REGULAR MEETING
MAY 16TH. 2022
TIME: 7:00 pm
Attendance: Mayor Tom Eagles, Deputy Mayor Gary Harding, Councillor Tim Corbin, Councillor Sharon DeWitt, Councillor Wright
Staff: Patty St. Peter, Chief Administrative Officer
Press: Corrine Fitzherbert – Brunswick News
Public: Marven Goodine, Ervin Chase
1. Call to Order at 6:59 p.m.
2. Opening Prayer: Mayor Eagles lead the meeting in the Lord’s Prayer
Mayor Eagles welcomed those in attendance. His Worship noted we have changed venue from the Welcome Centre to Activity Room as the lighting is better here.
3. Recording of attendance
4. Disclosure of Conflict of Interest – None
5. Approval of Agenda
Mayor Eagles advised that an addition to the agenda under #11 New Business d) NB Commissioner of Systemic Racism and e) Tender – Sadler Nature Trail
MOTION: The agenda be approved with the addition to New Business d) NB Commissioner of Systemic Racism and e) Tender – Sadler Nature Trail – Councillor DeWitt, Councillor Wright Motion Carried – 2022-52
6. Approval of Minutes
MOTION: Regular Meeting April 25th, 2022, be approved – Councillor Corbin, Deputy Mayor Harding – Motion Carried – 2022-53
7. Marven Goodine
Mayor Eagles asked Marvin Goodine to conduct his presentation to council.
Mr. Goodine advised he is going to present three items of concerns. The first being as resident living in the north end of Centennial Street the speed of traffic along with the dust is very concerning. He noted of speaking with five residents that reside around the turn on Centennial Street. The second item of concern is the condition of Fraser Street. He noted the road condition of Fraser Street is deplorable and needs to be repaired properly. Mr. Goodine presented two jars of sand one that consisted of sand used by the village the other with sand used by DTI. Each jar had a ½ cup of sand mixed with water. He noted both jars were shaken at 8 pm on May 15th, the results indicated the sand used by the village is not good sand. Mr. Goodine noted we need decent traction sand as its easier to dispose of. He recommends speed bumps to help reduce the speed of motorist on Centennial Street. Mr. Goodine advised in speaking with Andrew is concerning with rumble strips for plowing.
Mr. Goodine advised he had previously submitted a list of questions to the CAO Patty St. Peter who has been very cooperative in providing answers and has provided direction to the website to locate information. He noted the information provided concerning the gas tax program was great. Mr. Goodine advised he was advised there is not currently prioritize list of streets. He noted he would recommend the opportunity be given in creating a prioritize list of streets for the village.
Mr. Goodine stated he has been told the village carries one a large debt load. He advised he reviewed the audited statements for 2020. According to the revenue, debt, and capital assets of approximately $4 million he concludes the village doesn’t carry an overload of debt.
Mr. Goodine questioned the stipends for village council. He stated last year’s council’s stipend were not much. He advised he was provided a copy of the by law which covers the current stipend for council. Mr. Goodine stated based on the industry, residents, and taxpayers of the village the amounts paid to council are not out of line.
Mr. Goodine thanked council for the opportunity to present his concerns to them this evening.
Mayor Eagles thanked Marven and Ervine for attending the meeting and welcomed them to remain for the remainder of the meeting.
8. Committee Reports:
Mayor Eagles
Regional Service Commission
Board of Directors Meeting, April 27, 2022, via Zoom. Have been named to an RSC Advisory Committee, along with the Mayor’s of Woodstock and Florenceville to oversee the changes coming to the RSC. We met on April 25, 2022, with the facilitator Maurice Robichaud to discuss Economic Development along with the working group, which includes our CEO.
RSC-RCMP Sub Committee
Nothing to report on this committee. Mayor Eagles did note the RCMP presence seems to more relevant than in past.
UMNB
There was a Zone 6 meeting on May 4, 2022, via Zoom where Municipal Reform was the major topic. May 12, 2022, was a special meeting in Centreville to discuss the new mandates that are being added to the Regional Service Commission 12.
Deputy Mayor Gary Harding
Public Works
- Cold Patch on Main Street and Fraser Street
- Plowed road down to the river to repair water break
- Repaired water break at the river
- Repaired heater hose on Plow Truck
- Changed tires on Plow Truck
- New tire on Trackless
- Dug on Main Street (box and rod)
- New manifold and exhaust on Plow Truck
- Swept streets
- Located manholes on Main Street to install new sewer lines
- Disconnection list done
- Water turned on at 88 Harrison Street
- Shop Maintenance
Tobique Forestry Advisory Committee
The Adopt a Highway cleanup was conducted on April 26th. A meeting is scheduled for May 30th. Acadian Timber approved the ATV club access to their property.
Cemetery
No report
Councillor Tim Corbin
Recreation
Summer Activities
- Art (painting using several methods like fly swatters, bubbles, dandelions, chalk, and rocks, a color walk on the nature trail).
- Games like dodgeball, basketball, floor hockey, slip n’ slide, bean bag toss, water balloon relay, washer toss, capture the flag, parachute games, indoor golf, skipping rope games and rhymes, hide and seek, potato sack races, musical chairs, and ribbon dancing.
- Baseball.
- Tennis.
- BBQ’s depending on the fire index.
- Pitching a tent challenge.
- Nature activities like a scavenger hunt, bird boxes, planting flowers, tree identification, and identifying plants.
Facility Maintenance
- Daily facility maintenance
- Ordered and received washroom panels for park facility reno
- Priced materials to complete park washroom renovations. Will come in within budget.
- Work with Dean Yeomans for the electrical aspect at Park washrooms. New light fixtures and ceiling vents.
- Worked with Dean Yeomans on light fixture replacements in Welcome Centre. Hoping to have completed by 3rd week of May depending on material availability.
- Worked with Blair McKillop regarding finishing Park tree clean up. We have removed some trees ourselves. There are other larger danger trees that Blair will have removed. Waiting to talk through it with him.
- Have campgrounds all ready for opening. Water turned on and hydro checked. All receptacles to ensure working.
- Dropped water level in pool because of excess rain and snow.
- Start repairs in Pool house, water leaking behind walls in washroom.
- Contacted Leon Banks regarding pool start up.
- Contacted Irving rep, Christian, regarding delivery of new pool heater. Will be very close to the opening of pool. If it does not arrive prior to opening the warranty on heater will not start until heater has been installed.
- Received estimates and ordered 2 Amish sheds. One will be ready by end of June “Tourist Bureau” 10ft x 16ft. The second building to be completed by end of July 14ft x 32ft boat storage by Pavilion.
- Filled in for Recreation Manager.
- Repaired emergency lights in Welcome Centre and arena.
- Had annual fire inspection with Fire Marshall Luc Gagnon in Welcome Centre. Luc will advise when inspection for Arena will be.
- Received estimate from Edgar Fire (Brandon Edgar) regarding to facility fire suppression inspections. He’s local and encompasses what we contract 3 other companies to do. ABC fire extinguisher from Edmundston, Capitol City Fire from Fredericton, and B&G Fire Suppression from Moncton.
- Contacted K&G Electrical for lift truck, upper facility window cleaning, ice level light change, and flagpole repair.
- Working with Cimco and received estimates for condenser repair and installing coalescer filters in plant oil separator.
- Repaired urinals in locker room 1 and 4.
- Turned off boiler for in floor heat in lower-level arena.
- Daily cleaning and sanitizing.
- Cut up and removed trees around facilities.
- Pulled snow blower from John Deere and put bucket and mower deck on.
- Put tennis court nets up and playground out.
- Worked with NB Baseball for scheduling for the season.
- Ordered new cable machine for Fitness Centre.
- Worked with Brian Urquhart for the installation of key fob system in Fitness Centre.
- Repaired Park gate.
- Reset security camaras and Wi-Fi system.
- Dropped off flower hangers to be filled for season.
- Replaced chain on chain saw.
- Staff scheduling and Co-op students.
- Replaced town truck as old truck will not pass inspection without $7,900.00 in repairs. Calvin and Tom from MacDonald stated even after repairs truck may not last the summer. Purchased new truck from George Herbert.
- Spoke to Ray’s Paving regarding having the tennis courts resurfaced. They say it would be July at the earliest.
- Turned off hot water heaters for plant. Not needed during summer hours.
- Overall facility and grounds upkeep.
Councillor Tony Wright
Fire Department
The department was called in on May 14th to assist DNR with a forest fire. Councillor Wright noted a job well done.
Economic Development
No report
Pond Hockey
No report
Councillor Sharon DeWitt
Finance
For the month of April 2022
MONTHLY INCOME EXPENSE
GENERAL $128,804.99 $84,662.23
WATER & SEWER $32,436.48 $17,537.89
TOTAL $161,241.47 $102,200.12
Library
- We did not hold a Library Board meeting in May…next meeting will be in June, before breaking for the summer months.
- Our Summer Reading Club student has been hired; Katie Giberson will begin work on May 16th.
- We have received approval for 2 Canada Summer Jobs positions, each for 8 weeks. The jobs have been posted with a closing date of May 20th.
- The library will be offering after school STEAM programs during May and June.
- Next Step Kindergarten will start on Friday, May 13th, a one-hour program held each Friday afternoon for five weeks, for children entering kindergarten in the fall.
- Talk With Me Rhymes and Songs for preschool children is scheduled each Tuesday morning for 5 weeks if enough children register for the program.
- Library Board will meet on Tuesday, June 7th and then resume in September.
The evening of Thursday, May 26th, the library is planning to host a Meet and Greet for newcomers to the community. Any organizations offering services or volunteer opportunities are welcome to attend as well.
Tobique Valley Community Health Centre Advisory Committee
The Community Health Centre Advisory Committee met on May 13, 2022. Following are the main points of the meeting:
Two holter monitors have been acquired and will be available through the X-ray department.
In Danny Braun’s Report:
- They’re hoping to get some funding to reinvent a walking program like Footloose. There should be more information on this in June.
- They’re trying to start a backpack program for schools (sending home food for out of school consumption). Hoping to partner with Acadian Timber for funding.
- The Welcome Centre kitchen is complete.
- We’re exploring the possibility of using the old arena site as a community garden. Also, looking to revamp the existing community garden.
- The Health Care 110 class at TVMHS is ongoing.
In Nathan Fraser’s School Report:
- Numerous Grad fundraisers are ongoing.
- Beyond the Hurt anti-bullying program is now open to middle school.
- We’re looking at making hygiene bags available to students.
- Assemblies and fieldtrips are starting up again.
- Grad dates: May 30th is the Banquet, June 17th is Prom, June 21st, is the Graduation Ceremony. There are 28 graduates.
In Elizabeth Brayall’s Report:
- The Mill is hiring 8-10 students for the summer, and some of them indicate a willingness to then work full time.
- There was some discussion of NP Brittany Elles, who currently works at TVCHC approximately on day a week and works at Virtual Care. Efforts are being made to secure her services for up to 4 days a week. To this end, the village has offered to subsidize overnight accommodations at a rate of $50/night, for 4 nights per week, for a period of 2 months, for a total of $1600.00. (Additionally, I can say that the Tobique Valley Health Care Foundation has agreed to match this pledge).
- As Debbie Miller is leaving the community, Danny Braun has agreed to sit as interim chairperson.
Mayor Eagles advised he has heard nothing from RBC. He had contacted the Progressive Credit Union but currently they are not interested in bringing a branch to our community. Mayor Eagles stated the Bank of Nova Scotia called about two weeks ago and meet with me and Patty. In the conversation they want to return for another meeting in a couple of weeks. The representatives meet had meet with businesses in the area.
Mayor Eagles stated the following as an update of Entity 78. The transitions facilitator is recommended to the province the entity remain a village with the new name be District of Tobique Valley. The budget process for 2023 will begin that includes the transition facilitator, LSD Manager, and the CAO. Entity 78 committee members will have the opportunity to make recommendations on the budget by will not be involved in the decision making. The budget needs to be completed in October. The budget will be done in subunits. The Mayor noted he was unsure when the next meeting will be.
Councillor DeWitt noted the new name of Entity 78 will be made official on Friday.
MOTION: Reports be accepted as submitted and accounts payable for April be approved – Deputy Mayor Harding, Councillor Wright
Deputy Mayor Harding questioned about the physician status. Councillor DeWitt advised a Nurse Practitioner may be interested in coming to the Community Health Center three or four days a week. It was noted there was discussion of financial assistance for the Nurse Practitioner.
Mayor Eagles advised in meeting with Daniel McKillop concerning renting the property beside the health centre for the nurse practitioner. The daily rate of would be $100.00 with a contract being developed. The physician who replaces when required at the center his accommodations are paid through Horizon.
Councillor DeWitt noted the Health Care Board may agree to contribute financial assistance to this endeavor.
9. Chief Administrative Officer Report
- Correspondence forwarded addressing items discussed from previous meetings completed
- Minutes
- Agenda, admin report and financial report for meeting
- Accounting
- Operational Administration duties
- Deposits
- Payroll (direct)
- Provided Dept. Heads with their departmental financial reports for March
- Providing required information to the auditor
- Entity 78 meeting held in council chambers on April 25th, Zoom Meeting May 12th
- Organized the newsletters being distributed to Gordon, Lorne and village
- RSC Working group meeting May 12th
- Received complaints of residents burning in the village
- Discussions with auditor and continue in providing information
- Attended a meeting in Centreville May 12th
Information
. I’m going to contact someone in DNR for clarification on burning in the village when our county is in the no burn zone.
. The tender for First Street will be completed the first of next week.
. Will be setting up CPR/First Aid training for staff
MOTION: The Chief Administrative Officer report be accepted – Councillor Wright, Councillor DeWitt
Deputy Mayor Harding questioned if any information has been obtained of who’s responsible it is regarding individuals having open fires in the village.
The CAO advised she hasn’t had the opportunity in look into this.
Motion Carried 2022-56
10. Business Arising from the Minutes
11. New Business
a) Park Gate Remaining open from June – September weekdays from 8-5 and closed on the weekends.
b) Selling of old Recreation Truck
The recreation truck is to be advertised for offers on social media.
c) Palliative Care – Hon. Margaret Johnson, MLA
Mayor Eagles advised there has been nothing done since he’s been here concerning palliative care. It was noted the committee that was spearheaded for palliative care is not currently active as they hit a lot of roadblocks in this endeavor. Mayor Eagles noted this should remain an open discussion.
d) NB Commissioner on Systemic Racism
It was decided that an email be forwarded to the Commissioner requesting clarification as to what the commission is looking for from the village.
e) Tender – Sadlers Nature Trail
Mayor Eagles advised the village went out for tenders for the work required to the surfacing of the trail pathway. It was noted only one tender was received in the amount of $34,912.50. Mayor Eagles stated we don’t have to award the tender now.
12. Correspondence
a) Carol Durepos congratulation village council on getting a kitchen in the Welcome Centre. She made noted of wishing that would happen for years.
Councillor Wright noted the village should be advertising of kitchen facilities in the welcome centre as this may generate more revenue.
13. Next Meeting Date
Mayor Eagles asked council to entertain a motion for the next regular monthly meeting.
MOTION: The next Regular Meeting be Monday, June 20th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Phil Sharkey Memorial Center Activity Room – Councillor Wright, Councillor DeWitt
Motion Carried – 2022-58
14. Closed Session – Labour, Land
MOTION – Meeting go into closed session @8:00 p.m. – Councillor DeWitt, Deputy Mayor Harding Motion Carried – 2022-59
MOTION: Meeting resume into regular session @ 9:07 p.m. – Councillor Wright,
Deputy Mayor Harding – Motion Carried – 2022-60
MOTION: Adjournment @9:19 p.m. – Councillor DeWitt, Councillor Wright
Motion Carried – 2022-62
_____________________________ __________________________________
Tom Eagles, Mayor Patty St. Peter, CAO/Clerk
