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MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
AGENDA
Thursday,January 31, 2019
Chester Municipal Council Chambers
151 King Street, Chester, NS
1.MEETING CALLED TO ORDER.
2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS.
3.PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
4.MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
4.1 Council –January 10,2019
5.COMMITTEE REPORTS:
5.1 Committee of the Whole –January 24,2019 –Warden Webber
(approval of motions only)
5.2 Committee of the Whole –December 20,2018 –Warden Webber
(receive minutes only)
5.3 REMO Advisory Committee –September 17, 2018 –Deputy Warden Shatford
(receive as information only)
5.4 South Shore Regional Library Board General Meeting –October 17, 2018 –
Councillor Connors (receive as information only)
5.5 Any other Committees.
6.MATTERS ARISING:
6.1 Uniform Highway Signage –Draft By-Law and Program prepared by Community
7.CORRESPONDENCE.
8.NEW BUSINESS:
8.1 Request for Decision prepared by Community Development Department dated
January 4, 2019 regarding Tourism Chester 2019 Season Items.
Development Department.
Page 2 of 2
8.2 Request for Decision prepared by Administration dated January 22, 2019
regarding Resolution for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
8.3 CAO Updates as follows:
a)Strategic Priorities Update –October 2, 2018 to January 24, 2019
i.Strategic Priorities Chart -Revised
ii.Strategic Priorities Chart –Final
b)Quarterly Reports: (October 1,2018 to December 31, 2018)
i.Administration
ii.Community Development
iii.Economic Development
iv.Engineering and Public Works
v.Finance
vi.Information Services
vii.Recreation and Parks
viii.Solid Waste
9.IN CAMERA:
9.1 Section 22(2)(a) of the MGA –Land Negotiations –Municipal Property.
10.ADJOURNMENT.
APPOINTMENT
9:15 a.m.Hugh MacKay, MLA –Updates/Discussion.
REQUEST FOR D IRECTION
Prepared By: Jason Genée, Planner Date December 17, 2018
Reviewed By: Tara Maguire, Director Date January 28, 2019
Authorized By: Date
CURRENT SITUATION
At the Committee of the Whole meeting of November 22, 2018, Communtiy Development staff facilitated
a workshop pertaining to the development of a by-law for uniform highway signage. At the workshop
staff presented and received direction on a variety of topics, and drafted a by-law and program starting
with the Exit 6 area. Staff is seeking direction from Council as to the current draft of the Uniform
Advertising Signage By-law and whether to proceed with business engagement as the by-law exists.
RECOMMENDA TION
For discussion and direction.
BACKGROUND
Council has directed staff to establish and implement a by-law that will allow tourism businesses to
advertise their services through a uniform signage program along portions of the municipality’s highways,
while other businesses will be prohibited from advertising in these areas. At the Committee of the Whole
meeting of October 4, 2018, the Committee established Exit 6 (Mill Lake Road and Trunk 3) as the
preliminary area to be regulated under a uniform signage program. Staff understand it is Council’s
intention to implement the by-law throughout the municipality, therefore the content of the by-law
implemented for Exit 6 should contain all regulations and guidelines that will be later applied.
Staff facilitated a workshop with the Committee of the Whole on November 22, 2018, receiving direction
and feedback on a variety of topics that helped shape the by-law as it currently exists. As the Committee
directed staff to engage with the business community before implementing the by-law, staff is bringing
the draft by-law forward to update Council of its content and receive feedback before engagement is
conducted.
DISCUSSION
Uniform signage for tourism businesses will be administered through a by-law and set of guidelines.
Structuring the program in this manner, with regulations and guidelines, allows the Municipality to deal
with the nuances of uniform highway signage all the while having a clear set of regulations to administer
the program. This discussion outlines the major aspects of the by-law and guidelines and how they will
shape the program. It will also discuss administration of the program with regards to the construction and
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY: Community Development Department
DATE: January 31, 2019
SUBJECT: Uniform Advertising Signage By-law
ORIGIN: COW November 22, 2018
2 Request For D irection
installation of uniform highway signage. Finally, the proposed engagement strategy for business
associations is discussed.
Uniform Advertising Signage By-law
The intention of the by-law will be to create regulations for signage that can be expanded to other areas
of the municipality. The Uniform Advertising Signage By-law uses a regulatory framework to prohibit and
regulate the erecting, maintaining, pasting, painting, or exposing of advertisements along parts of the
municipality’s highways. Resultantly, the by-law will prohibit the existence and erection of signage not
associated with the uniform advertising signage program in the by-law area. Signage not permitted by the
uniform signage program (non-tourist related businesses) may still advertise outside of the by-law area by
obtaining a permit from NSTIR. The by-law defines the area that will be regulated at the outset of the
program (Figure 1), which will focus on Highway 3 on either side of Exit 6 (Mill Lake Road).
Figure 1: Proposed by-law area and PIDs bordering by-law area
3 Request For D irection
Additionally, provisions that will be regulated through the by-law will be:
The uniform signage program will only be open to tourism related business
Businesses will be subject to an application fee and for every year following, an annual
maintenance fee
Tourism businesses are limited to two (2) uniform advertising signs; however, the Registrar may
allow a business to have more than two (2) uniform advertising signs
Tourism businesses must be in operation for a minimum of four (4) continuous months in a
calendar year to be eligible for the program
Tourism businesses located outside the municipality must be no more than ten (10) kilometres
from the uniform advertising signage structure they intend to advertise on
Illegal signage owners will be notified by the Municipality via registered letter and will have 14
days to retrieve said sign before it is destroyed
Uniform Advertising Signage Guidelines
NSTIR have indicated to staff that some aspects of the program do not have to be regulated through the
by-law, but can be administered through a set of guidelines. This allows the Municipality to have greater
flexibility when administering the program. Within the current draft of the by-law and program, the
following are controlled using a set of guidelines:
Uniform signage structures are to be 100 metres from other structures on a given side of the
highway
Uniform signage structures are to be 100 metres from intersections
The Registrar is to prioritize the promotion of tourism b usinesses within the district or community
the signage structure is located in
Uniform signage structures may display one sign advertising a business located outside of the
municipality
Construction and Installation of Uniform Signage
The Engineering and Public Works department has the capacity to facilitate the removal of illegal signage
in addition to the supply and installation of uniform signage at Exit 6 contingent on the level of service
that is required. The level of service will include the number of illegal signs to remove, the number of
signs to install, and the time frame to remove, supply, and install signage.
From a signage removal perspective, the majority of illegal signage to remove will ostensibly occur at the
outset of the program. Businesses with existing signage will have the opportunity to remove any signage
within the by-law area before it is removed by municipal staff. Once removed, staff do not anticipate that
illegal signage will proliferate to the extent that it currently exists.
The demand for a uniform signage program has yet to be determined but staff will have the opportunity
to assess this during engagement with businesses in the municipality. Greater demand from the business
community will result in a greater workload for staff, potentially increasing the time commitment to
administer the program. However, the workload required to administer a uniform signage program can be
4 Request For D irection
concentrated during a certain timeframe, for example, the Municipality of the District of Argyle only
orders and installs uniform signage once per year.
Facilitating the initial phase of the uniform signage program using Municipal resources allows Council to
have a better understanding of the program’s impacts, and when expanded, can determine the best
course of action to proceed implementing the program throughout the municipality. However, if Council
sees the future of the program being administered by Municipal staff, additional resources may be
required.
Business Engagement Strategy
Community Development staff are proposing to meet with each business association in the municipality
individually to discuss the content of the Uniform Advertising Signage By-law and program. These
discussions will occur during the regularly scheduled meetings the business associations hold. The by-law
and program will be presented to the associations in addition to being posted on Voices and Choices
which will allow businesses who are unable to attend the meetings to voice any concerns about the
proposed program. The feedback from the meetings will be brought back to Council to be discussed.
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
N/A
Financial/Budgetary
Staff is striving to create a fiscally prudent program which will run cost neutral. The costs to administer the
program intends to be offset by application and renewal fees paid by businesses. Once the demand for
the program is established, a better cost estimate for fees can be produced.
Environmental
N/A
Strategic Plan
Promote conditions conducive to fostering economic prosperity.
Work Program Implications
Based on the current level of capacity, the Engineering and Public Works Department can administer the
removal of illegal signage in addition to the supplying and installing signage for Exit 6. However, as
mentioned above, the level of service provided will determine how the department is able to facilitate the
program. Additional resources may be required as the program is expanded throughout the municipality.
The administration of applications for uniform signage will also have implications on the wor k program of
staff. Within the by-law, the CAO or their designate will act as the Registrar of signs. The responsibility of
the Registrar includes issuing, refusing, or revoking permission to install uniform signage.
OPTIONS
Council may direct staff to proceed with the following:
1. To uphold the by-law and program as drafted and proceed with engagement with the business
community in the municipality.
5 Request For D irection
2. To apply changes to the by-law and program, then proceed with engagement with the business
community in the municipality.
3. To apply changes to the by-law and program, bringing the document back to Council for
approval before exploring next steps.
ATTACHMENTS
Schedule A – Municipality of the District of Chester’s Uniform Advertising Signage By-law
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By:Stephanie Beaumont Date January 4, 2019
Reviewed By:Erin Lowe Date January 7, 2019
Authorized By:Malcolm Pitman, Acting CAO Date January 24, 2019
CURRENT SITUATION
On October 18, Council and Tourism Staff had a workshop to review the 2018 pilot season for Tourism
Chester. At the workshop, a number of items came up to improve our tourism offering and council asked
staff to come back with options and costs for expanding the program.
BACKGROUND
Objectives of Tourism Chester:
Meet the demands of today’s traveler with emphasis on:
o Digital media (website and social media) for visitors pre-planning and pre-booking
through the Internet, and
o Face-to-face interaction once they arrive
Extend our tourism season
Provide outreach to all communities and their visitors
2018/19 Plan:
Hire a part-time, year-round Tourism Lead
o 25 hours/week during peak and shoulder seasons (May -Oct)
o 5 hours/week in the winter season(Nov-Apr)
Engage 12 Tourism Ambassadors to act as static locations for tourism information rather than
one, centralized location
Purchase a portable, “pop-up” kiosk (equipped with Wifi) to set up at events and select locations
throughout the Municipality to provide outreach to all communities and their visitors in peak
season; staffed by a summer student
Enhance/update website and social media presence
Program Elements:
Online Presence/Social Media
Online Presence/Website
Online Presence/Virtual Ambassador
Online Presence/#LOVEwhereyoulive Campaign
Ambassador Partnership Program
Mobile Kiosk
Treasure Treat Truck
REPORT TO:Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY:Community Development Department
DATE:January 31, 2019
SUBJECT:Tourism Chester 2019 Season Items
ORIGIN:2018 Tourism Chester Pilot Season
Review Workshop
2 Request For Decision /Direction
DISCUSSION
The following section outlines the program components where areas for improvement were discussed in
the workshop that have budget implications. We are requesting pre-budget approval for the below items
in order to get them implemented in the winter season.See Attachment 1 -Budget Impacts that
summarizes the budget impacts for each item below.
Program Element:Website/Virtual Ambassador
Areas for Improvement:
Need more MOC photos to populate website and social media posts.
Proposed Solutions:
We have applied for a grant through Tourism Nova Scotia (TNS) to support efforts made through
their Digital Content Marketing Program. If successful, we would have the opportunity to partner with
TNS to create marketing assets (photography and video) (Stream 1) a nd promote them in Ontario,
Quebec, and Northeastern United States. Promotion tactics may include social media advertising,
search engine marketing, and display and video advertising, including the use of TNS remarketing lists
(Stream 2). The key benefit of participating in this program is the ability to leverage TNS’s brand
awareness and reach into greater geographical markets. If successful, Tourism Nova Scotia will match
our investment of $14,400 taxes included (Stream 1: $8,600 photos and video creation + Stream 2:
$5,800 for digital marketing campaign) which is the minimum investment required to apply to both
streams.Since these assets will be used for more than just tourism purposes (i.e. economic
development initiatives to encourage people to move he re); this cost has been split between the
tourism budget and our promotions budget.
Budget Impacts:$7,200 addition to our tourism advertising budget if application is successful.
Decision required today?:Yes, we anticipate notification of award before the end of fiscal year and if
successful, we would need to let TNS know whether or not we will be participating. We applied for both
streams but we could just participate in one if desired.
Program Element:Ambassador Partnership Program
Areas for Improvement:
Potential lack of knowledge of all MOC tourism assets which impacts ambassador’s ability to prope rly
promote MOC in its entirety.
Promotion of ambassador partners needs to increase.
Proposed Solutions:
Initiate a familiarization (FAM) tour for ambassadors (see Attachment 2-FAM Tour Proposal
Document). Budget impact approx. $3,000 addition.
Better signage (see Attachment 3 –Revised Signage Option) with the goal of making our
ambassadors more visible. Recognizing that each location is separate and unique –uniform signage
is not possible. We are proposing a tear drop flag style ‘sign’ where possible –see initial designs
attached. Special consideration has been made for The Deck in reviewing their sign requirements.
Given that they sit on bedrock and any sign placed along the road will impede the plows we have
submitted a request with the Department of Transportation to h ave a sign erected on the sea side of
3 Request For Decision /Direction
the highway opposite the deck.A service ticket was issued #s413946 and we await approval from
Brian Storrie (Provincial Sign Officer) The request was based on having a metal reflective sign
produced similar to that pictured below.
Budget impact for signage improvements (flags and new sign for the Deck) approx. $4,000.
Professionally printed ambassador map: We are in the midst of revamping the front panel –to
remove the now closed Light My Fire as an Ambassador and make the cover more appealing. The
proposed design is based on a 4 -panel brochure, 4 colour double sided layout on 11” x 17” stock .
Budget impact approx. $900 addition.
Larger ads promoting ambassadors in Saltscapes / Doers & Dreamer s / South Shore Guide, etc.
Budget impact approx. $7,400 addition.This addition would allow us to have year -round presence in
the South Shore Getaway Pages in the Saltscapes Magazine, presence on the South Shore page for
the 2019 Travel Guide to Canada,a full-page ad in Tourism NS’s 2020 Edition of Doers and Dreamers
and the ability to participate in Tourism NS’s Provincial VIC advertising program.
Program Element:Treasure Treat Truck
Areas for Improvement:
Was not a draw to the mobile kiosk
Conflicts with existing businesses reduced the number of events it could be present at
Truck was limited on where it could go due to its reliance on power
Proposed Solutions:
To continue to take advantage of the promotion that the Treasure Treat Truck brings fo r our Tourism
Ambassadors and continue to receive value from the money spent to wrap the truck, staff
recommend continuing working with Charles Brown and the Treasure Treat Truck in the 2019 Summer
Season bringing Charlie to larger events where possible an d having him at key spots within the
Municipality throughout the summer. This would include a new modified contract with Charles, not
locking us in to the commitment of scheduling him for 3 days per week but only for events that would
make sense financially for his business model. With this new approach, it might be reasonable to not
expect to restrict his locations of choice as long as they fall within his vendor permit.
In an effort to protect our brand and that of our Tourism Ambassadors a letter of agreement for the
2019 season will be issued outlining a list of restricted categories/styles of events. Should there be an
event that could be perceived as falling into any of those categ ories he would not attend. Should
4 Request For Decision /Direction
there be any question as to the nature of the event he will first seek the approval of the Tourism Team
before attending/confirming attendance.Unlike our original contract –the municipality will not have
any additional jurisdiction in where Charles sets up with respect to competing businesses. He will ,as
with any food truck be restricted by his license and permits alone. Regarding those
festivals/fairs/markets/community events/etc. at which he attends on his own (i.e.not in partnership
with Tourism Chester)his attendance will be left to the discretion of the respective organizer .
Budget impact approx.$200 to remove Light My Fire logo and add new ambassador logos.
Program Element:Mobile Kiosk
Areas for Improvement:
Challenges with setup,takedown and transportation
Challenges in getting summer ambassador
Proposed Solutions:
Purchase a vehicle to support our Mobile Kiosk Program to address setup, takedown and
transportation issues.
Option A –1997 Daihatsu Midget II Midget
This vehicle is unique in size and shape –and is sure to be noticed. This model is a 2-seater with A/C
which is a rarer option on these kei class mini-trucks. The large hinged rear window, and hanging bars
installed in the rear make this already versatile truck even more versatile. Comes certified and ready for
the roads! Sourced through Right Drive Canada https://www.rightdrive.ca
“Our vehicles represent the gold standard in quality. This all starts during selection. Our staff in Japan
knows that our customers expect the best which is why they are so thorough with each and every vehicle
that we look at. Regardless if it is a customer’s private order or for our own inventory, vehicles we buy
need to meet the high standards. Once a vehicle is selected it is shipped to Canada only via container in
order to keep the condition and safety of the vehicle at a maximum during transportation.Once a vehicle
arrives, our licensed mechanics conduct a 120 point inspection of your vehicle while our parts staff order
replacement belts, pumps, bushings fluids etc. to bring your vehicle to OEM maintained specs if
necessary. The final stage before delivery is a professional detailing. There are no additional charges for
any of these services –it is all included in the advertised price.”
In addition to having the vehicle wrapped we recommend building a rack and shelf component for ease
of displaying brochures and servicing visitors.
5 Request For Decision /Direction
Budget Impacts:
Vehicle cost (sales tax to be paid when registered in NS)$13,000
Sales tax $2,000
Shipping (free but usually $1900)$ 0
Vehicle wrap (estimated includes body, perf for windows & logos)$2,000
Custom Rack/Shelving for Back $800
Est Total $17,800
The pros of Option A –having a vehicle would make our efforts truly mobile, we could easily move
between multiple locations and set up would be simple as parking and opening the door. This specific
vehicle would be totally eye catching, it’s also very fuel efficient and its overall size and the upfront
purchase price are also pro’s
The cons of Option A –would be its age and while the car can be serviced locally, any replacement parts
could not be sourced locally. They can, however, be attained through Right Drive who would obtain and
ship to our local mechanic.
6 Request For Decision /Direction
Option B –2016 Transit Van
This 2-passenger 5 door cargo van has A/C keyless entry aux input and more. In addition to having the
vehicle wrapped/decaled we recommend building a rack and shelf component for ease of displaying
brochures and servicing visitors.
Budget Impacts:
Vehicle cost $35,000
Sales tax $5,250
Vehicle wrap $3,000
Custom Rack/Shelving for Back $1,500
Est Total $44,750
7 Request For Decision /Direction
The pros of Option B –having a vehicle would make our efforts truly mobile, we could easily move
between multiple locations and set up would be simple as parking and opening the door. With this
specific vehicle another pro would be its age relative to option A and given that its North American built
any service and parts replacement could be handled locally. It’s bigger cargo area would make carrying
and storing additional material possible and would better suited for year-round use.
The cons of Option B –the upfront purchase price is greater and it’s a more widely used vehicle so not
unique in shape/size etc. The size and height of the vehicle would require a step of some kind to make
rack and shelves fully accessible.
Option C –Continue Using the Mobile Kiosk as in Summer 2018
Brightly branded, the portable kiosk proved to be eye catching in its inaugural season .
The Pros of Option C –no additional capital investment would be required; the kiosk is brightly branded
and display space is serviceable. This option also allows for both outdoor and indoor set up.
The Cons of Option C –the size of the kiosk when packed is too large for the average vehicle and it is
very heavy –special consideration will need to be factored in to hiring. The job would require s omeone
who is both physically able to set up and strike the kiosk as well as own/have access to a vehicle large
enough to transport the kiosk. In the current climate of limited candidates these additional qualifications
may prove tricky.
8 Request For Decision /Direction
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 –Budget Impacts
Attachment 2 -FAM Tour Proposal Document
Attachment 3 -Revised Signage Option
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
N/A
Financial/Budgetary
Unbudgeted approval will be required
Environmental
N/A
Strategic Plan
N/A
Work Program Implications
N/A
C OMMUNICATIONS (INTER NAL/EXTERNAL)
Goals
Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services;
Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses;
Strengthen and support environmental, cultural, and soci al resources;
Continually reinforce the positive image of the Municipality through leadership in public engagement and
communication;
Promote conditions conducive to fostering economic prosperity.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By:Jonathan Meakin,
Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
Date January 22, 2019
Reviewed By:Date
Authorized By:Malcolm Pitman,Acting CAO Date January 24,2019
CURRENT SITUATION
The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)is the latest Canada-Nova Scotia bilateral
infrastructure investment program in our province.The first call for applications to the ICIP
(deadline of January 18, 2019)focused on infrastructure projects relating to wastewater, drinking
water, and solid waste.
As mentioned in a previous report to Council, a requirement for the ICIP application is a
Resolution of Council supporting the ICIP submission and the proposed project’s priority for the
Municipality.The Department of Municipal Affairs permits the submission of the Resolution after
the deadline to accommodate Council meeting schedules.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the draft Resolution (attached)in support of the Municipality’s application
to the January 18, 2019 deadline of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
BACKGROUND
The ICIP is designed to support larger infrastructure projects and must include construction
costs.As a result, the Municipality’s ICIP submission must focus on infrastructure projects that
will have ‘shovel-ready’ components designed by the application deadline, that will maximize
the opportunity for potential support of a capital-intensive project, and yet also offer ‘project
scalability’ should the ICIP provide choose to support only components of our project.
With these broad parameters in mind, the Municipality’s submission to the ICIP defines the
scope for the project titled ‘Municipality of the District of Chester Wastewater System
Improvements’ as the following (in summary): improvements to the Village of Chester and Otter
Point Wastewater Treatment Plants beginning in 2019-20, and improvements to the Chester
Basin Wastewater Treatment Plant beginning in 2020-21.
REPORT TO:Council
SUBMITTED BY:Office of the CAO
DATE:January 31, 2019
SUBJECT:Resolution for the Investing in Canada
Infrastructure Program (ICIP)
ORIGIN:Strategic Priorities
2 Request for Decision
DISCUSSION
Presented for information and decision only.
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
N/A
Financial/Budgetary
Total ICIP project costs, as well as the Municipality’s portion thereof,are included in the draft
Council Resolution.(See attachment.)The Municipality will develop its capital plan for 2019-20
and 2020-21 with the assumption the ICIP application is successful. If the ICIP application is
unsuccessful or only components of the project scope are approved for funding, then the capital
plan will require adjustments.
A breakdown of ICIP project financing is as follows:
Total ICIP project cost $3,293,398
Federal ICIP contribution (40%)$1,317,359
Provincial ICIP contribution (33.33%)$1,097,689
Municipality’s contribution $878,349
By fiscal year:
2019-20 (VoC and OP)$1,871,247 ($499,062 Municipal portion)
2020-21 (CB)$1,422,151 ($379,288 Municipal portion)
Strategic Plan
Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services.
Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses.
Work Program Implications
Capital planning will assume a successful ICIP application until the ICIP results are announced.
OPTIONS
Council may:
1.Approve the ICIP Resolution as presented.
2.Reject the ICIP Resolution as presented, which will result in the ICIP application status as
incomplete and thus ineligible for funding.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Council Resolution for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)Application.
Memo Letterhead
MEMORANDUM
TO:Jason Bell, Department of Municipal Affairs, Government of Nova Scotia
FROM:Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
DATE:January 31, 2019
SUBJECT:Council Resolution for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Application
This will confirm that on January 31, 2019 Council approved the completion and submission of an
application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for proposed project activity of
Municipality of the District of Chester Wastewater System Improvements with the following
Resolution:
[MOTION #]MOVED by Councillor [NAME], SECONDED by Councillor [NAME], that Council adopt the
following Resolution:
Be it resolved that Council directs staff to apply to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)
for the project titled Municipality of the District of Chester Wastewater System Improvements ; and
Be it further resolved that the Municipality of the District of Chester commits to conducting the
following activities with ICIP support:
Improvements to the Village of Chester wastewater treatment plant and the Otter Point
wastewater treatment plant in 2019-20;
Improvements to the Chester Basin wastewater treatment plant in 2020-21; and
Be it further resolved that the total project ICIP project budget submitted is an estimated amount of up
to $3,293,398 and an estimated contribution from the Municipality of the District of Chester as the
‘ultimate recipient’ of up to $878,349.
CARRIED
_____________________
Pamela Myra
Municipal Clerk
Page 1 of 7
MUNICIPALITY OF THE
DISTRICT OF CHESTER
CAO UPDATE
REPORT TO Warden Allen Webber and Municipal Council Members
SUBMITTED BY Malcolm Pitman,CPA, CA,Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
DATE January 31, 2019
SUBJECT Strategic Priorities Update-January 24, 2019
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
The following reports on the activities of the Municipality of District of Chester Administration
and Departments for the period of October 2, 2018 to January 24, 2019.This report provides
updates on the actions identified on the Strategic Priorities Char t, as well as other activities
identified as important to update Council on.
NOW PRIORITIES
ACTION STATUS
SOUTH SHORE REN-Wind Up MODL-distributed windup cheques to
participating Municipalities
STREET SCAPE PLAN-Shoulders funded by MODC from Wake -up Hill Rd
to Chester Basin.;Phase 1 work complete
Awaiting correspondence from NSDOTIR re: costs
of other streetscape improvements.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY No progress during the period of this report
CHESTER WATER Council in November decided on non-binding poll
question for the property owners in the village;
Utilized “Voice and Choices” and public
information sessions held Dec. 11, 2018 and Jan
14, 2019 to inform the public on the question.
Poll voting dates Jan.18-26, 2018
Next step –Council to discuss central water,
including poll results,Feb. 7
Page 2 of 7
Staff are looking into option of submitting an
Infrastructure funding application in the fall of
2019, as next intake will not be until after 2021
SHARED SERVICES Council approved on November 29, 2018 the cross
appointment of building and fire inspectors.
Work is underway for transition to regional service
(software, scheduling, HR)
ROAD UPGRADE POLICY
(waiting for further review)
Draft Policy and By-law discussed by Council on
November 29, 2018
Next steps –Director Engineering to categorize
streets before policy and by-law are approved
SUSTANE TRANSITION Sustane not operational yet. Once operational
plan will be put in place for development of
synergies
2018-19 Budget includes transition to processing
by Sustane in Aug/Sept 2018.Forecast have been
adjusted to have a February start date.
Page 3 of 7
NEXT PRIORITIES
ACTION STATUS
Business / Industrial Park Land acquired in 2018
Traffic Impact Analysis completed
October 2018, awarded work to CBCL for
design of road and drainage infrastructure
and subdivision application for road and
concept layout
CBCL identified 60% of property as wetland.
Discussed with Council Jan. 24, 2019. No
further expenditures or re-zoning work to be
conducted on the property at this time.
Rural Internet CIRA Test and Campaign underway –to date
14,565 tests (2,872 on MOC).
Develop NS has issued their Request for
Qualifications document (complete by end of
March).
Develop NS next step –release invitation to
bid in the summer.
Service Level Agreement with ISP –contract
still with legal
Marketing Strategy (MODC / KM)Will commence once Sector Strategy is
completed
Sector Strategy Continuing to work with consultant to
narrow down potential target sectors and
consultation plan
Report to Council re: Stakeholder
consultation/engagement-pending
We submitted a successful application to
Global Affairs Canada that will provide
funding to support the development of a
sector strategy through an FDI lens (foreign
direct investment).
Village SPS/LUB-Review No progress during the period of this report
Alternative Revenue Fees Policy approved Jan. 10, 2019
No further work completed during the
period of this report
Page 4 of 7
Open Space Plan Preliminary Report drafted –pending Feb
2019
Draft Signage Program Presented RFD and held workshop for
Council
Working on pilot program for Council
approval
Waste Water Management District By-
law
See below for sewer capacity analysis
No progress to date on district by-law
Sewer Capacity Analysis Staff have issued and awarded 3 engineering
RFP’s to investigate improvements and
increasing capacity of Chester, Chester Basin
and Otter Point.
A 19-20 Funding application was submitted
Jan 18, 2019 for Investing in Canada
Infrastructure Program
No progress to date on Gold River sewer
assessment
Active Living Strategy Data collection, research and document
planning is in progress
Provincial “Let’s Get Moving” strategy
released
Salary Review/Remuneration
(Staff/Council)
Funds included in 2018/19 Budget
Staff positioning on salary bands reviewed
by SMT.
Financial impact of movements on salary
bands being determined for report to
Council
Plan Review Held CPAC meeting and two joint Council/
CPAC sessions
On hold awaiting final report for Harris Lake
rezoning request
Asset Management Asset management (AM)strategic priorities
reported to Council Nov. 22, 2018
Pre-budget approval given by Council to
carry over to 2019-20 funds for an external
consultant, if required.
AM policy drafted
Continued development of service inventory
profiles. Now includes ID of assets associated
with services. Info to be used to help define
levels of services as part of an AM system
Waste Collection Contract RFP proposals received and evaluated
Contract negotiations reviewed with Council
Page 5 of 7
Jan 10, 2019 for direction on potential
contract.
Code of Conduct Review of NSFM’s model code of conduct
and samples of those used by Canadian
municipalities as part of best practice
research in preparation of MOC’s draft policy
Development underway of content options
for Council’s review pending approval of
provincial regulations to ensure minimum
requirements are met.
Expense Reimbursement Policy
Hospitality Policy
Model Policies completed by AMANS
First draft MODC Policies completed
Review of current policies to ID sections
dealing with expense reimbursement with
the goal to remove and consolidate into one
policy (Expense Reimbursement Policy)
On-line Reporting of Council / CAO expenses
completed
Substance Abuse Policy -NEW No further work completed during the
period of this report
Page 6 of 7
DEPARTMENTAL ACTIONS ON STRATEGIC PRIORITIES CHART
ACTIONS STATUS
Service Inventory Continued service review with Engineering &
Public Works
Cross departmental review of completed service
profiles underway in order to include assets
associated with services, where applicable
Associated infrastructure and natural assets
component added to service profiles that will
connect service delivery,levels of service,
organizational capacity, and assets as part of an
Asset Management system
Internal Process / Control Review No progress made this quarter
To Review processes and identifying their related
controls, risk and mitigations Results will be
reviewed with the Audit Committee
PO Module/ Procurement Policy Not started
Tax Rate and Debt Strategy Not started
Roll out of Diamond Module to Directors
COMPLETED
Completed by Manager of Finance
HR Succession (Finance)Not started
UARB Appeal On hold pending Charter challenge
Public Participation Program Voices and Choices being used for Plan Review
Engagement and Chester Central Water
Fire Inspection Policy-COMPLETED Policy approved by Council September 27, 2018
Western Shore / Mill Cove
Substantial completion
Western Shore –Being wrapped up and final
funding claims to be submitted. On budget.
Mill Cove –Disinfection issue appears resolved –
awaiting last test results. Being wrapped up and
final funding claims to be submitted. On budget.
IT Risk Mitigation Plan Information Access and Protection Policy drafted –
to go Council in Feb/2019
Privacy Training completed
Staff have completed the Internet Security
Awareness training,
Sherbrooke Lake Park Design &
Stewardship
Volunteers completed the 2018 water sampling.
Final report complied by Bluenose Coastal to be
completed early 2019
Page 7 of 7
Other Items
ACTION ITEM
Year -End Audit Initial meeting held with Grant Thornton in
Jan. 2019 for the 18-19 audit
Audit Committee meeting to be set up after
start date of new CAO
Financial Quarterly Report (2nd Quarter
2018-19)
Completed
HR Recruitment –Fire Inspector; Admin
Assistant (Community Development)
Completed last quarter
Wet Anaerobic Digestion Completed (File Closed)
Technological Assessment completed
Draft Consulting/Project Management
contracts reviewed
Interconnection Agreement reviewed
Letter of Intent for Feedstock completed
Geotechnical completed
Review of Septage Lagoons commenced
Meeting with NSDOE (Energy);Anageria;
Feedstock host;
Operations and Maintenance Contract
review
Landfill Cell Fire Debrief Completed last quarter
Annapolis Valley Solid Waste Processing 3-month processing contract negotiated for
Landfill and Bluebag / Recyclables that
ended Dec. 10, 2018 was not renewed by
Annapolis County
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES CHART
BLUE= COUNCIL –NOW PRIORITIES (revisions noted)
GREEN –COUNCIL –NEXT PRIORITIES
Brown = Dept. Projects
January 24, 2019
NOW Milestone
1.STREET SCAPE PLAN-TIR/PLAN Sept Nov 2018
2.INVESTMENT STRATEGY (Audit Committee)July Nov March 2019
3.CHESTER WATER August Dec February 2019
4.SHARED SERVICES Dec February 2019
5.WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT Jan February 2019
NEXT PRIORITIES ACTIVE LIVING STRATEGY
MARKETING STRATEGY GOLD RIVER SEWER ASSESSMENT
SECTOR STRATEGY SALARY/RENUMERATION/BENEFIT REVIEW
BUSINESS/IND AND ECO PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN VILLAGE SPS / LUB
PLAN REVIEW-
ALTERNATE REVENUE ASSET MANAGEMENT
OPEN SPACE PLAN
SIGNAGE BY-LAW PROGRAM EXPENSE /HOSPITALITY POLICY
WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT DIST BY-LAW CODE OF CONDUCT
SEWER CAPACITY ANALYSIS
CAO/ ADMINISTRATION
SHARED SERVICES-Phase 1 Implementation
SALARY/REMUNERATION/BENEFIT REVIEW
EXPENSE/HOSPITALITY POLICY
Service Inventory
Business Continuity Plan
FINANCE
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
ALTERNATE REVENUE
Internal process/control review
PO Module/ procurement policy
Tax Rate and debt strategy
Roll out Diamond access to Directors
HR succession
PUBLIC WORKS
CHESTER WATER
SEWER CAPACITY ANALYSIS
WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BY-LAW
Mill Cove Sewer Projects
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS INDUSTRIAL PARK/ECO PARK
RURAL INTERNET /BROADBAND
SECTOR STRATEGY
BRE
Business Engagement
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLAN REVIEW
STREETSCAPE PLAN
SIGNAGE PROGRAM/BY-LAW
UARB Appeal
Public Participation policy/program
Victoria Street Rezoning
Nordic Spa Site Plan
CORPORATE
ASSET MANAGEMENT [ CAO]
IT Risk Mitigation Plan
Information Access and Protection Policy
RECREATION
OPEN SPACE PLAN
ACTIVE LIVING STRATEGY UPDATE
Sherbrooke Lake Park Design & Stewardship
SOLID WASTE
SUSTANE TRANSITION
WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT
ADVOCACY
PUBLIC, PRIVATE, PARTNERSHIP
CHESTER COMMISSION
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES CHART
BLUE= COUNCIL –NOW PRIORITIES
GREEN –COUNCIL –NEXT PRIORITIES
Brown = Dept. Projects
January 24, 2019
NOW Milestone
1.INVESTMENT STRATEGY (Audit Committee)July Nov March 2019
2.CHESTER WATER August Dec February 2019
3.SHARED SERVICES Dec February 2019
4.WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT Jan February 2019
NEXT PRIORITIES ACTIVE LIVING STRATEGY
MARKETING STRATEGY GOLD RIVER SEWER ASSESSMENT
SECTOR STRATEGY SALARY/RENUMERATION/BENEFIT REVIEW
BUSINESS/IND AND ECO PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN VILLAGE SPS / LUB
PLAN REVIEW
ALTERNATE REVENUE ASSET MANAGEMENT
OPEN SPACE PLAN
SIGNAGE BY-LAW PROGRAM EXPENSE /HOSPITALITY POLICY
WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT DIST BY-LAW CODE OF CONDUCT
SEWER CAPACITY ANALYSIS
CAO/ ADMINISTRATION
SHARED SERVICES-Phase 1 Implementation
SALARY/REMUNERATION/BENEFIT REVIEW
EXPENSE/HOSPITALITY POLICY
Service Inventory
Business Continuity Plan
FINANCE
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
ALTERNATE REVENUE
Internal process/control review
PO Module/ procurement policy
Tax Rate and debt strategy
HR succession
PUBLIC WORKS
CHESTER WATER
SEWER CAPACITY ANALYSIS
WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BY-LAW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS INDUSTRIAL PARK/ECO PARK
RURAL INTERNET /BROADBAND
SECTOR STRATEGY
BRE
Business Engagement
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLAN REVIEW
STREETSCAPE PLAN
SIGNAGE PROGRAM/BY-LAW
UARB Appeal
Public Participation policy/program
CORPORATE
ASSET MANAGEMENT [ CAO]
IT Risk Mitigation Plan
Information Access and Protection Policy
RECREATION
OPEN SPACE PLAN
ACTIVE LIVING STRATEGY UPDATE
Sherbrooke Lake Park Design & Stewardship
SOLID WASTE
SUSTANE TRANSITION
WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT
ADVOCACY
PUBLIC, PRIVATE, PARTNERSHIP
CHESTER COMMISSION
ADMINISTRATION QUARTERLY REPORT (October 2018 to December 2018))
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Target
Delivery Date
Road Upgrade
Policy/By-law
Draft Policy and By-law discussed by Council on Nov. 29/18
Next steps –Director Engineering to categorize streets before
policy/by-law are approved.
February, 2019
Inter-Municipal
Shared Services
Council approved cross appointment of building/fire
inspectors on Nov. 29/18
Work underway for transition to regional services (software,
scheduling, HR)
March,2019
Service capacity Inventory continues –i.e. continued service review with
Engineering &Public Works and other Departments follow-
up review, especially on cross department services;a
comprehensive undertaking that will benefit our asset
management system by connecting Council’s prioritized
services with assets.
March,2019
Bio Mass Completed.File closed last quarter as COMFIT Timelines too
tight for project completion .
N/A
REN-Windup Termination complete. MODC has distributed windup
cheques to participating Municipalities.
Economic Development Officers working on a proposal for
Councils’ concerning “What is next for regional economic
development initiatives”.
January,2019
Chester Water Council decided on non-binding poll question for Village area
property owners. Utilized “Voices and Choices” and public
information sessions to inform public on the question.
Voting started on Jan. 18th and concludes on Jan. 26th. Results
to be part of Council discussion on Feb. 7, 2019.
February 2019
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
HR Recruitment
-Fire Inspector
-Admin Assistant
Completed last quarter
Completed last quarter
Asset Management Asset Management strategic priorities presented to Council
Nov 22, 2018. Pre-budget approval given to carry over, to 19 -
20, funds for an external consultant, if required
Asset Management policy drafted.
Now linking assets to associated services as part of service
capacity review.
Simms Settlement Financing portion the Agreement of Purchase and Sale could
not be met by the purchaser.
Property to be listed with a real estate agent.
Expense Reimbursement Policy
Hospitality Policy
First draft of policies completed.
On line reporting of Council/CAO expenses completed.
ADMINISTRATION QUARTERLY REPORT (October 2018 to December 2018))
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
Grant Applications completed /
results received
-PCAP Grant awarded in the amount of $61,250 for
engineering design of expansions to wastewater
facilities.
-Climate Change Staff Grant (FCM) ($125,000 over two
years) flood plain modelling and staff resource to
implement Climate Change Plan/Asset Management -
(unsuccessful application).
-FCM Municipal Asset Management Program ($50,000)
-Partners for Climate Change –Expression of Interest to
partner with Clean NS. Partnership among rural.
municipalities in development: details forthcoming.
-Invest Canada –Community Initiatives (ICCI) Call for
Proposals, Global Affairs Canada, application for funding
for sector investment strategy. Successful application.
-Digital Content Marketing Program, Tourism Nova
Scotia. Results pending.
Gas Tax Fund Reports Signage Report completed in November (required quarterly)
Policy Development/Review -Fee Policy amendments approved Jan. 10, 2019
-Asset Management Policy first draft completed.
-Code of Conduct reviewed best practices and developing
content options for Council’s review. Waiting for mandated
provincial regulations.
-Expense Reimbursement Policy*–first draft completed
-Hospitality Policy –first draft completed.
-*Review of current policies to ID sections dealing with
expense reimbursement with the goal to remove and
consolidate into one policy (Expense Reimbursement Policy).
Professional Development AMA Fall conference
Annapolis County Waste Collection The negotiated contract for receipt of and processing of
landfill waste and blue/recyclable waste ended December 10,
2018 and was not renewed by Annapolis County .
METRICS
Council Agendas 5
COW Agendas 6
Audit/Budget Agendas 0
Noise By-law Applications 0
FOIPOP Applications 2
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (Oct-Dec 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Target
Delivery Date
PLAN REVIEW –DRAFT
LUB
Held CPAC meeting and two joint Council/CPAC
sessions to review outstanding items, legal review
completed on draft MPS and changes made
accordingly.
On Hold awaiting Final report for Harris Lake
Rezoning request.
April/May 2018
SIGNAGE BY-
LAW/PROGRAM
Presented RFD and held workshop for council to
identify priorities and obtain direction on program
components.
Working on Pilot program for council approval
August 2018
UARB APPEAL On Hold pending Charter Challenge
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
Fire Services Continuing follow-up (via Lamey) with DMA on Western
Shore Fire Commission by-laws and Resolution to
transition to Rural Fire District Act.
P33 registration packages presented to Council with
approval and issuance of Schedule B Letters.
Awarded Request for Standing Offer for fire scene
security services to the Commissionaires.
Continued work on Fire Smart initiatives with Marvin’s
Island and Shaw Island owners’ associations.
Completed Fire Prevention Week campaign activities in
support of all Fire Departments.
Presented Request for Decision on Internet Access for
Fire Departments. Approved and procedures developed
for Fire Departments.
Presented Request for Decision on funding of MODC fire
services study and risk assessment. Approved to proce ed
to a final scope document. Implementation in 2019/20.
Presented Request for Decision on letter of support to
NSFM for FSANS Resolution on Provincial Dispatch
system. Continuing work locally with Scotia Business
Center in development of improved Fire Dispatch
Services.
Reviewed insurance coverage with Commissions and
increased liability limits to $ 10 million. Working on non -
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (Oct-Dec 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
member insurance coverage and reviewing
accident/disability policies.
Continuing work with NSFM and AMANS Fire Advisory
Committee (through Fire Services Coordinators) on
Pomax recommendations.
Continuing work to model a revised fire advisory
committee with MODC Council.
Continuing work on inter municipal mutual aid
agreements.
Continuing work on second round of Fit testing program
for all MODC FDs.
Continuing discussions with Acadia Band Council and
Heather Mackenzie-Carey on the development of an
emergency response plan for the Gold River Reserve.
Fox Point Lake Water Quality
Monitoring Committee
2 meetings –reviewing results and received annual
report.
Shared Services All parties have approved MOU.
Met with Steering Committee for approval of workplan .
IT implementation plan in progress.
Staff working groups being formed .
Safety Program Section 6 (General Safety Rules) approved and
distributed.
Section 1 (Regulatory) approved and distributed .
Section 8 Preventive Maintenance drafted for review.
SWP 098 “Working Alone”approved and distributed.
Successfully completed external safety audit and received
Certificate of Recognition from Construction Safety Nova
Scotia.
Completed corrective actions with Kaizer Meadow on
compressor compliance with Provincial regulations.
Completed respiratory fit testing for Kaizer Meadow.
Following up with Public Works.
Issued new Municipal ID Cards to all staff.
Continuing work 2019 Safety Work plan.
Continuing work on recommendations from Fire
Department and update on Emergency Response Plan
following landfill fire.
SPS Amendment –Rezone Property on
Victoria St
Recommendation to Council in January.
Council denied request for rezoning.
Mahone Bay DA amendment application in progress .
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (Oct-Dec 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
Bylaw 15 bylaw complaints logged
o 1 building without a permit
o 9 Dangerous/Unsightly
o 2 Solid Waste
o 1 Nose Complaint
o 1 Land Use Complaint
20 Site Visits Completed
Civic Addressing Three new private road names approved by council .
(Hennigar Lake Dr in Chester Grant, Ox Yoke Lane in
Fraxville, and Sensëa Road in Chester).
Glengarry Road Signage –complete, new road signage
with correct spelling has been installed by TIR .
Two new requests regarding the Private Street.
Improvement & Maintenance By-Law –5 requests in
progress.
Site Plan –Nordic Spa Completed –Permit issued
Agricultural Advisory TOR In progress
Professional Development B. Blackwood received Level 2 Fire Inspection certification
at FIANS fall conference.
E. Schurman Kolb completed educational requirements
for Level 2 Building Official qualifications –waiting
confirmation of qualification.
T. Maguire –Legal Course through NS Building Officia ls
Association.
Leadership for Safety Excellence.
AMA Fall Conference
METRICS
Planning Committee Meetings (VAAC, CPAC, MAAC)4
Public Hearings 0
Public Information Meetings 0
Council Workshop/Joint Meetings 2
Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Meetings -CM 2
Council & PAC -MB 2
Public Hearings -MB 0
Public Information Meetings -MB 1
Various fire services and REMO meetings Volunteer Firefighter
Appreciation dinner and
service awards
REMO Advisory and AEC
meetings
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (Oct-Dec 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
Fire Services Coordinators
teleconferences
New Ross and Western Shore
Commissions
Lunenburg East Fire Services
Lunenburg Regional Fire
Services
Canadian Volunteer Fire
Services Conference
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (October, November, December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Target Delivery
Date
BUSINESS
INDUSTRIAL PARK
Engineering and Public Works awarded the RFP for
the subdivision and infrastructure design to CBCL.
Engineering and Public Works to provide an update
to council at January 24th council meeting.
Council report:
January 24
RURAL INTERNET South Shore Internet Performance Test with MODL
and ROQ: to date, a total of 14,565 tests have been
taken with 2,871 of those in the Municipality of
Chester (ROQ 2,726/MODL 8,977).Completed
contest encouraging residents to take the test.
Winner was Mickey Quase from Blandford.Continue
to purchase Facebook ads and posts on a regular
basis and discuss at business development
organization meetings.
Develop NS has issued their Request for
Qualifications document,inviting organizations
interested in building, managing, and maintaining
high-speed internet networks to become pre-
qualified to bid on network solutions.Develop NS
estimates the pre-qualification stage will be
complete by the end of March with the invitation to
bid released in the summer. Project starts will
depend on market response, but it is estimated they
could begin in early 2020.Attended 2 Develop NS
stakeholder sessions this quarter.
Continue to attend NOW Lunenburg County Internet
for All meetings (1 attended in this quarter). They are
looking at creating a broadband cooperative.
No CRTC update this quarter –Develop NS has been
in discussions with them.
TNC Proposal –contract is still with legal.
Complete South
Shore Internet
Performance Test:
May 2019
Develop NS RFP
Release:Summer,
2019
CRTC Call for
Proposals: 2019
KAIZER MEADOW Met with Sustane in October and took tour of
facility.No immediate supply chain opportunities
uncovered. Possibly a fuel company in the future.
Held 2 internal staff meetings (PW, SW and CD)
regarding work plan. First step is to determine how
much land is available for development while taking
zoning restrictions, current developments, landfill
buffer and future expansion, and wetland areas into
consideration.
Wetland Delineation
& Boundary Survey:
April, 2019
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (October, November, December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SECTOR STRATEGY Continuing to work with consultant on narrowing
down potential target sectors and consultation plan.
Staff applied for funding under the federal program
called “Invest Canada -Community Initiatives” which
provides support to communities seeking to improve
their capacity to attract, retain and expand F oreign
Direct Investment (FDI)in order to create jobs,
support innovation and increase exports.On
December 21, we received notification that our
application was successful. This funding would
support Phase 2 of our Sector Strategy (50% of
consultant costs for a total of $7,500)and would
include the development of a FDI Strategy /
Framework for those sectors that align with federal
priorities. Confirmation that one or more of our
priority sectors align with federal priorities is still to
be determined with council and would be required
in order to utilize this funding.
Check-in with council:
January 2019
TOURISM CHESTER The #LOVEwhereyoulive campaign was launched in
October with our first winner announced on
November 1.There will be a new winner announced
at the beginning of every month.
S.Beaumont arranged for CTV Breakfast to do
segments on both the New Ross Christmas Festival
and Chester Village Christmas events.
On October 18, Council and tourism staff had a
workshop to review the 2018 pilot season. At the
workshop, a number of items came up to improve
our tourism offering and council asked staff to come
back with options and costs for those items. Staff are
planning to present this RFD at the January 31
council meeting.
Tourism Items RFD to
council: Jan. 31
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (October, November, December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
Tourism Advertising this quarter:
Saltscapes Ad in Oct/Nov issue:
Saltscapes Ad in Dec/Jan issue:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (October, November, December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
Ad in 'Your Local'Magazine -Winter Tourism
Special via South Shore Tourism Coop:
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
Professional Development APEC Business Outlook Conference-E.Lowe
Trade and International Relations Workshop-E.Lowe
TIANS Conference-E.Lowe
Business Retention and
Expansion Program
Outcome of Phase 1 sector strategy will assist in determining
which sectors to target first.
Events Levy Attended 3 events levy meetings in this quarter.
Business Engagement E.Lowe Attended:1 Hugh MacKay Tourism Mtg;1 Hugh MacKay
BDAG mtg; 1 Chester Merchants Mtg.; 1 New Ross Regional Dev.
Society Mtg.; 1 Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce Mtg.; 1
ACOA luncheon; 1 business visit; 1 stakeholders mtg for Events
Levy
S.Beaumont attended:7 South Shore Tourism Coop Mtgs.; 1
Bluenose Coast Mtg.; 1 New Ross Regional Dev. Society Mtg.; 1
Hugh MacKay TSN Mtg.; 1 Chester Merchants Mtg.
3 new investment / navigation inquiries
Hand delivered ‘Best of’business awards and runner-up
certificates and regularly posting on Facebook . We have been
receiving a lot of engagement on our Facebook posts
celebrating our winners;with our most popular post reaching
5,000 people! (Ross Farm post)
Capacity Building Business events & learning opps listing in Municipal Insights;
email updates to business groups re: new programs and grant
opps as they come available;
On planning committee for 2018 business summit –met weekly
during this quarter and event was held on October 17th.
The 2019 Southwest Nova Scotia Agriculture Day will be hosted
in Chester Municipality on Saturday, March 16th at the Oak
Island Resort. Currently working on the program details with
Dept.of Agriculture,MODL, Region of Queens and Municipality
of the District of Yarmouth.Monthly meetings.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
QUARTERLY REPORT (October, November, December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
Commercial/Industrial Property
Inventory
No update
Regional Economic
Development
Attended 4 regional economic development meetings in this
quarter in order to determine a new regional economic
development model that could work for Lunenburg/Queens. Will
present proposed model at the next CAO/Mayors/Wardens
meeting.
METRICS
Sponsorship Grants Approved 0
Business Engagement Meetings 19
New Investment / Navigation Inquiries 3
ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. QUARTERLY REPORT (Oct –Dec 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Delivery Date
Chester Water Staff proceeded as directed, with the organization of a non -
binding poll to take place in January 2019, held the first of two
(2) public information meetings at CAMS in December 2018,
utilized the Voices & Choices online platform to communicate
and educate the Public, as well as addressing all their inquiries.
February 2019
NEXT PRIORTIES
Activity Status
Wastewater Management –
District By-Law, Gold River
Sewer Assessment and
Sewer Capacity Analysis
Staff have issued and awarded the three (3) Eng’ring RFP’s to investigate
improvements and increasing capacity of Chester,Chester Basin, and
Otter Point.Draft reports received for Otter Point and Chester Basin, and
are awaiting on a cost estimate for Chester, so staff can submit a 19-20
funding application.These projects are PCAP funded.No progress made
to date on the Gold River Sewer Assessment or the District By -law.
Business Industrial Park Staff have issued and awarded an Eng’ring RFP for the design of the road
and drainage infrastructure,as well as to prepare a subdivision
application for the road network and provide a concept lot layout that
maximizes the land based on onsite.Staff has recently drafted a memo
requesting further direction on the project.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
Mill Cove WWTP
Replacements
Disinfection system issues appear to be resolved, awaiting last set of test
results.The project is being wrapped up and the final funding claims to
be submitted. A draft operations manual has been submitted to NSE. The
project remains on budget.
Western Shore WWTP
Improvements
The project is being wrapped up and the final funding claims to be
submitted. The plant is functioning, but we are still working on the
disinfection system controls.A draft operations manual has been
submitted to NSE. The project remains on budget.
Mill Cove Fire Protection
Decommissioning Review
Staff reported the results of CBCL’s options review.Decentralizing the
system did not prove to be a cost -efficient option. Staff are working on
using the remaining project funds to investigate the cost-effectiveness of
the rehabilitation option.
Chester Basin Wharf –
Rehabilitation
A new metal gang-way ramp was constructed with the remaining project
funds and will be installed next boating season.
Sewer Assessments Reports have been submitted to NSE, no comments received to date.Any
recommendations from the assessments will be included in the capacity
investigations noted above and in the 10-year capital plan.
Municipal Office/Annex
Renovations
An interior vestibule was quoted,but not proceeded with due to loss of
space. Staff are working on exterior vestibule option and residing the
office for next construction season.The facility audit is on hold until we
ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. QUARTERLY REPORT (Oct –Dec 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
obtain more information on accessibility regulations.Our winter focus
will be on improving the Annex meeting room.
Inflow & Infiltration
Reduction Prog.
Phase 2 of manhole improvements completed, in the process of
submitting a funding claim.PCAP funding is available due to unused
funds from last year.
Trail Work Staff completed the work from an updated maintenance plan, based on
summer inspections, complaints and scheduled events.Staff may
complete additional brush cutting this winter, subject to weather.Work
is currently underbudget.
Contract Services The Municipal Clerk has provided a list of contracts that are set to expire.
Staff have issued the sludge removal tender, as well as drafted HVAC
services and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance tenders.
Wastewater Operations Plant’s continuing to operate and be maintained in accordance with NSE
approvals.Staff are working on updating O&M manuals and researching
options for the Panel upgrades with the provision of SCADA to each of
the 18 pump stations.Completed several sewer connections/inspections.
Property Maintenance Completed property maintenance, as required at all pro perties. Daily
inspections completed at the Fr. Simms Settlement School,Haughn
property and Fr.Fox Pt School.
Transportation (Road)
Maintenance
Completed routine inspections of roadways and sidewalks.Continued to
deal with Streetlight requests.
Municipal Fleet Staff tendered the purchase of two (2) SUV’s for Bldg .& Fire Inspectors.
Administration &Safety Hazard inspections up to date,staff and toolbox meeting’s being held.
Engineering Technologist was hired,and the Department is beginning to
make headway on the backlog of work due to staff shortages.
LOW VALUE PRROCUREMENT UPDATES ($10,000 < LVP < $50,000)
Service/Project Term Contractor, Award Amount
Service –Curb & Sidewalk Repair 1 –Year Dexter Construction, $300.00 plus HST/sq. ft
Service –HVAC Insp’n & Mtce 3 –Year Awaiting issuance and award
Service –Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspn 3 –Year Awaiting issuance and award
Service –Service Lateral Inspection 1 –Year Awaiting issuance and award
METRICS
Activity Status Activity Status
Sewer Permits Issued to date 11 Compost Carts Delivered 78
Sewer Callouts (S.Business)to date 7 Dead Marine Life Collection s to date 1
Sewer Complaints to date 7 Events requiring Public Sort Stns to date 15
EDU (Total =1574.1) Decrease 1.7 Public Sorting Station Abuse Incidents 8
Bandstand Bookings 4 Road Name Signs Installed to date 15
Maintenance Work Orders Completed 36 Streetlight Requests to date (approx.)19
Compliments to date 0 Sidewalk Snow Removal Events to date 0
FINANCE QUARTERLY REPORT (October to December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Target
Delivery Date
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
Council remuneration
adjusted for loss of tax-free
portion
Council remuneration adjusted for the Councillors’loss of the tax-free
portion as of Jan 1, 2019. Adjustment made so that net pay remained
the same.
Roll out of access to financial
software to Directors
This was completed by Manager of Finance with the assistance of
Information Services. One on one training provided to each Director.
Posting of Council and CAO
remuneration and expenses
on Web site
Initial posting of council and CAO remuneration and expenses for the
2nd quarter posted on MODC’s web site.
2nd quarter preliminary
financial statements
Completed and reviewed with Council on November 1, 2018.
Water supply upgrade loans Two applications for loans under the new by-law were received and
processed (now at eight).
Tax sale Sixty-day tax sale notices have been sent out.Tax sale scheduled for
January 29th at10 am.
Acting CAO Director took on Acting CAO duties starting November 26th.
Debentures Completed debenture borrowing for Wester n shore and Mill cove
WWTP’s
Conferences Director attended Fall AMA conference: Revenue Clerk attended Tax
collectors conference.
Zoe Valle Library financials Completed financial statements for year ended July 31, 2018 .
METRICS
2nd qtr.18-19 HST return due October 31 Filed on October 31st, 2018.
CRA bi-weekly/monthly payroll remittances 9 remittances -9 filed on time
CRA monthly WCB remittances 3 remittances –3 filed on time
Finance Team meetings held 2
By-law 148 Water supply loans -# loans Two (total at eight)
By-law 148 Water supply loans -$ value approved (max $150,000)$20,000 (total at $75,974
INFORMATION SERVICES QUARTERLY REPORT (October –December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Target
Delivery Date
Building Shared
Services
Meetings with JSB to determine next steps for Records
Management and Permitting Software
??
IT Risk Mitigation Information Access and Protection Policy to Coun cil February 2019
Laserfiche Cloud Determining partners for Laserfiche Cloud implementation 2019?
Voicesandchoices.ca Chester Water site now active Complete
Chester Water Heading into second public information session. Prepared
Communications Strategy and working with
communications firm on news release, social media posts
and key messaging documents. Other documents prepared
by staff: fact sheets, posters, mapping, voter letters and
information.
Pending Council
decision
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
Onboarding and setup Onboarding of new hires –Dan McDougall, CAO
Server Upgrades and Maintenance 1.Diamond 2018 upgrade completed
2.Planning Phase –Laserfiche 10.4 upgrade
VoicesandChoices.ca Continue supporting the roll out of our new online
engagement platform. Developing protocol and supporting
documents for project admin.
Security Awareness Training
(Beauceron Security)
New staff required to take security awareness training.
Private Wireless Access Sustane now has Private Wireless Access. Infrastructure in
place to support more tenants as necessary.
IT Protocols The following security protocols will be developed once the
Information Access and Protection Policy is approved :
1.Clean Desk Protocol
2.Data Backup Protocol
3.Data Breach Response Protocol
4.Disaster Recovery Plan Protocol
5.Email Protocol
6.Endpoint Encryption Protocol
7.Information Security Classification Protocol
8.Internet Acceptable Use Protocol
9.Password Construction Protocol
10.Password Protection Protocol
11.Privacy Protocol
12.Remote Access Storage Protocol
INFORMATION SERVICES QUARTERLY REPORT (October –December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
13.Vital Records Protection Protocol
Support Provided communications support for CIRA testing, Tourism
Chester, Chester Water Supply, waste collection calendar,
staff for website, media inquiries, water distribution program,
food drive, and various speeches, quotes, media releases,
promo and social media posts.
Mapping Updates 1.New ArcGIS Server setup and design based on ISO
standards and Asset Management Practices.
2.Creating documentation on new GPS equipment for
staff to utilize in the field.
3.Water poll/survey mapping and data creation for
both internal and external uses.
4.Re-work disaster mapping for future efficiency and
quicker deployment. Primarily targeting dry well and
water issues projects right now.
5.Daily activities and database maintenance continue
as usual.
Professional Development Communications Officer attended SocialEast conference
Process Improvements Parking Lot Inspection Form –Public Works Dept
Municipal Publications Prepared two editions of the municipal newsletter:
October/November and December/January
Staff Directory (just waiting to update CAO listing)
Municipal Awareness Week Coordinated class presentation at NRCS, nature walk at
Card Lake (cancelled), and Facebook Live feed at FHCS
Special Council meeting (postponed). Also prepared social
media posts and revised MAW video.
Regional Communications Telephone meeting with AMANS reps and two other municipal
units reestablishing a regional communications group. Follow-up in
2019.
METRICS
Assets Collected Geo-Rectified N/A
Service Desk Tickets 167 Requests
Website views 36,594 pageviews (-9,837)
Twitter impressions 34,800 (-6,541)
Facebook total reach 107,511 (-111,238)
Instagram 251 followers (+56)
RECREATION & PARKS QUARTERLY REPORT (October to December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Target
Delivery Date
Open Space
Planning
Preliminary writing of the draft open space plan is underway .
Meetings have taken place with other department staff and
research has been done on open space planning models as well
as open space bylaws.
December 2018
New Ross
School:
Community Use
The community use of New Ross School is well underway with
the first four months of use completed.
Completed
Active Living
Strategy Update
Data collection, research and document planning is in progress.
South Shore MPAL’s met with CCH staff.Provincial “Let’s Get
Moving” strategy was released.
December 2018
Sherbrooke Lake
Park Design
EDM Planning presented the draft park design to both MOC
and MODL councils. The report has been accepted and it is up
to MODL to determine next steps for implementation.
Completed
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
Programs & Events Highlights “Halloween at the Tower” took place on Oct. 29 th with
approximately 125 people attending. New this year was “The
Bubble Man” who was a big hit with both kids and parents.
The Seniors Christmas Party took place on Dec. 6th with
approximately 80 people enjoying festive activities and
snacks.
We offered a Superhero’s United program for families that
have children with special needs and had 27 people
participate.
PRO Kids The number of PRO Kids applications over the Fall term (55)
was consistent with numbers from the past couple of years.
The NHL Legends Tour made a stop in Chester on Oct. 20 th.
$7,000 in proceeds were split between PRO Kids and the
Chester Swim Program.A high number of memorial
donations were received this fall in memory of both Don
Patterson & Don Weagle.
Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Volunteers completed the 2018 water sampling of
Sherbrooke Lake. A final report compiled by Bluenose
Coastal will be completed in early 2019. A summary
document will be released to the public as information and
education.
RECREATION & PARKS QUARTERLY REPORT (October to December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
Trails “The Western Loop” of the Great Trail is being discussed at
the provincial level. Now that the main trail is open across
Canada, they are considering the addition of spurs and loops.
Stronger Together Learning Together Three educational workshops for community groups were
held this Fall in Lunenburg and Queens. One of the sessions
was held at the New Ross School and had 16 attendees .
There were requests for additional training to be offered.
Recreation Nova Scotia The Recreation Nova Scotia conference was held October 25
& 26 at Oak Island Resort.It was a great conference with
good presenters and attendance.
Fox Point Community Centre Staff are working on the sale of the Fox Point Community
Centre property. It will be listed in early 2019.
Play Modules Working with Through The Years on the South Shore Play
modules. This is the first organization in MOC to do some
specific planning around outdo or unstructured play.
Provincial News Communities Culture & Heritage released their provincial
“Let’s Get Moving” strategy. The emphasis is to get people to
move more in their everyday activities. Th is strategy will
influence our Municipal Active Living Strategy which is
currently being updated.
Grants Recreation grants were reviewed and approved. The full
$20,000 budget was allocated.The Fall allocation of Council
and Tourism grants were approved by Council.Efforts will
now shift to groups working on Major Project Applications
for January.
Community Group Highlight Staff have been working with the New Ross Trail Society. The
trail and related “Ruby’s Rocks” have received international
attention.
Halloween at the Tower Seniors Christmas Party
RECREATION & PARKS QUARTERLY REPORT (October to December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
METRICS (October to December 2018)
Programs Offered 49
Registered Program Participants 205
After School Program (ACES Budding Explorers)14
After School Programs Participants (FHCS)
No Fall Program –restarting in January 0
Equipment Bookings 76
Bandstand Bookings 15
FHCS Visitor Stats 2,359
ACES Visitor Stats 217
New Ross School Visitor Stats (*New)1,405
Community Group Photocopy Jobs 62
South Shore Connect Website:
Use of MOC Records
47,451
PRO Kids Applications 55
PRO Kids Fundraiser Events 4
PRO Kids Funds Raised:
Individual &Memorial Donations $6,892
Focsle Golf Tournament $2,265
Foodland Christmas Drive $2,000
NHL Legends Tour $3,500
Sing Choirs $900
$15,557
SOLID WASTE QUARTERLY REPORT (October to December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES (2018/19 Work Program)
Initiative Status Target
Delivery Date
Second tower
site (EVC)
Mobile Tower Unit piping installed and covered,electrical
complete,waiting on hose and hydrant on order.
January 2019
Sustane
Transition
(electronic gate)
Sustane assisting with gate implementation –the concrete pad
is in place and waiting on electrical/gate. Weather permitting.
February 2019
Chlorine Contact
Chamber
Awaiting approval from NSDOE to move forward .Jan/Feb 2019
Waste
Collection
Contract
RFPs received and under review and potential contract
administration in progress
Jan/Feb 2019
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Activity Status
Bulky Item Collection Program Bulky item collection program under way and an evaluation
report to be provided to Council October 2018.
Organics Processing Options The Anaerobic Digestion project is over. However, we are
under a full review of the lagoons and leachate management
capacity by CBCL. Report to be received January 2019
Sustane Technologies Delayed. We have been reviewing operational changes and
looking at all opportunities to utilize resources .We have met
and discussions underway.(ie.snow removal,etc.)
Transfer station/Annapolis County
Waste (short -term)
Looking at options to reduce costs to our transfer area on
site, further investigation required.No longer accepting waste
and recyclables from Annapolis County effective December 7,
2018, as per their request.
Leachate Mitigation CBCL assisting with leachate issues (part of cell 4A follow -up),
Council approved moving forward with rerouting the leachate
from cell 4A. CBCL prepared drawing and spec and requested
quotes. Award work shortly. January/Feb 2019.
Dewatering truck to be converted to a
dump truck
Conversion underway and dewatering tank on site to
maintain permit requirements until NSE responds to official
change to permit.
Scale House software Presently on hold due to other projects.
Landfill Gas A gas monitor will be used to periodically monitor around the
buildings within the vicinity of the landfill cells.To be
purchased.
The new 1 tonne truck to be equipped
with dump box and plow from old
truck.
Complete
Extension of Recyclables agreement
with Halifax
Waiting on Halifax to sign and return agreement.
SOLID WASTE QUARTERLY REPORT (October to December 2018)
Municipality of Chester-Quarterly Report
METRICS
MATERIAL Tonnage
Septic Waste *3,112.56
Construction & Demolition –Wood **188.87
Asphalt ***659.19
Organics ****403.32
Recyclables, Cardboard & Paper *****466.99
Mixed Construction & Demolition
Waste ******
223.38
* Municipal Septage = 1,885.98 metric tonnes, Billed Septage = 1,222.81 metric tonnes, Outside Septage
= 3.77 metric tonnes
** Mun Wood = 12.07 metric tonnes, TOL Wood = 5.02 metric tonnes , Wood = 171.42 metric tonnes,
Wood (Outside) = 0.36 metric tonnes
*** Asphalt = 75.89 metric tonnes, Asphalt (Outside) = 5.16 metric tonnes, Asphalt (Residential) = 57.14
metric tonnes, LRCRC Shingles = 521 metric tonnes
**** This figure is based on the compost that we sent out for recycling. It doesn’t include any compost
that would have gone over to our leaf pile.
***** Based on the figures for recyclables sent out to the recycling centre. Mun Recyclables = 254.59
metric tonnes, Annapolis County Recyclables = 212.40 metric tonnes
****** LRCRC C&D = 57.47 metric tonnes, Mixed C&D = 165.91 metric tonnes