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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-11-21 Economic Development and Long Range Planning Committee Meeting Minutes1 Sussex Minutes of Meeting of Economic Development and Long Range Planning Committee 11-23 November 21, 2023 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Thorne, Deputy Mayor Wilson, Councillor Nelson - Chairperson, Councillor Brenan - Vice Chairperson, Councillor Milner, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Bobbitt, Councillor MacLeod Staff Present: Scott Hatcher, Chief Administrative Officer, Jason Thorne, Community Services Director APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by: Councillor Milner Seconded by: Councillor Bobbitt THAT the agenda be approved as circulated. Motion Carried 2. DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST No members present declared a conflict of interest on any of the items on the agenda at this time. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING #10-23 Moved by: Councillor Brenan Seconded by: Councillor MacLeod THAT the minutes of meeting 10-23 be approved as circulated. Motion Carried 2 4. DELEGATIONS 5. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES 5.a ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE. 5.b SUSSEX POPULATION GROWTH STRATEGY: 5.b.1 COVENTRY WALK SUBDIVISION CAO Hatcher reviews with the Committee the progress of the Coventry Walk Subdivision Phase 3. - 20 of 24 foundations are now installed. - Work continues on erecting the superstructure on each of the new homes. - Approximately 8 families are now living in the subdivision. 5.c ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS CAO Hatcher advises that the Town awaits the necessary equipment to complete the installation of the 2 new chargers slated for Jubilee Hall on Perry Street. 5.d FLOOD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE There was nothing new to report at this time. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.a KINGS REGIONAL SERVICE COMMISSION 6.a.1 KINGS RSC - NOVEMBER 14, 2023 BOARD MEETING AGENDA Mayor Thorne reviews with Committee the results of the November 14, 2023 KRSC Board meeting. A lengthy discussion takes place on the Commissions failure to reach consensus to approve a 2024 operating budget. One topic highlighted was the voting held on November 14, 2023 on the reconsideration of the Sussex Regional Library as a regional facility. There is a review of what options there now are, given there is no 2024 budget, and what is now perceived as a Commission without direction and authority to undertake the mandated services. Mayor Thorne as the current Commission Chair as well as Commission staff are arranging a meeting with the Minister of Local G, r4ment to discuss a path forward that will include discussions g�suspicionoft e Board and the appointment of a trustee. There are many -difficult discussions moving forward. 3 6.a.2 KRSC BUILDING AND PANNING REPORT - OCTOBER 2023 Information received and filed by the Committee. 6.a.3 KRSC OCTOBER 2023 SOLID WASTE REPORT Information received and filed by the Committee. 6.a.4 2023 KRSC - BUDGET QUESTIONS VALLEY WATERS The Committee reviewed a letter from Valley Waters CAO directed to the Kings Regional Service Committee questioning the 2024 budget of the KRSC sent for 45 -day consultation by the Commission to the 4 Regional Stakeholders. A lengthy discussion on the tone of the letter related to Sussex and the Committee's view that the language used by the Valley Waters CAO is grossly out of line. 6.a.5 KRSC - RESPONSE TO VALLEY WATERS CAO Hatcher and Mayor Thorne review the various answers provided to Valley Waters by the KRSC. A lengthy discussion takes place on the issues and position taken by Valley Waters relating to Regional corporation. 6.b MULTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF SUSSEX 6.b.1 MAS - OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER Deputy Mayor Wilson highlights the work undertaken by the Multicultural Association of Sussex and their fall newsletter. Deputy Mayor Wilson indicates that MAS held their annual general meeting in late October. The meeting was well attended. MAS held a Diwali Festival of Lights earlier in the month and the event was well attended. The Multicultural Association of Sussex continues to look for new board members and are encouraged that 2 new members will join the MAS board. 6.c LETTER - FOREST DALE HOME INC, RIVERSIDE ALBERT - HOUSING STRATEGY CAO Hatcher reviews with Committee the correspondence received from Forest Dale Home Inc. and the request by Executive Director, Patrick Kemp, to speak to Sussex on their work on developing the Riverside Albert housing strategy. A brief discussion followed. The Committee believes that Town Adminsitration should make contact and discuss the housing strategy. Town Adminsitration will report back to the Committee on their request. 4 7 SCHEDULE FOR NEXT MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 7:OOPM 8. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Councillor MacLeod Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Wilson THAT this regular meeting of the Economic Development and Long -Range Planning Committee be adjourned. Motion Carried 9. CLOSED SESSION COUNCILLOR NELSON, CHAIRPERSON S.M. HATCHER, P. ENG., CAO