring Report and recommend that Council accept the Report, share copies with Nova Scotia Environment and post it to the Municipal Website. In addition, the Committee recommends Municipal Council approve the continuation of the monitoring program for 2023, pending review and approval of a budget from Coastal Action, with the intent to limit any increased costs to solely that of increased in laboratory fees. CARRIED. BACKGROUND Municipal Council created the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee in response to concerns expressed during public discussions about a golf course and proposed residential development near Fox Point Lake. The Committee is comprised of representatives from Municipal Council, the Municipal Planning Advisory Committee, the Aspotogan Heritage Trust, Fox Point Lake Property Owners Association, a representative for the Developer of Aspotogan Ridge and a subject matter expert related to water quality. DISCUSSION The discussion at the Committee this year focused on the future of the program and whether there would come a time when the program would transition to more remediation action. The recommendations from Coastal Action included an option to begin stream remediation work on the South Inlet (the watercourse which runs from the golf course property into Fox Point Lake). This was proposed to be conducted using a “sand wand” R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2 which acts as a vacuum and removes fine particulate matter from the stream bed, increasing water flow, lowering temperatures and providing better aquatic habitat. The discussion at the Committee included that this work could have unintended consequences and actual have negative impacts on the lake by “flushing” nutrients that are currently being captured and retained in the slow moving south inlet. It was also noted that monitoring working should continue during and after any remediation work. The group determined the remediation work could be prohibitively expensive and at minimum requires more study to confirm what the potential negative impacts are. The Committee ultimately opted to recommend to Council to continue the monitoring program for 2023 with the aim of maintaining the 2022 program budget with the exception of increased lab fees. It was also noted that Council will be having conversations on the issue of water quality monitoring, with the intent of establishing a practice and policy around how to undertake such work, the goals and objectives of the program and funding alternatives for areas that the Municipality does not fund monitoring programs. OPTIONS Council is being asked to provide direction on the following two items: 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Report: 1. That Municipal Council accept the 2022 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Report, direct staff to share the report with Nova Scotia Environment and post the report to the Municipal Website. 2. That Municipal Council does not accept the 2022 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Report, pending changes or further information. The report will not be posted to the Municipal website or shared with Nova Scotia Environment until it is accepted by Council. 3. Other (please specify). 2022 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program Budget 1. That Municipal Council approves the continuation of the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program for the 2023 season by accepting the budget proposed by Coastal Action, as detailed in Appendix B, for a total of $12,891.20. 2. That Municipal Council does not approve the continuation of the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program for the 2023 season. 3. Other (please specify) IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy MPS Policy E-6: Council may work with developers and other local partners to implement ongoing water quality monitoring projects, where deemed necessary. Financial/budgetary The costs to continue the program for the 2023 season are attached as Appendix B. The cost of the program is considered once per year and a motion of Council is required each year to continue funding the program. Environmental This program was designed to monitor and potentially identify sources of pollution as initially reported by property owners on the lake. Approval of the 2023 monitoring program will continue gathering R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3 Strategic Priorities The continuation of the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Priority Outcomes: Environmental Stewardship  Support environmental conservation & protection initiatives and efforts to tackle the impact of climate change. Work Program Implications Staff coordination of this activity is required. The Senior Planner provides support relating to organizing meetings, keeping minutes, preparing Council Reports and other duties as required. The Committee is prepared to oversee a monitoring program for 2023 subject to budget approval. Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ _ No X N/A COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) N/A ATTACHMENTS Appendix A – 2022 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Report Appendix B – 2023 Fox Point Lake Budget – Coastal Action Fox Point Lake 2023 Recommendations and Proposed Budget Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org Recommended changes to the 2023 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program Below is an updated version of the 2023 budget and monitoring plan for Fox Point Lake, taking into consideration the changes to the sample analysis fees from Bureau Veritas. Table 1. The proposed cost of continuing the current FPL project into 2023. Expenditure Cost Breakdown Total Cost Monthly sampling (Jun - Oct) Four Sites: $220 per site X 4 sites x 5 months = $4,400 QA/QC: $220/replicate + $220/blank x 5 months = $2,200 $6,600.00 Sediment Sampling (Sept) $180 per site X 2 sites x 1 time $360.00 * Cyanobacteria bloom sampling (as needed) $210/sample x 2 samples (Budgeting for 2 bloom events) $420.00 Nutrient sampling under thermocline (Aug) $65 x 1 site x 1 time $65.00 Rainfall-dependent sampling (TBD) $220/site x 5 sites x 1 time $1,100.00 Equipment fees/consumables (Calibration solutions, batteries, ice, etc.) $100.00/sample event x 6 events $600.00 Coastal Action staff services Monthly Sampling: $350/person x 1 person x 5 days Rainfall Sampling: $350/person x 1 person x 1 day Project Management: $400/day x 6 days $4,500.00 Staff travel expenses for monthly sampling events and one rainfall event (Jun – Oct.) 180 km @ $0.56/km for 6 days (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Fox Point Lake and BV Labs) $604.80 Staff participation at committee meetings and council presentations $100/meeting x 3 meetings $300.00 Development of Water Quality Monitoring Report $400.00/day x 5 days $2,000.00 Sub-Total $16,549.80 15% HST (HST#: 14067 2106 RT 0001)$2,482.47 Total Cost $19,032.27 REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: April 13, 2023 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: Receive 2022 Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Report & Consider 2023 Monitoring Program Budget ORIGIN: Date: March 22, 2023 Prepared by: Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner Date: April 5, 2023 Reviewed by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Date: April 5, 2023 Authorized by: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION For discussion and consideration. CURRENT SITUATION Beginning in 2022, in response to a proposed development on Sanford Lake Road, Municipal Council approved a Water Quality Monitoring Program for Stanford Lake. This is the first year of the program and the report from the 2022 season is attached as Appendix A. Council is now in a position to receive the report and discuss whether to continue the program for the 2023 monitoring season. Unlike the other lake monitoring programs currently funded by the Municipality, there is no advisory committee associated with the Stanford Lake monitoring program. Therefore there is no recommendation and Council will need to consider whether to continue the program. BACKGROUND Municipal Council created the Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee in response to concerns expressed from residents in response to a proposed residential development on Stanford Lake Road. The intent was to capture water quality data prior to substantial site work beginning. DISCUSSION The proposed residential development is still anticipated to occur, however, only minor site work has been completed to date and the Development Agreement file remains incomplete and pending submission of final details and plans. Based on these factors Council may wish to discuss and consider the objectives for the program and whether to continue monitoring efforts for the 2023 season. Council is also going to be having a wider ranging discussion on water quality monitoring programs across the Municipality. This discussion and any subsequent decisions could also impact the desire to continue or end the program at Stanford Lake. R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2 OPTIONS Council is being asked to provide direction on the following two items: 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Report: 1. That Municipal Council accept the 2022 Stanford Lake Water Quality Report, direct staff to share the report with Nova Scotia Environment and post the report to the Municipal Website. 2. That Municipal Council does not accept the 2022 Stanford Lake Water Quality Report, pending changes or further information. The report will not be posted to the Municipal website or shared with Nova Scotia Environment until it is accepted by Council. 3. Other (please specify). 2023 Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program Budget 1. That Municipal Council approves the continuation of the Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program for the 2023 season by accepting the budget proposed by Coastal Action, as detailed in Appendix B, for a total of $12,891.20. 2. That Municipal Council does not approve the continuation of the Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program for the 2023 season. 3. Other (please specify) IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy MPS Policy E-6: Council may work with developers and other local partners to implement ongoing water quality monitoring projects, where deemed necessary. Financial/budgetary The costs to continue the program for the 2023 season are attached as Appendix B. The cost of the program is considered once per year and a motion of Council is required each year to continue funding the program. Environmental This program was designed to monitor and provide baseline data prior to the proposed large residential development on Stanford Lake Road. Strategic Priorities The continuation of the Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Priority Outcomes: Environmental Stewardship  Support environmental conservation & protection initiatives and efforts to tackle the impact of climate change. Work Program Implications Staff coordination of this activity is required. The Senior Planner and Director of Community Development and Recreation provide support to the existing water quality monitoring programs and now including Stanford Lake. 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 ATTACHMENTS Appendix A – 2022 Stanford Lake Water Quality Report Appendix B – 2023 Stanford Lake Budget – Coastal Action 45 School Street, Suite 403, PO Box 489, Mahone Bay, NS, B0J 2E0 Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org Recommended changes to the 2023 Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program Below is an updated version of the 2022 budget and monitoring plan for Stanford Lake, taking into consideration the changes to the sample analysis fees from Bureau Veritas. Table 1. Proposed Budget for 2023 Stanford Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program. Expenditure Cost Breakdown Total Cost Monthly Sampling (Jun – Oct) Lake Site: $220/site x 3 Sites x 5 months = $3,300 QA/QC: $220/replicate + $220/blank x 5 months = $2,200 $5,500.00 Sediment Sampling - Early September Lake Site: $180/site x 1 site = $180.00 $180.00 Rainfall Sampling - TBD Inlet & Outlet Sites: $220.00/site x 2 sites = $440.00 $440.00 Staff travel expenses for monthly sampling events and one rainfall event (Jun – Oct.) 160 km @ $0.56/km for 6 days (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Stanford Lake and BV Labs) $537.60 Equipment fees/consumables (Calibration solutions, batteries, ice, etc.) $100.00/sample event x 6 events $600.00 Coastal Action staff services Monthly Sampling: $350/person x 2 people x 5 days Rainfall Sampling: $350/person x 2 people x 1 day Project Management: $400/day x 6 days $6,600.00 Water Quality Report $400/day x 4 days $1,600.00 Sub-total $15,457.60 15% HST (HST #: 14067 2106 RT 0001) $2,318.64 Total $17,776.24 2023-04-06 1 Fox Point and Stanford Lake 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Programs Blake McNeely Blake@coastalaction.org Fox Point Lake 2022 Overview •Samples taken at the Lake site, North inlet, South inlet, Outlet, and secondary South inlet site during heavy rainfall. •Water samples & in-situ readings using a YSI ProDSS. •Sampling is primarily done with dedicated volunteers. •Monthly samples, sediment sample, rainfall-dependant sample, at depth sample. 1 2 2023-04-06 2 Stanford Lake 2022 Overview •Samples taken at the Lake site, Inlet, and Outlet. •Water samples & in-situ readings using a YSI ProDSS. •Sampling is carried out by CA staff. •Monthly samples, sediment sample, rainfall-dependant sample. •Thanks to Heather Macintosh and Tony Rogers for lake access. Fox Point & Stanford Lake Total Phosphorus & Nitrogen Phosphorus and Nitrogen are essential nutrients required by aquatic plants and algae for growth, but excessive levels of either can lead to eutrophication, which is a process by which water bodies become overgrown with algae and other aquatic plants. Excessive levels of TP can lead to: •Algae blooms •Reduced oxygen •Fish kills •Changes in plant community •Fox Point Lake Phosphorus levels exceeded guidelines (0.20 mg/L in lakes, and 0.30 mg/L in rivers) in North Inlet, South Inlet, and South culvert. •Stanford Lake Nitrogen guideline (0.90 mg/L) exceed at the Outlet in Aug 3 4 2023-04-06 3 Fox Point & Stanford Lake Total Suspended Solids TSS refers to the amount of suspended particles, such as silt, sediment, and organic matter, in water bodies. Excessive TSS can have negative impacts on aquatic life and water quality. Excessive levels of TSS can lead to: •Reduced water clarity •Reduced light penetration •Sedimentation •Total Suspended Solids guideline (10 mg/L increase in bodies of water with <100 mg/L) not exceeded in either lakes in 2022. Fox Point & Stanford Lake E. coli E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of warm- blooded animals. It is often used as an indicator of fecal contamination, which can be a health risk to humans and aquatic life. Excessive levels of E. coli can lead to: •Human health risks •Aquatic life impacts •E. coli levels did not exceeded guidelines (400 CFU/100 mL) in either lake in 2022. 5 6 2023-04-06 4 Fox Point & Stanford Lake Water Temperature Water temperature can have a significant impact on aquatic life, as it can affect the growth, metabolism, behaviour, and reproduction of aquatic organisms. Excessive temperature can have an impact on: •Oxygen levels •Growth and development •Metabolism •Habitat •Migration •Fox Point Lake Water temperature guidelines (20C) were exceeded at Lake & Outlet sites in June and Aug. North inlet also exceeded the guideline in Aug. •Stanford Lake Water exceeded guidelines in the Lake and Outlet in July and Aug. Fox Point & Stanford Lake pH The pH level, or acidity of water, can have significant impacts on aquatic life. Different aquatic organisms have different tolerances to pH levels, and even small changes in pH can affect their survival, growth, and reproduction. pH levels can have an impact on: •Acidification •Alkalinity •Reproduction •Food web •Fox Point Lake pH levels did not meet CCME guidelines (6.5 pH) at any site, except Lake sites in August and October. •Stanford Lake pH levels did not meet CCME guideline at any site at anytime. 7 8 2023-04-06 5 Fox Point & Stanford Lake Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygen (DO) refers to the amount of oxygen that is dissolved in water, and it is measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) or as a percentage of saturation (% SAT). Low levels of DO can have an impact on: •Respiration •Growth and reproduction •Habitat quality •Nutrient cycling •Fox Point Lake Dissolved Oxygen levels fell below guidelines (6.5 mg/L) at the North inlet in July, Aug, and Oct. Guidelines also exceeded at South inlet and outlet in Aug. •Stanford Lake Dissolved Oxygen levels did not fall below guidelines. Fox Point & Stanford Lake Total Dissolved Solids Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measurement of the total amount of dissolved solids, including salts and minerals, present in water. High levels of TDS can be an indicator of poor water quality and can have a number of impacts on aquatic life. High levels of TDS can have an impact on: •Dissolved oxygen levels •Water chemistry •Habitat quality •Water taste and odor •There are no guidelines for Total Dissolved Solids. See the 2022 reports for more information. 9 10 2023-04-06 6 Fox Point & Stanford Lake Chlorophyll-α & Phycocyanin Chlorophyll-α and Phycocyanin are pigments found in photosynthetic organisms, such as algae and cyanobacteria. Chlorophyll-α is an important indicator of primary productivity in aquatic ecosystems, and Phycocyanin can be an indicator of the presence and abundance of cyanobacteria. Chlorophyll-α and Phycocyanin levels can have an impact on: •Productivity & growth •Oxygen levels •Turbidity •Changes in water chemistry •Harmful algae blooms •Phycocyanin guidelines (Level 1 20,000 cells/mL; Level 2 100,000 cells/mL) were not exceeded in 2022. •There are no guidelines for Chlorophyll-α. Stanford Lake Sediment Samples Sediment samples show exceedances of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Selenium, and Zinc. Samples were taken from the lake site, which is likely the deepest part of the lake. Future samples will be compared to these results. Concentration Guidelines NSPELISQG2022UNITSMetals 17175.942mg/kgAcid Extractable Arsenic (As) 3.53.50.60.99mg/kgAcid Extractable Cadmium (Cd) 0.4860.4860.170.23mg/kgAcid Extractable Mercury (Hg) 22.2mg/kgAcid Extractable Selenium (Se) 315315123110mg/kgAcid Extractable Zinc (Zn) 11 12 2023-04-06 7 Fox Point Lake Sediment Samples Sediment samples show exceedances at the SW Cove (lake). The samples show a general decrease in heavy metals compared to 2021, except Mercury, which saw a very slight increase. Samples not taken from the South Inlet in 2022. SouthInletSWCove 2021202020192018201720222021202020192018UNITS 359.822107.98209.16.16mg/kgAcid Extractable Arsenic (As) NDND0.370.4ND0.631.60.480.8NDmg/kgAcid Extractable Cadmium (Cd) 212131331792161502.6mg/kgAcid Extractable Lead (Pb) 0.190.170.170.210.120.140.130.230.16NDmg/kgAcid Extractable Mercury (Hg) 0.90.7111.1ND1.73.32.12.7NDmg/kgAcid Extractable Selenium (Se) Fox Point Lake Trophic State Index Annual Trophic State Index assessments show that the Lake is consistently straddling the line between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. In 2022 the TSI score was 41.58, classifying the lake as mesotrophic (medium productivity). 13 14 2023-04-06 8 Stanford Lake Trophic State Index Annual Trophic State Index assessments show that the had a TSI score was 41.51, classifying the lake as mesotrophic (medium productivity). Fox Point and Stanford Lake Conclusion and Recommendations Both Fox Point and Stanford Lake have generally good water quality. The trophic state index assessment classify both systems to have medium productivity. However, both lakes exceeded the low productivity classification by just under 2 points, on a 100-point scale. The sediment quality also appears to be improving since last year in Fox Point Lake. Stanford Lake appears to have very high levels of arsenic in the lake sediment. Coastal Action is recommending that both projects be continued this coming summer at the same capacity as in 2022. 15 16 REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: April 13, 2023 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: Expanded Water Quality Monitoring Program ORIGIN: 2022-191 Date: March 23, 2023 Prepared by: Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner, Date: April 5, 2023 Reviewed by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Date: April 5, 2023 Authorized by: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION For discussion and consideration. CURRENT SITUATION As follow-up to a discussion initiated by Council on May 12, 2022, staff have now received a proposal from Coastal Action, outlining a program for monitoring lake health and surface water quality across a wide swath of the Municipality. This discussion and request originated during discussion on the future of the existing Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program. BACKGROUND Beginning with residents of Fox Point Lake in 2014, Council has received several calls from members of the public to undertake water quality monitoring programs for lakes, waterways and coastal sites in the Municipality. The specific asks have been in response to new or proposed development, as well as observations made by residents of substances or odours that were believed to justify further investigation. To date, Council has addressed these requests on an ad-hoc basis and undertaken testing when and where it was deemed appropriate. The Municipality does not have a policy or common practice for assessing when and under what circumstances they will undertake water quality monitoring projects. As the number of requests and the cost to administer each program increased, coupled with wider trends that saw algal blooms becoming more common across Nova Scotia each summer, Council asked Coastal Action to propose a wider program of monitoring to standardize the role of the Municipality. This program is also expected to eventually replace existing water monitoring programs in the interest of fiscal sustainability. DISCUSSION The submission received from Coastal Action (attached), confirms the objective of the program is a municipal- wide water quality monitoring program designed to capture as much water quality data as possible, while ensuring fiscal responsibility by maintaining a reasonable cost for obtaining this data. The program as detailed would provide testing and monitoring of five lakes including, Hennigar Lake, Lake Lawson, Lake Ramsay, Little Whitford Lake and Hollahan Lake (Figure 1). These lakes have been selected in part because they are located at the “bottom” of large watersheds that drain into them. This will serve to provide an R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2 opportunity to generally assess the health of a given watershed and if concerns are noted, further testing may be conducted upstream to try and identify possible sources of pollutants. Little Whitford Lake was selected specifically because it is in an area of low development but also is the site of a former gold mine, where monitoring could indicate whether any remaining concerns exist. Hollahan Lake was selected as somewhat of a “control” being in an area of low development, while still representing a large drainage basin. Coastal Action has provided three options for the program length ranging from 4-6 months per season. Testing is done monthly, so selecting a less frequent testing regime will lower costs, but will reduce the quantity and quality of the data collected. The program will test for E. coli, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. Nitrogen and phosphorus both serve to feed algal blooms and excessive quantities of these nutrients can lead to increased blooms, including blue-green algae. If Council chooses to proceed with any of the three options included, Coastal Action staff will begin collecting the monthly samples at 22 sites across the five selected lakes. An annual report will be submitted to Council to summarize the monitoring results in addition to providing any future recommendations for additional testing, public education etc. R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3 While selecting one of the options below does not implicitly serve to end the existing monitoring programs, it may be beneficial for the existing committees to discuss their future and whether this new program could replace the need for the existing Fox Point Lake and Sherbrooke Lake groups. OPTIONS Coastal Action has provided three budget options for consideration by Council. Staff are seeking direction whether to engage Coastal Action and on the frequency of testing at each site: 1. Approve the proposed Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Project, including a 6-month testing season (one test per month), for a total cost of $31,622.24; 2. Approve the proposed Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Project, including a 5-month testing season (one test per month), for a total cost of $26,735.20; 3. Approve the proposed Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Project, including a 4-month testing season (one test per month), for a total cost of $21,848.16; 4. Do not accept the proposed Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Project proposed by Coastal Action; 5. Other (please specify) IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy If this work proceeds it will support the Municipal Planning Strategy and polices around water quality protection. Financial/budgetary This work has been tentatively budgeted for the current year, but if approved would become a standing budget item. Costs for the program vary based on the frequency of testing selected. Environmental The program is designed to provide baseline and monitoring of the 5 selected watersheds. This information will be available to Council and the public through staff communications, distribution of the annual report and any other initiatives undertaken by the Municipality to promote water quality or health. Strategic Priorities The expanded water quality monitoring program will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Priority Outcomes: Economic Development 1. Position the Municipality as Nova Scotia’s south shore community of choice for residents, businesses, and organizations, and as an international tourism destination. Priority Outcomes: Environmental Stewardship 1. Support environmental conservation & protection initiatives and efforts to tackle the impact of climate change. R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 4 Priority Outcomes: Governance & Engagement 1. Ensure municipal service delivery is efficient and effective, communicated and accessible. 2. Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing needs. Priority Outcomes: Healthy & Vibrant Communities 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 No significant impacts are anticipated. Some staff time will be required to collaborate with Coastal Action staff to review and approve the annual report and present to Council. Particularly if this program replaces the existing water quality monitoring programs, the staff time needed for this municipal wide program will be minimal. Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ _ No _X_ N/A ATTACHMENTS MOC WQ Program Budget Options 2023 Municipality of Chester Lake Monitoring Program Proposed Budget Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org 1 February 13, 2023 Municipal of Chester 151 King Street Chester, NS B0J 1J0 SUBJECT: Proposal for Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Program The following presents Coastal Action’s proposed scope of work, project schedule, deliverables, and cost for services for the initiation of a water quality monitoring program in five lakes within the Municipality of Chester. SCOPE OF WORK MOC has asked Coastal Action to propose a municipality-wide water quality monitoring program. Said program aims to capture as much water quality data as possible, on a reasonable budget, to identify possible sources of contamination. Coastal Action is proposing to monitor five lakes across the Municipality of Chester, including Hennigar Lake, Lake Lawson, Lake Ramsay, Little Whitford Lake, and Hollahan Lake (Figures 1 and 2). Each of these lakes is located at the bottom of a large watershed and, therefore, will provide a representative location of where potential contaminants, introduced upstream in the watershed, would end up. By identifying streams that may be degrading water quality, future work can be completed to follow the trail up the watershed to identify the sources. Coastal Action is proposing a monthly sampling program for the five lakes listed above. Attached are three budget options for a six, five, and four-month monitoring program. The longer the program, the more data that can be collected, which will make pinpointing sources of contamination easier. Parameters of the program will include E. coli, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous. Nitrogen and phosphorous are two nutrients that feed algae blooms. Excessive inputs of these two nutrients into a watercourse may result in increased algae blooms, including toxic blue-green algae. Additionally, in-situ parameters will be assessed using a YSI ProDSS probe (i.e., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, chlorophyll-α, and phycocyanin). The objectives of the program would be to 1) monitor E. coli in each of the described lakes to determine if bacteria contamination is an issue, 2) identify sources of bacterial input, 3) monitor and identify sources of total phosphorous and nitrogen, and 4) report any algae blooms to Nova Scotia Environment and the municipality. PROJECT SCHEDULE Water quality samples and measurements will occur once a month, depending on the selected budget, at 22 sites at Hennigar Lake, Lake Lawson, Lake Ramsay, Little Whitford Lake, and Hollahan Lake. Samples will include E. coli, total phosphorous, and total nitrogen. Additionally, in-situ parameters will be assessed using a YSI ProDSS probe (i.e., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, chlorophyll-α, and phycocyanin). Samples will be delivered to Bureau Veritas Labs in Bedford, NS. Municipality of Chester Lake Monitoring Program Proposed Budget Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org 2 DELIVERABLES • Coastal Action staff will collect monthly water samples at 22 sites across five lakes. • Coastal Action would provide MOC with a report summarizing the water quality results. Recommendations for future monitoring, landowner education, preventative measures, etc., would be provided as well. COST FOR SERVICES Table 1. Proposed budget for the 2023 6-month Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Project. Expenditure Cost Breakdown Total Cost Lab Analysis Fees (May-Oct) Hennigar Lake – $105.00 per site x 4 sites x 6 months =$2,520.00 Lake Lawson - $105.00 per site x 4 sites x 6 months = $2,520.00 Lake Ramsay - $105.00 per site x 6 sites x 6 months = $3,780.00 Little Whitford Lake - $105.00 per site x 3 sites x 6 months = $1,890.00 Hollahan Lake - $105.00 per site x 5 sites x 6 months = $3,150.00 QA/QC: 1 field replicate x 6 @ $105.00 and 1 blank sample x 6 @ $105.00 = $1,260.00 $13,860.00 $1,260.00 Staff services for sampling (May-Oct.) 2 people @ $350.00/day for 12 days $8,400.00 Staff travel expenses for monthly sampling events (May-Oct) 200 km @ $0.56/km for 6 samples (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Hennigar, Little Whitford, Hollahan and BV Labs) =$672.00 210 km @ $0.56/km for 6 samples (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Lawson, Ramsay, and BV Labs) = $705.60 $1,377.60 Equipment fees / Consumables Calibration solutions, batteries, ice, etc. $50.00/sample event x 12 sample events = $600.00 $600.00 Development of Water Quality Monitoring Report $400.00/day x 5 days $2,000.00 Sub-Total $27,497.60 15% HST (HST#: 14067 2106 RT 0001) $4,124.64 Total Cost $31,622.24 Municipality of Chester Lake Monitoring Program Proposed Budget Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org 3 Table 2. Proposed budget for the 2023 5-month Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Project. Expenditure Cost Breakdown Total Cost Lab Analysis Fees Hennigar Lake – $105.00 per site x 4 sites x 5 months =$2,100.00 Lake Lawson - $105.00 per site x 4 sites x 5 months = $2,100.00 Lake Ramsay - $105.00 per site x 6 sites x 5 months = $3,150.00 Little Whitford Lake - $105.00 per site x 3 sites x 5 months = $1,575.00 Hollahan Lake - $105.00 per site x 5 sites x 5 months = $2,625.00 QA/QC: 1 field replicate x 5 @ $105.00 and 1 blank sample x 5 @ $105.00 = $1,050.00 $11,550.00 $1,050.00 Staff services for sampling 2 people @ $350.00/day for 10 days $7,000.00 Staff travel expenses for monthly sampling events 200 km @ $0.56/km for 5 samples (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Hennigar, Little Whitford, Hollahan and BV Labs) =$560.00 210 km @ $0.56/km for 5 samples (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Lawson, Ramsay, and BV Labs) = $588.00 $1,148.00 Equipment fees / Consumables Calibration solutions, batteries, ice, etc. $50.00/sample event x 10 sample events = $500.00 $500.00 Development of Water Quality Monitoring Report $400.00/day x 5 days $2,000.00 Sub-Total $23,248.00 15% HST (HST#: 14067 2106 RT 0001) $3,487.20 Total Cost $26,735.20 Municipality of Chester Lake Monitoring Program Proposed Budget Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org 4 Table 3. Proposed budget for the 2023 4-month Municipality-wide Lake Monitoring Project. Expenditure Cost Breakdown Total Cost Lab Analysis Fees Hennigar Lake – $105.00 per site x 4 sites x 4 months =$1,680.00 Lake Lawson - $105.00 per site x 4 sites x 4 months = $1,680.00 Lake Ramsay - $105.00 per site x 6 sites x 4 months = $2,520.00 Little Whitford Lake - $105.00 per site x 3 sites x 4 months = $1,260.00 Hollahan Lake - $105.00 per site x 5 sites x 4 months = $2,100.00 QA/QC: 1 field replicate x 4 @ $105.00 and 1 blank sample x 4 @ $105.00 = $840.00 $9,240.00 $840.00 Staff services for sampling 2 people @ $350.00/day for 8 days $5,600.00 Staff travel expenses for monthly sampling events 200 km @ $0.56/km for 4 samples (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Hennigar, Little Whitford, Hollahan and BV Labs) =$448.00 210 km @ $0.56/km for 4 samples (roundtrip travel from Coastal Action office to Lawson, Ramsay, and BV Labs) = $470.40 $918.40 Equipment fees / Consumables Calibration solutions, batteries, ice, etc. $50.00/sample event x 8 sample events = $400.00 $400.00 Development of Water Quality Monitoring Report $400.00/day x 5 days $2,000.00 Sub-Total $18,998.40 15% HST (HST#: 14067 2106 RT 0001) $2,849.79 Total Cost $21,848.16 Municipality of Chester Lake Monitoring Program Proposed Budget Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org 5 Figure 1. Map of proposed lakes in the Municipality of Chester. Municipality of Chester Lake Monitoring Program Proposed Budget Tel: 902-634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Web: www.coastalaction.org 6 Figure 2. Map of proposed lakes in Municipality of Chester. 2023-04-05 1 Municipal Water Quality Monitoring Request for Monitoring •Residents of Fox Point Lake in 2014 in response to development •Sherbrooke Lake residents in response to proposed MODL park •BayswaterBeach, Goose Creek and coastal sites •Council has responded on an ad-hoc basis, no set policy 1 2 2023-04-05 2 Intent & Goals •Each program has slightly different goals •Common element to provide baseline data or respond to concerns of residents •Council may wish to consider a policy outlining the intent and role they wish to play in water quality monitoring •Recent discussions has posed the question: what is the purpose of monitoring? What would we do if concerns were found? Jurisdiction & Authority •Surface water quality generally falls under the scope and jurisdiction of Nova Scotia Environment (Province) •The department does provide support to Kings County, HRM and the Clean Annapolis River Project (CARP) who conduct monitoring activities •Fox Point Lake & Sherbrooke Lake Monitoring reports are shared annually with NSE •There is no obligation for Municipal Governments to conduct water quality monitoring except in relation to the operation of public water system 3 4 2023-04-05 3 Acting on Findings •If monitoring were to discover concerning results, what action would be taken? •Education? •Restoration/remediation work? •Purchase and expropriation to protect sensitive areas? •Existing programs are established solely for monitoring, decisions on further action would need approval from Council each time they were proposed Coastal Action Proposal •Council recently discussed the idea of a Municipal-wide monitoring program •Intent to monitor overall lake health across the Municipality in a fiscally responsible manner •The Municipal-wide program may replace existing programs •Coastal Action has prepared a proposal (attached) •provides options to monitor 5 selected lakes •to be used as “indicators” to monitor overall lake health •If concerns found, Council could consider further testing upstream to try and determine sources •A decision from Council is required to initiate this program, or request changes 5 6 2023-04-05 4 Resident Funded Monitoring •Council may wish to consider options for residents who request monitoring of a specific waterbody, watercourse or coastal area •Modelled after the Road Maintenance By-law: •petition to determine 2/3 of residents are in favour, including the funding model and costs •If approved: •association would be formed and registered •financial documents, including budget would be submitted annually •MOC would collect the funds through taxation •The collected funds would be distributed back to the association, possibly minus an administration fee •The association would expend the funds on water quality monitoring activities as determined by vote of the members of the association •This approach would require no municipal funds, except for the cost to adminsiter the program. 7 8 2023-04-05 5 Other Options •Council may wish to consider grants or funding opportunities for resident groups to undertake monitoring activity •Similar to the Resident Funded model described previously, Council could establish an “area rate” model •additional taxes collected in a defined area •Funds collected used directly to fund water quality monitoring for this area •The Municipality would approve and design the program •Residents would contribute solely through payment of the area rate Direction Required Staff are seeking direction from Council on the following items: 1. Approve, reject or request changes to the proposed 5-lake Municipal Monitoring program 2. If desired, direct staff to draft a by-law for a Resident Funded Water Quality Monitoring program similar to the Road Maintenance by-law 3. If desired, direct staff to investigate and return with options for additional funding: grants, area rates etc. for water quality monitoring programs 4. Consider the validity of continuing existing monitoring programs (FPL, Sherbrooke) 5. Direct staff to develop a policy for consideration to outline the Municipal role, responsibility and expected activity in the field of water quality monitoring 9 10 March 31, 2023 Allen Webber, Warden Municipality of the District of Chester VIA E-Mail: awebber@chester.ca Dear Warden Webber: I am pleased to advise the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing has approved a grant of $672,021 to support infrastructure investments in your community under the new Sustainable Services Growth Fund (SSGF). The SSGF can be used to support Municipal services by investing in municipal infrastructure needed to serve a growing population, improve sustainability and provide increased resiliency. Please refer to the attached Terms and Conditions for more information on the funding approval. If you accept this offer, please sign the Terms and Conditions, and send to the program email listed below. Should you have any questions, please contact Ahmad Shahwan, Manager of Infrastructure Programs at Ahmad.Shahwan@novascotia.ca. Sincerely, Honourable John A. Lohr Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing c Dan McDougall, Chief Administrative Officer, dmcdougall@chester.ca Attachment Sustainable Services Growth Fund (SSGF) Agreement Form (Terms and Conditions) Proponent: Municipality of the District of Chester Approved Funding: $672,021 Project End Date: March 31, 2025 Funding approval for the above noted program is subject to the acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions. The Municipality agree to: 1) Carry out the provision of the project(s) as described in the approval documentation without any material changes. 2) Use the grant funds for the purpose of carrying out the project (s) as specified by Schedule A – Eligible Projects and Schedule B – Eligible & Ineligible Expenditures. 3) Notify and seek approval from Municipal Affairs and Housing (DMAH) in writing of any significant changes in circumstances that may affect the project (s) timelines. 4) Be responsible for any cost over-runs incurred in carrying out the project(s). 5) Complete project(s) by the Project End Date unless otherwise agreed to in writing. 6) To complete a Request for Amendment at least one month prior to the Project End Date should an extension be needed. 7) Follow the intent of the Nova Scotia Government Procurement Policy in awarding contracts. 8) Submit a Program Closeout Report for approval within 60 days after the project(s) completion date(s) or the Project End Date. 9) Refund any unexpended portion of the Grant and any amounts expended for purposes other than for those specified in Terms and Conditions to the Government of Nova Scotia. 10) Maintain proper and accurate accounts and records in respect of all related expenditures for at least six (6) years after completion of project(s) and, upon reasonable notice, make them available to Nova Scotia. 11) Record separately and distinctly any SSGF amounts, including any interest earned thereon. Please return a scan of signed Agreement form to the following program email: SSGF@novascotia.ca Name of Signing Authority Title Phone Email Signature_________________________ Date___________________________ Approval Information General Conditions and Requirements Proponents undertaking project(s) with financial assistance through SSGF shall comply with the following general conditions and requirements: • Funding cannot be applied against costs related to work carried out in violation of conditions set by regulatory authorities. • Proponents may be required to submit general progress and evaluation reports during the project(s) and will be required to co-operate with DMAH staff in monitoring the implementation. • The project(s) are considered complete upon approval of the Program Closeout Report. Program Closeout Report The Program Closeout Report must include the following: • Description of all projects funded. • Confirmation of achieved project(s) outcomes. • Statement of Funding Expenditures (template to be provided). SCHEDULE A – Eligible Projects Projects must demonstrate direct impact to support Nova Scotia’s growing population by investing in the following project categories: Municipal Services – renewing, increasing capacity or creating services for: a. Housing development b. Seniors and long-term care c. Accessibility d. Active transportation Some examples of eligible projects include: • Expansion or renewal of water and wastewater treatment, storage and distribution systems • Solid waste management infrastructure • Active transportation trails and sidewalks • Accessibility retrofits to municipal buildings SCHEDULE B – Eligible & Ineligible Expenditures Eligible Expenditures include: • Expenditures associated with planning, designing, constructing, or renovating a tangible capital asset, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles; and • Municipal contributions towards expenditures related to other cost shared projects which satisfy the terms of SSGF. Ineligible Expenditures include: • Expenditures incurred before April 1, 2023; • Expenditures incurred after the Project End Date; • Cost of leasing of equipment, overhead costs, salaries and other employment benefits of any employees of the Municipality, the direct or indirect operating or administrative costs of the Municipality; • Taxes for which the Municipality is eligible for a tax rebate and all other costs eligible for rebates or recoveries; • Purchase of land or any interest therein, and related costs; • Legal fees; and, • Routine repair, maintenance, and operating costs. 1 Pam Myra (she/her) From:Jennifer Webber (she/her) Sent:April 6, 2023 11:13 AM To:Pam Myra (she/her); Emily Lennox (she/her) Subject:FW: Illumination Request-Huntington Society of Canada Attachments:Participating Site Information Light It Up 2023 - Fillable.pdf Just received this request for Council’s approval/refusal. It coincides with the request for FASD, which requests we light our building in purple on the evening of Friday, May 12. Perhaps we could suggest to Council to keep the purple spotlight on all week (May 8-15) and do both at once? If Council approves this request, we need to respond by submitting the attached pdf (me or Pam?) and then add it to the checklist (Emily?). Once we have a few minutes, we can create a shared file for the three of us on Teams maybe? I feel more strongly that our Department should handle all the observance requests, including flags and spotlights. It’s easier to manage and will ensure it gets done. We can work on it more next week, maybe meet for a few minutes? Jen JENNIFER WEBBER Communications Officer & Outreach Coordinator Office: 902-275-4107 Cell: 902-277-1169 Consider the environment. Do you really need to print this email? From: Lightitup <lightitup@huntingtonsociety.ca> Sent: Thursday, April 6, 2023 10:13 AM To: Communications <communications@chester.ca> Subject: Illumination Request-Huntington Society of Canada ** EXTERNAL EMAIL ** Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin. Good morning, My name is Keely and I am a volunteer with the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC). I am reaching out on behalf of HSC for the annual #LightItUp4HD 2023 campaign. Will you help us raise awareness for Huntington disease (HD) by lighting up the Municipal Office in blue and/or purple for one or more days in May 2023 for HD Awareness Month? HD is a fatal genetic disorder that has no cure. HD is often described as having ALS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's all at the same time. Sites across Canada are helping us raise awareness for HD and Juvenile HD by lighting up in blue and purple, respectively. The #LightItUp4HD campaign is a wonderful opportunity for those with HD to raise awareness, connect and gain support from their communities. 2 Please let us know if it is possible to light up the Municipal Office in blue and/or purple for one or more days in May 2023. If yes, please reply to this email with the following information: -Name, address and website of site -Contact person’s information -When the site will light up -What part of the site will light up -All social media handles for the site so that we can promote your involvement You can also complete the fillable PDF form attached if you prefer. If I can answer any questions or provide additional information, please let me know. Thanking you for raising awareness about Huntington disease and bringing connection to the community. Kindest regards, Keely Crawford National Volunteer - Huntington Society of Canada www.huntingtonsociety.ca Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday MAY 2023 Meetings 1 2 3 NSFM (Digby) 4 NSFM (Digby) COW 5 NSFM (Digby) 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:45 Council 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 8:45 COW 19 20 21 22 Closed - Victoria Day 23 24 25 8:45 Council FCM Conference (Toronto) 26 FCM Conference (Toronto) 27 FCM Conference (Toronto) 28 FCM Conference (Toronto) 29 30 31 REQUEST FOR DIRECTION/DECISION Prepared By: Tim Topping, CPA, CA, Director of Financial and Information Services Date March 31, 2023 Reviewed By: Date Authorized By: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Date April 6, 2023 CURRENT SITUATION MODC has received from the Chester Village Commission their 2023/24 Operating and Capital Budget as approved by the Village Commission on March 8, 2023. MODC Council is required to set the Village Commission rate, the Outside Fire rate, and the Outside Fire Boat rate. RECOMMENDATION That Municipal Council confirm the Village Commission area rate at 15.17 cents per $100 of assessment for the purposes of tax collection. That Municipal Council set the Village of Chester outside area fire rate at 7.40 cents per $100 of assessment. And That Municipal Council set the fire boat area rate at 7.40 cents per $100 of assessment BACKGROUND New Fire Services Agreement On May 12, 2022, MODC and the Village entered into a new Fire Services Agreement, which will have several impacts on the operations and finances of the Chester Volunteer Fire Department. Subsequent to this agreement being signed, some items were noted that require revision. This revision work is ongoing, so the revised agreement is expected to affect the budget and rate setting processes beginning in the 2024/25 fiscal year. For the 2023/24 fiscal year, the budget and rate setting process is following those processes used in previous years. Village Commission rate Per Section 441 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) a Village Commission may delegate, with consent of the municipal council, its powers of tax collection. Clause 5 of Section 441(MGA) states that in such instances the Municipality is to collect the amount to be levied in the same manner as if the amount were an area rate. REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department DATE: April 13, 2022 SUBJECT: Village of Chester – Village Area Rate, Outside Fire Rate and Fire Boat ORIGIN: Chester Village Commission 2 Request For Direction/Decision /Direction Outside Fire Rate Per Clause 2(a) of the previous Fire Contract with the Village of Chester, the Municipality is to pay to the Village Commission the amount required for fire protection to the outside area, through the establishment of an area rate. The area rate shall be calculated by dividing the operating budget by the outside and village area assessment. Clause 2(B) states that the area rate established for the outside area shall not be greater than the area rate established for the Village. As per Clause 2(c) of the Fire Contract the Municipality may agree to fund capital, and the rate shall be calculated in the same manner as the operating rate. On March 8, 2023, the Village Commission approved the 2023/24 Operating and Capital Budget. The Fire Rate established for both the Village and Outside Area is $0.074 per $100 of assessment (7.40 cents/$100) and includes capital. The Village Commission Budget includes capital for the Fire Department in the amount of $122,200 and transfers to capital reserves of $250,938.47 for total fire department capital budget of $373,138.47. MODC is being asked to approve this as part of the Fire Rate. Fire Boat Rate The 2023/24 budget includes an amount of $10,300 for the fire boat. The islands’ assessment for 2023 is $14,253,400. This rate is separate from the outside fire rate and is specifically applied to all islands in Mahone Bay in MODC. The island assessments do not get charged the outside fire rate of $0.074. This rate is not included in the agreement with the Village of Chester to provide fire protection to outside areas in Districts 1, 3 and 7, as the fire boat rate and fire protection is also applied to islands in Districts 4 and 5. Also, it does not follow clause 2(b) of the old agreement that states the area rate established for the outside area shall not be greater than the area rate established for the Village as, in the past, the fire boat rate has been greater than the area rate. DISCUSSION Village Commission rate The Village Commission Rate is to be established as an Area Rate as per the Municipal Government Act (Section 441) Outside Fire Rate The Fire Rate requested by the Village Commission meets the requirements specified in the Fire Contract between MODC and the Village Commission. MODC is being asked to fund capital within the budget approved. The Fire Rate proposed is 7.40 cents. This is the same as for the 2022/23 fiscal year. Fire Boat Rate 3 Request For Direction/Decision /Direction Although, the fire boat not specifically included in the agreement with the Village of Chester, it has been the practice to charge this rate and forward the funds to the Village to fund this protection. Based upon Boat Committee minutes it had been agreed to apply a rate to all island within Mahone Bay in MODC to fund this service. The Fire Rate proposed is 7.4 cents. This is the same as for the 2022/23 fiscal year. The budget of $10,300 is an increase of $23.25 over 2022/23. IMPLICATIONS Policy – N/A Financial/Budgetary Once approved, these rates will be used in preparing the property tax bills for properties within the applicable areas Environmental – N/A Strategic Plan – N/A Work Program Implications – N/A OPTIONS Two options for the outside fire rate: 1. Approve the rate of 7.40 cents per $100 of assessment as noted in the Village’s budget 2. Request additional information ATTACHMENTS - CVFD – 2023 – 2024 budget.xlsx COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Internal – n/a External- The Area Rates (Village Commission and Fire Rate) will be published on MODC’s website. Fire Services Budget YTD YTD Budget 22/23 End of 3rd Quarter % Expended 23/24 Village of Chester 355,670.00 MoDC Outside Area 371,568.00 Fire Services Association of NS - Training 10,000.00 Total 737,238.00 Fire Boat MoDC Island Area 10,548.00 Total 10,548.00 Revenue by Source Chester Volunteer Fire Department Draft Budget 2023-2024 February 09, 2023 CVFD 2023 - 24 budget Page 1 Budget YTD YTD Budget 22/23 End of 3rd Quarter % Expended 23/24 Administration 5210 Salaries - Bookeeping & Mgmt 40,000.00 29,721.00 74%42,450.00 5250 Overhead - Bookeeping & Mgmt 4,500.00 3,167.68 70%5,900.00 5435 Audit 5,000.00 3,910.72 78%5,000.00 5442 Office Supplies & Expenses 984.56 478.61 49%1,000.00 5447 Employment Insurance 759.00 543.38 72% 5448 Canada Pension Plan 1,650.00 1,165.72 71% 5473 Fire Services Committee 5,000.00 5475 Legal 3,000.00 0%3,000.00 5495 Office Equipment 1,400.00 1,116.64 80% Section Total 57,293.56 40,103.75 70%62,350.00 Firefighting Force 5115 Firefighters Honorarium 50,000.00 50,000.00 100%50,000.00 5116 In Lieu of Fundraising 15,000.00 15,000.00 100%15,000.00 5154 Uniforms 3,000.00 446.03 15%3,000.00 5167 24 Hour Accident Insurance 8,200.00 9,319.00 114%9,400.00 5172 24 Hour Family Insurance 6,000.00 6,218.00 104%6,300.00 5174 Firefighters Banquet 2,500.00 0%2,500.00 Section Total 84,700.00 80,983.03 96%86,200.00 Training & Education 5120 Training 20,000.00 35,433.10 177%35,000.00 5150 Fire Prevention & Education 2,500.00 3,710.01 148%3,000.00 5156 Chief's Conference 0.00 0.00 0%500.00 5485 Bursary 1,500.00 1,500.00 100%1,500.00 Section Total 24,000.00 40,643.11 169%40,000.00 Fire Fighting Equipment 5040 Medical Supplies 750.00 0%2,000.00 5075 Tools & Equipment 1,500.00 2,996.98 200%7,500.00 5160 Hoses (2)1,500.00 0% 5162 Flashlights/Camera/Batteries 1,000.00 265.88 27% 5315 Vehicle Fuel 9,000.00 6,461.40 72%8,000.00 5320 Vehicle Insurance 7,575.00 10,112.65 134%10,200.00 5626 Inshore Boat Equipment 250.00 46.10 18%250.00 5090 SCBA Masks 4,000.00 0%2,000.00 Section Total 25,575.00 19,883.01 78%29,950.00 Expenses Fire Services February 09, 2023 CVFD 2023 - 24 budget Page 2 Budget YTD YTD Budget 22/23 End of 3rd Quarter % Expended 23/24 Personal Protective Equipment 5030 General PPE 8,250.00 5050 Gloves - Fire 1,000.00 0% 5053 Gloves - Extrication 250.00 0% 5055 Boots 2,000.00 0% 5059 Wildland Coveralls 2,000.00 0% 5060 Helmets 3,000.00 4,537.47 151% 5130 Bunker Gear 18,500.00 16,750.63 91%18,500.00 Section Total 26,750.00 21,288.10 80%26,750.00 Communication 5095 Communications Contract 5,000.00 2,202.38 44%5,000.00 5100 Communications General Repair 500.00 201.83 40%500.00 5105 Pagers 2,000.00 0%2,000.00 5110 Communications (Radio) Upgrades 3,500.00 2,566.44 73%7,500.00 5164 Mobile Radio Service Plan 1,500.00 657.02 44%1,500.00 5166 Portable Mobile Radios 1,500.00 0% Section Total 14,000.00 5,627.67 40%16,500.00 Maintenance 5005 Apparatus Pump Test 2,500.00 0%0.00 5088 Small Engine Maintenance 1,000.00 474.50 47%500.00 5126 Extinguishers 850.00 0%850.00 5125 SCBA Fill Station Maintenance 7,500.00 4,614.78 62%7,500.00 5135 Bunker Gear Inspection & Repair 4,000.00 2,674.66 67%4,000.00 5138 Ladder/Harness Inspection 700.00 1,176.71 168%1,200.00 5310 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance 30,000.00 23,417.92 78%30,000.00 5017 Jaws of Life 1,500.00 0%1,500.00 Section Total 48,050.00 32,358.57 67%45,550.00 Building & General 5205 Telephone & Alarm 5,000.00 5,476.99 110%5,000.00 5220 Building Utilities 20,000.00 4,432.68 22%20,000.00 5223 Taxes & Collection Fee - 4070 Hwy 3 0.00 1,155.70 -1,200.00 5229 Janitoral 5,000.00 1,847.52 37%2,500.00 5230 Maintenance (10)10,000.00 5,839.74 58%12,000.00 5235 Insurance (Building) 6,500.00 6,394.97 98%6,500.00 5240 Consumables 4,000.00 1,682.46 42%4,000.00 5241 Storm Supplies and Rentals 4,500.00 5445 Office Supplies & Expenses 500.00 478.61 96%500.00 Section Total 51,000.00 27,308.67 54%56,200.00 331,368.56 268,195.91 81%363,500.00 Fire Services Expenses Subtotal - Fire Operations February 09, 2023 CVFD 2023 - 24 budget Page 3 CVFD Budget 2022-2023 Budget YTD YTD Budget 22/23 End of 3rd Quarter % Expended 23/24 CAPITAL BUDGET 1815 Building Demolition - Fire Lot 80,000.00 83,908.27 105%0.00 1815 Project Consultant - New Station 50,000.00 5087 2022 Tanker 3,496.12 - 5080 Low Angle Rescue Equipment 4,000.00 5081 Fire Fighting Hand Tools 6,000.00 5032 Non-Structural Rescue Boots 13,200.00 5058 High Pressure Air Bags - Heavy Extraction 7,500.00 5036 Wheeled stokes basket 2,000.00 5033 Dry hydrant installation 10,000.00 5023 Coveralls 4,500.00 5026 511 Refit 25,000.00 5090 SCBA Breathing Apparatus 36,000.00 29,486.78 82%0.00 5098 Wildfire Hose Pack 1,500.00 1,603.69 107%0.00 117,500.00 118,494.86 101%122,200.00 Transfer to Reserves 2650 Fire Apparatus Repayment 50,938.47 50,938.47 100%50,938.47 5305 Fire Apparatus 150,000.00 0%200,000.00 200,938.47 50,938.47 25%250,938.47 Total - Fire Services 649,807.03 736,638.47 Subtotal - Capital Purchase Subtotal - Reserves February 09, 2023 CVFD 2023 - 24 budget Page 4 Budget YTD YTD Budget 22/23 End of 3rd Quarter % Expended 23/24 5605 Fire Boat Fuel & Oil 1,000.00 0%1,000.00 5615 Fire Boat Consumable Items 776.75 0%800.00 5620 Fire Boat Maintenance 4,500.00 1,794.49 40%6,300.00 5625 Fire Boat #571 Insurance 2,100.00 1,727.64 82%2,100.00 5627 Marina Fees 1,800.00 1,564.29 87%0.00 5640 Bank Charges Fire Boat 100.00 0%100.00 10,276.75 5,086.42 49%10,300.00Sub-Total Fire Boat Fire Boat #571 February 09, 2023 CVFD 2023 - 24 budget Page 5 District Grants 2022-2023 Updated April 6, 2023 Requested Approved Date Approved Aspotogan Arts & Crafts Association: Clay Workshops 550.00$ 550.00$ January 12, 2023 East Chester Recreation Association: Small Renovations 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ March 9, 2023 East River Village Hall: Christmas Event & Hall operating costs 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ November 10, 2022 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Ocean Swells Community Association:Parking Lot & Garbage Box 2,500.00$ $2,500.00 September 8, 2022 Parish of Blandford: Community Gardens 200.00$ 200.00$ November 10, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 8,050.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 1,950.00$ Aspotogan Fitness Club: Treadmill 1,800.00$ 1,800.00$ March 9, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Caboose Project 500.00$ 500.00$ September 29, 2022 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Hubbards Area Lions Club: Septic System Repairs 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022 Hubbards Area Lions Club: Breakfast with Santa 300.00$ 300.00$ December 8, 2022 Hubbards Area Lions Club:Wheelchair accessible-comfort centre shower 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ February 23, 2023 Through the Years Day Care and Community Centre: Heat Pumps 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 9,900.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 100.00$ Chester Brass Band: Summer Concerts 500.00$ 500.00$ June 23, 2022 Chester Minor Hockey Association: Jerseys & Benefit Tournament 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ February 23, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: *Canada Day RE-purposed to Caboose 3,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022 Chester Playhouse: Pearle Harbour Performance 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 8, 2022 Chester Playhouse: By Folk-EI Variety Show 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 8, 2022 Chester United Soccer: Soccer Nets 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ March 9, 2023 East Chester Recreation Association_Surface Upgrades 1,200.00$ Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 44, Chester: 4 events-Canada Day, Vets Lunch, Remembrance Day & NYLevee2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 23, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 8,800.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 1,200.00$ Aenon Baptist Church:AED Machine 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 8, 2022 Aenon Baptist Church:Fun Day 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ March 23, 2023 Chester Basin Fire Commission: Community Comfort Centre 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ March 9, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Caboose Project 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 29, 2022 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Friends of the 250th Legacy Park Society:Bench, Barrels, Table repairs, etc 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ March 23, 2023 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 9,800.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 200.00$ Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Together We Can Community Society: Christmas in the Park 1,600.00$ 1,543.00$ January 12, 2023 Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 144, Western Shore:Remembrance Day & Xmas 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ September 8, 2022 Western Shore Fire Department: Garden Party 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ June 23, 2022 Western Shore & Area Improvement Association: Hanging Baskets 3,657.00$ 3,657.00$ June 23, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING -$ Charing Cross Garden Club: Purchase plants and management 500.00$ 500.00$ June 30, 2022 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Forties Community Centre: Oktoberfest 500.00$ 500.00$ May 12, 2022 Handy Hands 4H Club: BBQ 200.00$ 200.00$ February 9, 2023 New Ross Consolidated School: Outdoor Classroom Bench & Chalkboard 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ June 30, 2022 (RCL) New Ross Summer Evening Market: Summer Evening Market 500.00$ 500.00$ June 30, 2022 New Ross Trails Society: Fairy Walk & Little Ladybug Library 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ May 26, 2022 New Ross Trails Society: Trail Development / Improvement 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ November 24, 2022 Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 79, New Ross: Vet Banners, Rem. Day & other 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 30, 2022 New Ross Preschool Society: Muddy Buddies & Storage Shed 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ July 28, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING -$ Canaan & District Hall: Faciltiy Maintenance & Repairs 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ May 26, 2022 Chester Brass Band: Summer Concerts 500.00$ 500.00$ June 23, 2022 Chester Minor Hockey Association: Jerseys & Nunez Tournament 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ February 23, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: *Canada Day RE-purposed to Caboose 3,000.00$ 500.00$ May 12, 2022 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Caboose Project 500.00$ 500.00$ September 29, 2022 Chester United Soccer: Soccer Nets 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ March 9, 2023 District 7 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Studio Singers: Accompanist 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ September 29, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 9,800.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 200.00$ Total Funds Approved 66,350.00$ District Grant Budget 2022-2023 70,000.00$ Remaining Funds 3,650.00$ District 6 District 1 District 2 District 4 District 5 District 3 111, WNWY1;,41.1 r 4' 01 CHESTER MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER GRANT APPLICATION FORM District Council Grant Request. Name of Organization: Contact Person: failing Address: ail: Phone: Name Arnount Requested: Signature Please provide a brief description of your project or event:. Date Municipal District # ." Please provide a brief description of how you plan to spend any Council Grant funding received: (J If funding is approved, who should the cheque be made payable to: Please forward applications to the following: Director of Community Development and Recreation. "District Council Grant" Municipality of the District of Chester PO Box 369 Chester NS 13OJ 1 J0 ail: chaughn@chester .ca. District Grants 2023-2024 Updated April 6, 2023 Requested Approved Date Approved TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$ Forties Community Centre: Oktoberfest 500.00$ TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$ District 7 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$ Total Funds Approved -$ District Grant Budget 2023-2024 70,000.00$ Remaining Funds 70,000.00$ District 6 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Fax Cover..Feet ,Forties Community Centre 1787 ,Forties Road, t New Ross, N.S. tiesccUmaiCeon To Cf ai/Tina. From: Marsha- 1 am aypiying again this year for funding for O tober est 2023 and am asking for funding from District f ands: As you know it is mandatory y by .-eritage Canada that we have tentiative sru yort from the Municiyality. I am asking for tfat support in the amount of $ 500.0oa and am attaching the necessary form. Should -you have any questions or concerns, yCease do not hesitate to contact me. 4.3.2023 MUNICIPAUTY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATION CHESTER Deadline to Apply: No deadline Name of Organization Forties Community Centre Contact Person Position with Organization Organization Mailing Address Phone: Marsha Yeaton Director 1787 Forties Road, New Ross, N.S. BOJ 2M0 i mail: fortiiescc@gmaiLcom Cell: Date: 04/03/2023 Signature of Signing Officer and position with Organization: Name: a"' III Endorsement (check box) 1 declare I a m¢mbar of the organization and have authority to submit this application. Position: 4:4,47) 4 Note: Feel free to attach additional supporting documents if the space provided is not sufficient. AMOUNT REQUESTED: $ 500.00 MUNICIPAL DISTRICT It 6 . 1) • Please provide a brief description of your project or event. Each year the Forties Community Centre celebrates the German Heritage of Lunenburg - County. We hostsuppers with musical entertainment and historical demonstrations. • visitors enjoy seeing live oxen, sauerkraut making and rug hooking to name just a few'of the demonstrations held over the years. This festival is a nice pre -winter event with visitors coming from all over Nova Scotia. Page 1 0f 2 2) Mow dry you plan on spending your District grant funds? Our budget is $ 3350.00. Costs include advertizing, promotions, signs, musical entertainment, demonstrations, volunteer shirts and insurance. A full disclosue of spending is included in each years final report. 3) Please describe the positive effects your project will have oh the community and how it supports the Municipal Strategic Priorities Framework {to view the Priorities document click the attached link or copy and paste it in your browser.) f ttps:llportal,laserfiche.ce,(portal/DocView.asrax?idx12 6847&repo r-OOO1f4apg362 or Google "Municipality of.Chester Strategic Priorities'. Position the Municipality as Nova Scotia's south shore community of choice for residents, businesses, and o jganizations, and as an international tourism destination. Oktoberfest ensures resident's have access to facilities, programs,that enrich a quality of life.for residents and visitors alike, Oktoberfest provides a reason for locals and:• visitors to come out and enjoy our beautiful Municipality. Visitors often stop to shop at local businesses, buy gas, visit the Ross Farm and possibly walk a trail. Visitors stop to look up old friends and family and enjoy all we have to offer. We are affordable, accessible and our meals are ample. All reasons to come and all reasons we benefit the community around us. 4) If you have previously received any grants from the Munici.p'ality, have you submitted the Final Report? I yes Ya No If Np, please subrn t your Final Report as soon as possible. 5) Who should the cheque be made payable to and what address should we send it to if different from Page 1? Forties Community Centre, 1757 Forties Road, New Ross, N.S, bOJ 2M0 Please email a pdf version of your appii4ation to: recreation@chester.ca OR mail a hard copy to: Recreation & Parks Services Municipality of the District of Chester '186 Central Street, PO Box 369 Chester NS BOJ 1.10 *If you have any questions, please call us at 902,27$-3490. Page 2 of 2