Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutC A 2013-05-23Page 1 of 2 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER CHESTER MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Thursday, May 23, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. AGENDA 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 2.1 Council - Thursday, April 25, 2013 3. MATTERS ARISING: BY-LAWS 3.1 Second/Final Reading - Notice to Amend – Tax Exemption for Charitable, Non-Profit Organizations, Municipal Water Utilities, and Licensed Day Cares By-Law No. 74: a. Removal of Sims Settlement from Schedule B – the property has reverted back to the Municipality b. Addition of Hubbards Yacht Club to Schedule B (recommendation from Committee of the Whole). 3.2 First Reading – Deed Transfer Tax By-Law #137 – amend amount of deed transfer tax from 1% to 1.5%. 3.3 First Reading – Regional Emergency Measures By-Law #146 - this by-law will be used by Municipalities currently included in REMO and includes repealing the current By-Law #70 Emergency Measures By-Law. 3.4 Fire Advisory Committee final draft letter to the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia (FANS) for approval of Council dated May 23, 2013 (previously discussed at April 25 Council; however, letter was not in final draft at that time with changes) 3.5 Temporary Borrowing Resolution 13/14-1 - $8,771,000.00 – Various Purposes - Landfill Cell Construction/Equipment ($4,421,000), Wind Turbine ($4,200,000), Sewer Projects (150,000). 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 4.1 Committee of the Whole – May 2, 2013 – Warden Webber 4.2 Audit and Budget Committee – May 7, 2013 – Warden Webber 4.3 Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee – April 17, 2013 4.4 Tax Sale Proceedings – April 23, 2013 – Sam Lamey, Solicitor 4.5 Any Other Reports. 5. CORRESPONDENCE: 5.1 Presentation by Krista Harding, South Shore Opportunities regarding Nova Scotia Climate Data Study Project (appointment at 6:10 p.m.) 5.2 Presentation by Beth George, Paul Fynes and Chief John Collyer, South Shore Safe Communities regarding support in next year’s budget, and a co-funding arrangement (appointment at 6:30 p.m.) Page 2 of 2 5.3 Letter of response from Nova Scotia Environment dated April 4, 2013 regarding proposed quarry at East River by Northern Construction Enterprises. 5.4 Letter of response from Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure dated April 19, 2013 regarding proposed quarry at East River, Lunenburg County. 5.5 Letter from the Town of Shelburne dated April 17, 2013 regarding decision on becoming a member of Regional Enterprise Network (REN). 5.6 Bulk mail update from Village of Chester Commission dated April 2013. 5.7 Memo from Senior Planner to CAO dated May 17, 2013 regarding request for letter of concurrence from the Municipality for the Chester Basin Fire Department. 6. NEW BUSINESS. 7. ADJOURNMENT. APPOINTMENTS ARRANGED 6:00 p.m. Tax Exemption By-Law – 2nd Reading (refer to 3.1) 6:10 p.m. Krista Harding, South Shore Opportunities regarding Climate Data Study Project (refer to 5.1) 6:30 p.m. Beth George, Paul Fynes and Chief John Collyer, South Shore Safe Communities regarding support in next year’s budget, and a co-funding arrangement (refer to item 5.2) In Camera following regular session under Section 22 of the MGA if required MOTIONS REQUIRING APPROVAL OF COUNCIL FROM MAY 2, 2013 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 2013-231 APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES MOVED by Councillor Armstrong, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the minutes of the April 18, 2013 meeting of Committee of the Whole be approved as circulated. CARRIED. 2013-232 COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEE (COMFIT) MOVED by Councillor Church-Cornelius, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Kaizer Meadow Citizens Monitoring Committee be appointed as the Community Liaison Committee for the COMFIT project along with a representative from the First Nations Community. CARRIED. 2013-233 MAINTENANCE/OPERATION OF WILD ROSE PARK MOVED by Councillor Myra, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to agree to enter into a five year agreement with the Western Shore & Area Improvement Association for the maintenance and operation of Wild Rose Park subject to the terms and conditions. CARRIED. 2013-234 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ADOPT AND REPEAL MOVED by Councillor Church-Cornelius, SECONDED by Councillor Myra that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to adopt the Proposed Regional Emergency Management By-Law #146 and repeal By-Law #70 Emergency Measures By-Law. CARRIED. 2013-235 REQUST FOR PURCHASE OF LAND MOVED by Councillor Myra, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to direct staff to contact Peter and Stacey Meister and advise of the requirements of the Municipal Government Act and advise the Municipality is not able to sell the property in question in New Ross (former dump property) Account Number 60124260 for less than the assessed value of $3,500.00. CARRIED. 2013-236 AWARD OF SERVICE CONTRACT – MAINTENANCE/REPAIR MUNICIPAL VEHICLES MOVED by Councillor Church-Cornelius, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to accept the recommendation to award the three-year service contract to Chester Basin Service Centre Ltd. Chester Basin for maintenance and repair services on Municipal vehicles. CARRIED. 2013-237 AWARD OF SERVICE CONTRACT – ENVIRONMENTAL LAB SERVICES MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to accept the recommendation to award the three-year service contract to Maxxam Analytics International Corporation, Bedford, NS for Environmental Lab Services. CARRIED. 2013-238 PROCLAMATION MOVED by Councillor Myra, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to proclaim Hunger Awareness Week May 6-10 in the usual manner. CARRIED. 2013-239 ATTENDANCE AT MUNICIPAL LAW SESSION MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to authorize Councillor Connors’ attendance at the June 7 Municipal Law Session. CARRIED. 2013-240 LETTER TO MLA/DOTIR RE PAVING OF HIGHWAY 329 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Myra that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to forward a letter to the MLA and Minister of NS Department of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal requesting an Active Transportation Lane be included the paving project of Highway 329. CARRIED. 2013-241 ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS REQUIRING APPROVAL OF COUNCIL FROM MAY 7, 2013 AUDIT AND BUDGET COMMITTEE 2013-242 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET – 2013/14 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church-Cornelius that the Audit and Budget Committee recommend to Council to approve the 2013/14 Operating Budget in the amount of $22,436,136.00, which includes a Residential/ Resource Tax Rate of .66 cents and a Commercial/Business Occupancy Tax Rate of $1.53; the 2013/14 Capital Budget in the amount of $12,182,050.00; and the increase of Deed Transfer Tax to 1.5% as per changes discussed. CARRIED. 2013-243 MILL COVE WATER UTILITY BUDGET – 2013/14 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Audit and Budget Committee recommend to Council to approve the Mill Cove Water Utility Budget for 2013/14 in the amount of $87,665.00. CARRIED. 2013-244 ADJOURNMENT MOVED by Councillor Armstrong, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the meeting adjourn. CARRIED. (5:30 p.m.) 5/15/2013 1 Community Business Development Corporation 269 organizations across Canada 41 CBDCs in Atlantic Canada 13 CBDCs in Nova Scotia INDEPENDENT non-profit corporations Governed by LOCAL VOLUNTEER Business-minded people. The picture in Nova Scotia The Federal Government granted $32.2 million to Nova Scotia CBDCs. CBDCs have used these funds to invest over $276 million into local businesses. Provincial CBDC loans leverage additional investments of 74% from other sources (banks & credit unions). The picture in Nova Scotia •In 2012 alone, CBDCs’ volunteer Boards of Directors –approved $21 million in loans –Provided loans to 986 small rural businesses –created and maintained 1,401 jobs and –provided business counselling to 3,851 people. 5/15/2013 2 The local picture Snapshot at March 31, 2012 Began 1991 in Queens County. 1997 expanded to Lunenburg County Provide Business counselling (how to , where to start), Technical assistance (how to do business plans etc) Loans for business start-up, expansion, correct difficulties No minimum, $150,000 maximum per business Interest based on risk, typically 5.25 to 6.0 at present. In Queens County only also provide help with people looking for work and retraining. Physical office locations: Liverpool and Bridgewater. OFTEN GO TO clients. The local picture Snapshot at March 31, 2012 Received $2.3 million from federal govt for lending in beginning. 16.4 million $ approved financing to Mar 2012. 527 jobs created plus 778 jobs maintained. The immediate picture locally: 2012-2013 151 new inquiries : new, expanding, difficulty Provided technical assistance, business counselling. Approved 23 applications 82% approval Applications approved $1,307,250 $729,750 Queens County $577,500 Lunenburg County 21 jobs created plus 46 jobs maintained 5/15/2013 3 Background: HOW •In 2011 three Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) of Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens-Lunenburg. •Funding from more than a dozen sources •AgraPoint (Perennia) and Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG) contracted to perform the work. Background: WHAT •This project 42 Onset weather stations. •AGRG added 18 more Onset weather stations) within Kings and Annapolis. •Existing 14 Campbell Scientific stations for 10 years in Annapolis Valley. •TOTAL 72 stations SWNS Weather Station Configuration … 5/15/2013 4 Background: WHAT •Stations measure both temperature and solar radiation (i.e., sunshine units). Background: WHAT •Growing Degree Days (GDD): Daily maximum and minimum temperatures compared to a base temperature GDD = T max + T min minus T base 2 •This study uses 2 base temperatures , 5 degrees celcius and 10 degrees celcius Background: WHAT •Temperature and solar radiation every 10 seconds •Data is averaged to produce a data record which is stored on the data logger every five minutes. •Automatically transmit the data to the AGRG office through Bell’s cellular network and the Internet. WHERE? 5/15/2013 5 2012 Report: Individual Information Available •The four data summary tables are: 1. Table 1: 2012 Temperature Data Summary 2. Table 2: 2012 Base 5oC Heat Unit Accumulation within the April to November Period 3. Table 3: 2012 Base 10oC Heat Unit Accumulation within the April to November Period 4. Table 4: 2012 Daily Average Solar Radiation within the April to November Period 2012 Report: Maps The next map shows the location and Station IDs of the 74 stations on a colourized Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Soils Capability with heat accumulation values from the stations. The DEM illustrates the elevation of SWNS and thus conveys a sense of the area’s topography. There is an obvious link between temperatures, elevations, and a location’s proximity to the coast. Some examples of these relationships can clearly be seen based on the heat accumulation values. The Soils Capability mapping has been included and, along with the heat accumulation values, shows the locations of both the best soils and best temperatures for the April to November 2012 timeframe. 2012 Report: Maps The next set of maps provides some very draft results of Solar Radiation Mapping conducted in SWNS. The maps shown in this report are the result of analyzing more than 750 images from NASA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) imagery of SWNS per month for both August 2011 and August 2012. Additionally, the summary of corresponding solar radiation data from the SWNS weather stations has been plotted on the maps. 5/15/2013 6 2012 Results: Trends within corridors •There are locations in Southwest Nova that have comparable heat to the Annapolis Valley; often with milder winters and longer frost free periods; •There are surprisingly favourable microclimates in Southwest Nova in areas where you would not expect to find them! •Is it foggy on the seashore anymore? 5/15/2013 7 Similar to the 2011 data, each of the study corridors in 2012 illustrated the basic trend that as one proceeds from the coast inland, heat accumulation increases while winter minimum temperature decreases. 2012 Results: Trends within corridors •In 2012 there were no obvious trends for heat unit accumulation between the ten study corridors. •The warmest corridors in 2012 were Shelburne and Bridgewater, the only two corridors with average heat accumulations above 1100. •All other corridors averaged between 1051 and 1091 degree days and interestingly this group included the three Valley corridors. •Southwest Nova has sites with at least comparable seasonal heat unit accumulation to that of the highly regarded Annapolis Valley. 2012 Results: Trends between corridors As a benchmark for high value crops, wine grape production is a suitable model for comparison and the next table elaborates the critical climatic requirements for viable wine grape production. 2012 Results: Comparison to minimum climatic standards Climate standards for wine grape production Table 3 Climatic limitations to Wine Grape production. Climate rating Degree Days above 10 °C Frost-free period (days) Winter Minimums (°C) Most suitable >1300 180 -21 3 times or less in 10 yrs. Minimum not less than -23. Good suitability 1100-1300 165 -21 5 times or less in 10 yrs. Minimum not lower than -26. Fair suitability 900-1100 150 -21 almost every year. -26 or lower only once in 10 yrs. Poor suitability <900 130 -23 5 times or more in 10 yrs. -26 3 times or more in 10 yrs. Using the standards identified in Table 3, each of the corridors in the study demonstrated some potential for high value perennial crop production, based on the 2012 weather data. 5/15/2013 8 1182 GDD -15.9 177 FF 1073 GDD -17.2 177 FF 1188 GDD -16.1 177 FF 1123 GDD -14.4 190 FF1076 GDD -14.8 177 FF 1140 GDD -15.3 170 FF 1148 GDD -14.5 191 FF 1135 GDD -14.5 177 FF 993 GDD -13.7 183 FF 2012 CONCLUSION Based on the 2012 weather data, southwest Nova Scotia offers significant potential for high value agricultural crop production. The corridors with the highest heat unit accumulations were Shelburne and Bridgewater, while the Chester, Liverpool, Weymouth, and Yarmouth corridors were each similar to the three corridors in the Annapolis Valley. Examining winter minimums, the western corridors of Clyde, Yarmouth, and Weymouth were the mildest within the study area and winter minima generally decreased as one progressed east, either through the south shore corridors or Annapolis Valley corridors. Similarly, average frost free periods were generally longer in the west, becoming progressively shorter moving easterly. The Yarmouth corridor was especially attractive for this variable, retaining long frost free periods regardless of distance inland. Collectively, the evidence for the 2012 period again strongly supports the notion that the southwest Nova region has comparable, and in many cases superior, climatic suitability for high value crops such as peaches, highbush blueberries and grapes, than the agricultural standard represented by the Annapolis Valley. 2012 CONCLUSION Solar radiation was surprisingly high at coastal sites in 2012 and there is now two years of data demonstrating little if any fog depression of this variable at these sites. It is felt that heavy fog seasons would have a dramatic negative effect on climate variables but it is unknown at this time the periodicity of these seasons, the extent to which their effect might extend inland, or the degree of their effect on the climate variables. This is an excellent example of why long-term weather studies are required. Recommend minimum five years of data. FULL REPORT found via link: www.southshoreopportunities.com PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD 5/15/2013 9 PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD OPEN TO THE PUBLIC We would like to share with you why we are EXCITED about our climate. Please Join Us NSCC Lunenburg Campus, 75 High Street, Bridgewater Thursday June 6, 2013 6:30 pm Climate data (temperature and solar radiation) has been polled every 10 seconds for 2 years at 42 spots in South West NS. Hear the surprising and interesting results, presented by experts from NSCC and Perennia. Find out what this may mean for agricultural opportunities here. 5/15/2013 1 Seniors Safety Program Chief John Collyer Paul Fynes - 543 1871 Beth George Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill What is South Shore Safe Communities? Vision To continuously improve the safety of individuals and communities on the South Shore by enhancing a culture of safety and wellness. South Shore Safe Communities is: A non-profit society Dedicated to reducing injuries on the South Shore Focused on children, youth, and seniors A member of Safe Communities Canada Our Current Priorities at SSSC Today, South Shore Safe Communities works on four priority areas to try to reduce injuries in our communities: Bullying Prevention Falls 0 – 4 years Road Safety Age-friendly (Seniors Safety & Falls Prevention) Geography: District of Lunenburg 2001 2006 2011 Percent Change 2001 - 2011 Total Reporting 25,570 25,160 25,081 -1.9 By 5-year Age Groups 0-4 yrs 1,055 935 928 -12 5-9 yrs 1,395 1,170 1,067 -23.5 10-14 yrs 1,680 1,440 1,272 -24.3 15-19 yrs 1,755 1,630 1,434 -18.3 20-24 yrs 1,070 1,075 1,114 4.1 25-29 yrs 1,165 950 920 -21 30-34 yrs 1,510 1,300 1,097 -27.4 35-39 yrs 2,140 1,605 1,443 -32.6 40-44 yrs 2,260 2,140 1,664 -26.4 45-49 yrs 2,210 2,335 2,256 2.1 50-54 yrs 2,115 2,270 2,381 12.6 55-59 yrs 1,690 2,215 2,332 38 60-64 yrs 1,435 1,775 2,302 60.4 65-69 yrs 1,195 1,405 1,693 41.7 70-74 yrs 1,025 1,055 1,230 20 75-79 yrs 805 825 859 6.7 80-84 yrs 610 555 575 -5.7 85+ yrs 440 485 516 17.3 5/15/2013 2 Lunenburg County Seniors Safety Program Referrals come from police, community, and seniors Works through ALL Lunenburg County Started by Chief Brent Crowhurst. Currently funded through the Department of Seniors and in-kind from the Town of Bridgewater Offers direct service to seniors to reduce elder abuse, address seniors’ safety concerns, & promote communication between police and seniors Seniors Safety Program A Program exists in most Counties. Seniors Safety Coordinator Beth George, civilian, works 17.5 hours/week. Housed at Bridgewater Police Service Over 70% of caseload outside of Bridgewater Services are offered to seniors in their home and in the community To continue and expand the program we need more resources. Seniors Safety Program Offers Home visits – direct support to seniors in their homes Seniors Police Academy – 6 week program 1 x week Crime prevention & safety presentations – to seniors organizations, senior housing Seniors Safe Driving – classroom based education program Vial of Life – medical info program for 1stresponders Living Alone program– for seniors learning to cope with life on their own Age-friendly/Senior Friendly – helping our communities to meet needs of seniors Operation S.O.S. – Scouts shoveling program 5/15/2013 3 Elder Abuse Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse Financial Abuse Neglect Violation of Rights Senior Files Widowed woman with dementia taken advantage of by two private caregivers A realtor pushes senior to list her house for sale Senior is afraid of her son who lives next door A senior in private home-care needs help finding another place to live Deaf senior in a remote area hasn’t seen a doctor in over 20 years The Province’s Requirement “The Senior Safety Grant is a grant of up to $20,000 a year to help fund a Seniors' Safety Program. Programs typically need more than this to run successfully. Therefore, you must demonstrate community in-cash or in-kind support in your application. “ It also has to cover ALL of Lunenburg Co. The Province is moving towards a matching contribution formula up to $20,000. Population % Matching Contribution s Government of N.S. $20,000 Lunenburg County 47,310 District of Lunenburg 25,081 53% $10,622 District of Chester 10,605 22% $4,491 Town of Bridgewater 8,260 17% $3,498 Town of Lunenburg 2,310 5% $978 Town of MahoneBay 968 2% $410 5/15/2013 4 Where To From Here Consider our proposal We are asking for a letter of intent confirming your commitment to help create a sustainable and co- funded framework to deliver a Senior Safety Program for all of Lunenburg County. We plan on presenting to the other councils in Lunenburg County. Ideally a representative from each council would sit on a subcommittee to help guide and oversee the Senior Safety Program. Questions? Through The Years Day Care & Community Centre Providing for positive social and physical growth of the community through programs, services and experiences 20 Pte. Richard Green Lane, RR2 Hubbards, Nova Scotia, B0J 1T0, Canada. Phone: 1-902-857-1777 Fax: 1-902-857-1776 May 16, 2013 Dear Council Members for the Municipality of the District of Chester, The 19th annual Child Care Awareness Days will be celebrated throughout Nova Scotia the month of June 2013. In many regions across the province, events will take place involving child care practitioners, parents, children and all those interested in quality child care for Nova Scotia’s children. Child Care Awareness Days activities are organized in our communities to promote the value of quality child care and those who provide it. In providing quality child care, practitioners support families so they can be productive and contribute to our community’s economy. Children who receive quality childcare get a foundation that supports them in their development into successful and responsible adults. We at Through the Years Day Care & Community Centre celebrate Child Care Awareness Days in a number of ways. The first week of June is Teacher Appreciation Week at the centre during which parents and the Board treat staff with goodies of many forms in recognition and thanks. On June 23th we will hold our Annual Family Fun Fair where we will celebrate the 11th preschool class to graduate to “big school” from Through the Years and then hold a fair with games, an inflatable bouncing interactive toy, a barbeque, clown and loads more fun. We are asking the Council today to consider recognizing practitioners and the valuable work they do by declaring the month of June 2013 “Child Care Awareness Days in this municipality. I have attached a sample proclamation you may use, or create your own. We suggest not only entering it into your minutes, but maybe consider putting an ad in our local paper. Council members are also welcome any time to drop in to Through the Years for a tour and to hang out with the smallest (and greatest) citizens in your community. Please show the child care practitioners in the area that they are appreciated and that quality childcare is important to our community. Thank you for considering this request, and have a wonderful day. Respectfully Submitted, Mary Ellen M. Shatford, BCS Executive Director Through the Years Day Care & Community Centre