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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-08-01_COW_Agenda Public Package (added 5.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 9.1 In Camera item)Page 1 of 2 of Agenda Cover Page(s) Committee of the W hole AGENDA (to follow Public Hearing at 8:45 a.m.) Thursday,August 1, 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 (to follow Public Hearing) 4.MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 4.1.Committee of the Whole –July 18, 2019 5.MATTERS ARISING: 5.1 Water Strategy and Action Plan –Director of Community Development. 5.2 Request for Direction prepared by Community Development Department dated 6.POLICY DEVELOPMENT/REVIEW. 7.CORRESPONDENCE: 7.1 Letter from Mahone Bay Centre dated July 11, 2019 regarding donation request in support for the new C. Joseph Feeney Bell Tower & Library which will stand in recognition of the significant contributions of former Mayor of Mahone Bay, mentor, educator, innovator and family man C. Joseph Feeney. 8.NEW BUSINESS: 8.1 Request for Decision prepared by Fire Services Coordinator dated July 19, 2019 regarding Fire Services Review –Tender Award -Fire Services District Risk Assessment. 8.2 For Information –changes to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations - Adaptable Housing. July 26, 2019 regarding the Haughn Property. 8.3 Director of Recreation and Parks - 2019-20 Quarterly Report Update (April to June 2019). Page 2 of 2 9.IN CAMERA. 10.ADJOURNMENT. WATER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN The Water Strategy and Action Plan will be a living document that will be amended and improved in response to our changing environment and circumstances.The development of a Strategy and Action Plan does not preclude Council talking immediate steps to expand or improve existing programs, or to explore new programs. As an example, the Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program will be immediately evaluated to ensure it is meeting current needs and demands in the community. THE ISSUES A safe and sufficient supply of water is critical to ensuring a sustainable economy and way of life in the Municipality of Chester.In order for our existing surface water and groundwater resources to provide us with abundant clean water now and into the future, they need to be protected and managed responsibly to ensure their long-term sustainability. This will necessitate that we manage quantity and quality issues, address the needs of both the natural environment, and meet the economic and physical needs of our residents for safe potable water sources.Climate change, sea level rise, and future growth and development all place different demands and create complex issues that will require us to think proactively about our water resources. There is a need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to water management in the Municipality,which will be accomplished through the development of Municipal Water Strategy and Action Plan. A Water Strategy and Action Plan for the Municipality may include a combination of education programs, voluntary and regulatory measures, policy development, investment in infrastructure, and other investments that can be used to address the following: WATER SUPPLY Will take into account both water quality and quantity. Need to develop an understanding of the state of our current water resources. Our needs for a potable water supply, and for emergency services are critical to the future of our communities. Identify the clients –residential (single and multi-unit developments, new subdivision), institutional (healthcare, education),commercial (hospitality industry, industrial clients etc)? Explore alternate systems (e.g. cluster systems, on-site, central etc). WATER CONSERVATION Water conservation plans focus on managing water demand, reducing consumption, and improving efficiency of water use. These plans extend beyond household water savings to include industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural water users. 2 Water Strategy and Action Plan Help MODC manage the impacts of water shortages that are less severe than drought conditions. Water conservation measures can aid in reducing the costs associated with developing new water supplies, drinking water treatment, drinking water distribution, wastewater treatment and associated pumping and energy costs. WATER PROTECTION Addressing the needs of the natural environment (i.e. may include dealing with effects from human activity such as land development, disruption of water cycle through the development of land for residential/commercial/agricultural purposes) Stormwater management Also needs to address physical and economic needs of the businesses & residents in our communities DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN Drought management plans are an important means of minimizing the impacts of water shortages and drought in a region. Plans must focus on managing demand, reducing consumption and improving efficiency of water use. Need to consider all water uses (including household, industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural). WATER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN TEAM A Water Strategy and Action Plan Team will be created to oversee the development of a water strategy and action plan.The purpose of the Water Strategy and Action Plan Team is to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan that contains tools and programs that the Municipality of Chester and its partners can implement to address water supply and water quality issues throughout the Municipality. Our Water Strategy and Action Plan will be based on a long-term vision and set of guiding principles.The Strategy and Action Plan will identify long-term goals to work toward when making management and operational decisions and will identify what actions should be taken to achieve these goals. The program will include proactive measures to protect our water resources and to plan for our future development. This may include conservation measures, source water protection measures, or the development of alternative options for water supply (e.g.community wells). The Strategy and Action Plan may also include response plans for dry season/drought conditions ,and programs to address private water supplies (e.g. expanded well lending programs, education programs for homeowners etc.). The Water Strategy and Action Plan Team is an administrative working group that will: provide strategic leadership in the development and implementation of a Municipal Water Strategy and Action Plan engage stakeholders,our partners,and the public to develop a strategy and action plan that addresses current and future needs provide advice, support and assistance in the implementation of the program assist in the promotion of water conservation and education programs 3 Water Strategy and Action Plan WATER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN TEAM MEMBERSHIP The team will consist of the CAO, the Village Clerk, th e Director of Engineering, the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, and the Director of Community Development. Other staff provide support as needed, including the Emergency Management team,the Fire Service Coordinator,Communications,and members of the Community Development Team. The team will use outside consultants, as appropriate,for technical and professional advice and project implementation. VISION The Vision of the Council is that the Municipality of Chester will have clean and healthy water in enough abundance to support the natural ecosystems,economic & community development and high quality of life for perpetuity. Accurate, up-to-date water information and scientific knowledge will support community and regional planning. Water will be managed in a spirit of cooperation, and a municipal-wide ethic of conservation will create a legacy of sustainable water resources for future generations ENGAGEMENT The Municipality will need to have an understanding of water resources and some of the programs and initiatives currently in place.Community engagement is a key feature to develop this understanding. Along with our partners, the municipality will initiate targeted discussions about water, how it’s managed and protected, today and for years to come. POTENTIAL STAKEHOLDERS/PARNTERS Village of Chester Commission Development Societies Nova Scotia Groundwater Association Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation The Clean Foundation Nova Scotia Nature Trust Ecology Action Centre Municipal Affairs and Housing Housing Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Environment Environment Canada Assembly of First Nations NS Lands and Forests DNR Ducks Unlimited Canada KEY REFERENCE MATERI ALS Water for Life: NS Water Resource Management Strategy 4 Water Strategy and Action Plan TIMELINE Public Consultation –September/October Research/Literature Review –August/September Consultation Report –November Strategy and Action Plan Development -December /January REQUEST FOR DIRECTION Prepared By:Tara Maguire,Community Development Director Date July 20, 2019 Reviewed By:Chad Haughn, Recreation Director Date July 20, 2019 Authorized By:Malcolm Pitman, Acting CAO Date July 29, 2019 CURRENT SITUATION In November 2017, The Municipality was deeded the property at 4952 & 4957 Highway 3, Marriott's Cove, the former home of Daniel Haughn who bequeathed the property to the Municipality.The property is a Municipally registered Heritage Property.The property has been identified as a gem property and is being considered as part of the open space plan. The home was constructed as a multiple dwelling (double house) by two brothers, Francais and John Countway circa 1839. The home’s double house construction is unique to this area and most rural areas of Nova Scotia.Each side of the duplex was purchased by the late John Chataway (1976 and 1985) and was eventually converted into a single residence.Although numerous additions have been made to the home, most have been done in keeping with the style of the original building. The original home consisted of a single gabled roof and a double main entrance facing the main road that passes through Middle River. RECOMMENDATION For discussion and direction BACKGROUND In addition to the home and property, the Municipality was also bequeathed the furnishings, art work, miscellaneous contents in the house, which have been appraised by Wayne Cameron .There are miscellaneous contents in the house that are included but are of nominal value only.In 2017 the Heritage Society was given the opportunity to go through the home and select items that they felt had heritage value. The remaining items were cataloged through photos. Mr. Haughn requested that a trust fund be established for heritage and recreation projects.The fund is open to the public projects, including those done by community organizations.Provided that the property is owned by the Municipality and used for a public purpose, this trust fund would be accessible to the Municipality for upkeep, maintenance and upgrades to the property. REPORT TO:Committee of the Whole SUBMITTED BY:Community Development Department DATE:August 1, 2019 SUBJECT:Haughn Property ORIGIN:Strategic Projects 2 Request For /Direction DISCUSSION Currently the home is vacant, with all remaining items that were not removed by the Heritage Society remaining in the home. The property is secured but there are several recent issues that have been identified. Staff does have some concerns that should be addressed if Council i ntends to keep the house until a final decision has been made on the public use of the property. In order to better secure the home, and ensure the assets are protected the following issues should be addressed. Security –The area is secluded and has been subject to a recent break in.Currently we do daily weekday checks (no checks done on weekends),but the Director of Public Works suggests that we should look into permanent video surveillance until the building is occupied. Estimated costs ~$2,500. Weather tight –There appears to be water damage inside. It appears that the water has less to do with condition of roof and more to do with how the additions we re added. It is suggested that this issue be addressed with a new roof and solving the roof alignment issue . Cost assumptions are based on a metal roof (but this would be subject to heritage approval). Estimated costs ~ $20,000. Condition Assessment –It is recommended that we conduct a condition assessment, using a third-party consultant to evaluate the condition of the building and provide advice/recommendations with cost of improvements. Estimated costs ~ $10,000. Water –Anticipate that at some point we will need to address the water supply.Although no assessment has been done, it is assumed that the well is a dug well onsite.At most this would comprise of a drilled well, pump and water line. Depending on use,it is expected a water treatment system could be required if it remains municipally operated.Estimated costs ~ $20,000. Septic -We know nothing about the septic system, but is would be reasonable to assu me a new onsite system will be required. Estimated costs ~ $15,000. Air Quality –The building is currently not ventilated and there are strong odors. T he cause of the odors is not known and there should be some investigation to determine how to resolve the issue. Heating –In the cold weather there are commercial heaters used to heat the building since the furnace it inoperable. A more permanent,efficient way to heat will be required but that will be dealt with following the assessment and determination of potential future uses, Foundation –The foundation should be looked at and a plan made for repair or rebuild. A visual inspection shows signs that indicate there is damage. It is suggested that this be evaluated as part of the condition assessment. Wetland delineation –It is suggested we undertake a wetland delineation.Estimated costs ~$5,000. Survey of property -Suggested that we have a survey completed so we know exactly what we own.-Estimated costs ~$5,000 (do at same time as wetland for cost efficiencies) Minor landscaping –There is some minor maintenance and improvement that should be done. The trees, bushes around the building should be trimmed and/or removed to prevent deterioration of building. The well crock needs repairs and consideration might be given to installing a gate for security. Contents of House –currently in process of determining what items should be placed in storage and what items are donatable (i.e. articles of clothing). In summary, an unbudgeted amount of $50,000 is estimated in order to preserve the building (mainly security and weather tight, condition assessment, survey and landscaping). for future use. This would be 3 Request For /Direction new capital budget.In terms of operations,staff will continue to expend funds through municipal properties (snow removal, inspection, heat, taxes, insurance etc.) and only surveillance would not be accounted for but should not be significant. In terms of determining future use of the property, it is recommended that Coun cil engage a facilitator to work with staff and council to hold a workshop. Consideration might also be given to a public consultation or visioning process that would allow for public input into the use of the property. Ideally, the facilitator would have an understanding of heritage buildings and conservation. IMPLICATIONS Policy The property is a registered heritage property. Demolition would be subject to heritage approval. There are limited situations that the property can be demolished or deregistered . Financial/Budgetary Request for an unbudgeted amount of $50,000 is estimated in order to preserve the building (mainly security and weather tight, condition assessment, survey and landscaping). for future use. This would be new capital budget. Also request $15,000 for facilitator to work with staff and council to hold a workshop. Environmental n/a Strategic Plan n/a Work Program Implications This is a strategic item and is currently included in departmental work plans, but no clear work program has been set. Depending on amount of work this fiscal year, staff will need to evaluate any implications on work load as we work through, but don’t anticipate at this time. OPTIONS ATTACHMENTS None Recreation & Parks Department Quarterly Report Planning For Open Space Planning For Open Space •Background Completed Guiding Principles –based on Parks Canada Scope, Vision, Campus Concept •Site Visits to Gem Properties Completed •Open Space Hike Series Completed •Voices & Choices Public Input Underway •Draft Final Report To Be Completed •Final Report To Be Completed Active Living / Active Transportation HWY 3 Project ALS Refresh Website Project Outdoor Education Modules – used provincially with before & after school programs Steps To Connect Recreation NS, Blandford Seasiders Organization / Program Name(s)Usage 2019 rank 2018 rank move usage gain/loss Chester Connection Trail 3914 1 1 0 37% Chester Lido Pool 3287 2 3 1 78% Aspotogan Trail 2731 3 4 1 78% Graves Island Provincial Park, Trails 2534 4 2 -2 27% New Ross Family Resource Centre, New Ross Recreation Complex 2373 5 10 5 168% Castle Rock 1999 6 39 33 353% Card Lake Provincial Park, Trails 1990 7 7 0 83% Graves Island Provincial Park 1951 8 6 -2 71% Ross Farm Museum 1877 9 14 5 165% Freewheeling Adventures 1868 10 23 13 219% Bayswater Beach, Bayswater Beach Provincial Park 1624 Total Total 2019 usage 2018 usage 120097 76030 Summer 100% of 2019 Summer Youth Programs Running! 495 registrations + waiting lists + non-registration events Operations Base: Forest Heights Tancook Island Trip, July 11, 2019 Kevin Waters Connor Connolly Natalie Baker Georgia Nightingale Taelor Bent Marty Fay Programs Ignite: Mental Health Program @ FHCS Avg 50 Programs per Quarter 1,463 program participants in 2018-19 1.RFP Printing, Content Approval, Article Writing 2.Program & Event Planning 3.Design/Layout & Article Writing 4.ActiveNet Registration 5.Instructor & Facility Rental Payment PROGRAMS & EXPLORE LIFE Fall 2019 Explore Life In Mailboxes Sept 10 FHCS Visitors: 7,625 ACES Visitors: 637 Fence Building Project: FHCS O2 Class Community Schools FHCS Gr. 9 Developing Opportunities Class Community Coordinator Superheroes United: Children with Special Needs @ Through The Years Budding Explorers: After School Program: @ ACES ½ Day per Week: ACES 1 Day per Week: Blandford 2 Days per week: New Ross New Ross School: Community Use Sept 2018-March 2019: 1984 Visits Seniors Old Fashioned Picnic July 31st, Hubbards Barn 2018-19 Assisted 278 children with registrationand equipment costs. (25 more than any other year) $38,000 raised in the community Mayfest Chester Yacht Club Diva Night Chester Farmers Market Booth Old Timers Hockey Team Bob Myra Softball Tournament July 19, 2019 July 24, 2019 Volunteer Recognition 12 Individuals, 3 Families, 2 Groups 150 people attended the April 2019 Volunteer Reception Picnic In The Park –Avg 175 people per concert CUT N Run –215 Registered Hike NS Summit –175 attendees Surface Repair: Western Shore, Gold River (4.5kms) Swing Gates Installed: East River –Simms Settlement Spring Inspection Completed Washout Repairs & Bridge Deck Repairs •Brush Cutting •Bridge Evaluations Trail: Responding to residents Fox Point & Simms Settlement Schools