Beautification and
Land Rehabilitation Minutes
June 9, 2009
Town Council
Chambers
Present
Councillor L. Chisholm, Chair
Councillor D. Roberts
Ms. M. Amit
Ms. A. Arnold
Mr. L. Jewkes
Mr. A. Murray
Ms. D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk
Absent with
Regrets
Deputy Mayor D. MacInnis
Mr. M. Gabrieau
Mr. J. Hamilton
Ms. O. Landry
Mr. D. Miller
Mr. B. Wainright
Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Moved by Councillor D. Roberts
Seconded by Ms. M. Amit
“That the Agenda be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.
It was noted that Ms. G. McCulloch is no longer living in this area, and as such, will no longer be a member of this Committee.
Approval of
Minutes
Moved by Councillor D. Roberts
Seconded by A. Murray
“That the Minutes of the meeting held on May 12, 2009, be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.
Business from
Minutes
· Dancer in the Park
The Chair noted that the ‘Dancer in the Park’ has been removed due to wood rot.
· Watering Cart
Mr. L. Jewkes reported that Bio-Inovations are working on a couple of ideas for a twenty (20) gallon watering cart which will feature a pump, cover, and tank with baffles. The cost of the cart renovations is approximately $400-$500.00.
· Hanging Baskets
The Chair advised that the hanging of the baskets is expected to take place June 25, 26, 29. and 30, 2009, with the assistance of Public Works Staff. It was noted that care is needed while watering the baskets to ensure the water penetrates the soil, and a spray attachment was suggested. It was generally agreed to have a Committee member accompany the Celtic Home workers on their first round to monitor the watering. Brief discussion on a schedule for watering the baskets took place.
Ms. A. Arnold advised the Committee that she expects to meet with Ms. A.M. MacKenzie on May 13, 2009, to review the matter of outstanding accounts related to the baskets from last year. A letter regarding the outstanding accounts is expected to be drafted as a result of the meeting. Ms. A. Arnold suggested that participating businesses from last year be contacted and that the Committee each take on a portion of the list to determine which businesses wish to participate this year.
· Canada Day Flags
The Chair advised that Canada Day windsocks have been ordered and are expected to arrive next week. She noted that it has been suggested that cable ties be used at the bottom of the windsocks to secure them. She further noted that Councillor J. MacPherson has agreed to assist in hanging the windsocks and that she may need additional assistance from Committee members who may be available.
· Gardener
The Chair advised the Committee that Mr. C. Griffiths has been hired, effective June 1, 2009. His term of employment is for four (4) months and some of this time will be dedicated to Recreation. She noted that Ms. T. Cameron, Recreation Director, is arranging to have the planters at alley-ways stained in a timely fashion.
Ms. M. Amit suggested annuals be planted in some of the town-owned flower beds and Cairn Park. The Chair agreed to pass this suggestion to CAO, D. Kampen. The Committee agreed to draft a list of suggested activities for the Gardener to address.
New Business
· Communities in Bloom Package
The Chair distributed information packages regarding the upcoming Communities in Bloom contest which included information on the judges for this year. She briefly reviewed the criteria for various categories that are part of, but separate from, the existing category that the Town has entered. She then requested the Committee review the information and come to the next meeting prepared to discuss which category or categories the Committee would like to enter.
A Public Relations Tool Kit was distributed and suggestions for promoting the upcoming Communities in Bloom contest were discussed. It was generally agreed that a series of events should be promoted, perhaps through a dedicated reporter from the local paper. The Chair agreed to contact The Casket on this matter, and Ms. M. Amit agreed to be the contact person. The hanging of the baskets was suggested as a first promotion. The local radio station was also suggested as a means of promotion.
The Chair advised the Committee that all the required information, with the exception of photos has been submitted to Communities in Bloom, and that the Town Planner, Mr. S. Day will be submitting the photos by the June 30, 2009, deadline.
Ms. A. Arnold suggested that a letter regarding the upcoming Communities in Bloom contest be inserted in upcoming water bills being sent out by the Town.
· Town Trees – Mr. H. Steeghs
The Chair informed the Committee that in a recent conversation with Mr. H. Steeghs of Pleasant Valley Nurseries, Mr. Steeghs praised the Town for their efforts in planting trees, particularly along Main Street; however, he expressed concern that the trees are showing signs of stress from salt, mulch, etc. Mr. Steeghs has agreed to attend a meeting of the Beautification and Land Rehabilitation Committee to further discuss the matter. It was generally agreed to invite Mr. Steeghs to a meeting in September or October 2009.
The Chair further advised that CAO, D. Kampen has agreed to attend a meeting of this Committee, perhaps in July 2009.
Other Business
· Strategic Plan
The Chair advised the Committee that Ms. A. Paon of the Antigonish Regional Development Authority is compiling the details of the Strategic Plan which should be forthcoming shortly.
She noted that once the Strategic Plan is in place, other partners will be contacted to initiate dialogue to begin to embark on items identified in the Strategic Plan.
· Watering Agreement
The Chair advised the Committee that an Agreement is being worked on and that Mr. B. Chisholm of Celtic Community Homes is in agreement that the workers need to be more efficient in watering the plants.
· E-mail re Mr. D. Miller
The Chair reviewed an e-mail received from Committee Member, Mr. D. Miller, outlining additional activities he would like to see undertaken.
· Camera re Whidden Bridge
The Chair reported that the difficulty in having a camera placed at Whidden Bridge appears to be in having the information communicated back to the Town. The Chair agreed to bring this matter up at the next Council meeting. Mr. L. Jewkes suggested that Mr. S. Wilkie of Student Computers or Mr. T. Sherrington of Computer Connection may be able to offer suggestions with regard to the camera.
· Benches at Gazebo
The Chair reported that T. Cameron, Recreation Director, is working on having the benches put together. Mr. A. Murray suggested that the existing large benches adjacent the post office building be moved to align with the curve of the streetscape and agreed to contact Mr. S. Gray for an estimate.
In response to the removal of a bench from the front of the 5-$1.00 Store, Deputy Clerk, D. Wilson, agreed to check into the matter and get back to Mr. L. Jewkes.
· Recycling Stations
The Chair advised that three (3) recycling stations are to be ordered.
· Age Friendly Communities
The Chair advised the Committee that it is too late to apply for funding under the Age Friendly Communities for this year; however, an application will be prepared for next year.
The Chair noted that a bench on James Street, near the Sears building, has been replaced, and that she had noticed two benches at Public Works and had requested they be put out on the street(s).
· Anti-idling Policy
The Chair reported that she will bring the matter of educating the public on the Anti-idling Policy to the next meeting of Council.
· Visitor Information Centre
The Chair advised that she will bring the matter of having Mr. C. Griffiths speak with Ms. L. DeCoste of the Visitor Information Centre to determine plants suitable for a flower bed.
· Town Website
Ms. A. Arnold advised that recently technicians attending her business from Ontario were unable to locate hotels in Antigonish via the Town’s Website. Ms. D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk, agreed to look into the matter.
Adjournment
Moved by Ms. M. Amit
Seconded by Mr. A. Murray
“That the meeting be adjourned.” Motion carried.