Public Property & Streets Meeting
April 3, 2009
Town Council Chambers
Present
Councillor S. Cameron (Chair)
Councillor D. Roberts
Councillor J. MacPherson
K. Proctor, Town Engineer
D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk
Call to Order
With the Chair’s attendance delayed, the Vice-chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
Approval of Agenda
Moved by Councillor D. Roberts
Seconded by Councillor J. MacPherson
“That the Agenda be approved with one addition.” Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Moved by Councillor J. MacPherson
Seconded by Councillor D. Roberts
“That the Minutes of the Public Property & Streets Meeting held on March 2, 2009, be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.
Business from Minutes
· Canal Bridge
K. Proctor, Town Engineer, advised that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal continues with their effort to secure lands for the project.
· Community Liaison Committee (TransCanada Highway)
K. Proctor noted that information is continuing to come forth, land clearing is ongoing and tenders for structures are expected to be called in the near future.
· Complaints Handling
Concern was raised with the process of handling complaints; more specifically, how staff and/or Council know if a matter has been dealt with. Mr. K. Proctor advised that common complaints, potholes for example, could be forwarded to staff, while complaints on specific matters should be forwarded to CAO D. Kampen to be dealt with or passed on to staff where necessary. Councillor D. Roberts indicated she would clarify the process with CAO D. Kampen.
Councillor S. Cameron assumed the Chair at 9:10 AM.
Reports
•
Engineer’s Report
Water Meter Program
K. Proctor advised that an article detailing the upcoming program was recently in a local newspaper. Two meetings have been held regarding the approach to be taken with the project which will see the Town use existing routes from accounts. A message from the Mayor is being hand delivered to homes. Neptune Meters has provided ample information for residents. It was noted that meter installation, carried out by local contractors, is expected to begin on April 14, 2009. Letter information regarding the program is also available on the Town’s website. Brief discussion took place on the mechanics of the meter installations, consumption and rates, and the expectation that not all customers will be co-operative. K. Proctor provided a brief update on unaccounted for water flow.
• Mayor’s & Warden’s Regional Water Study
K. Proctor advised the Committee that he has been requested to attend a meeting in Port Hawkesbury to provide input into the Draft Regional Water Study which was circulated in February, 2009. The Town is included in a study being undertaken in this regard. Chair, Councillor S. Cameron advised that the County’s Source Water Protection Plan Committee is scheduled to meet April 16, 2009, and it was noted that some activity may be restricted in the Well Aquifer area.
Other Business
· Budget
Operating/Capital Status – CIP/Strategic Planning
K. Proctor noted that he is still awaiting confirmation on budget allocations, and noted the importance of knowing long-term plans to determine which projects will proceed, and which can be set aside for the time being, where funds may be matched. It was noted that the CIP Draft was submitted in October, 2008.
· Scheduling/Tenders
K. Proctor advised that due to contractor commitments, his preference is to be able to schedule works/tenders sooner than later.
· 2008/2009 Snow Removal Efforts
The Committee was advised that 3,200 man-hours were attributed to snow removal to date this season (1,400 regular hours, 1,800 overtime hours), at a cost of $190,000.00. These costs do not include the Senior’s Snow Removal program, salting, or contractors which also come out of this budget.
· Water Breaks
K. Proctor advised that six water breaks occurred over the winter months and noted the various locations.
· March 2009 Flood Matters
The Committee was advised that during the recent flood, the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) was not mobilized, and the Town remained under the control of the Town. Residents requiring assistance were provided pumps by the Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department. K. Proctor noted that the practice in the past has been to investigate to determine if the Town should be involved. Discussion took place on recent residential issues regarding flooding and the question of whether the Town should investigate issues on private property arose. K. Proctor indicated a need for the Claims Policy to be reviewed for clarification of the process to be followed.
· Public Works “To Do” List
• Complaints
K. Proctor noted that complaints regarding grass/lawn damage usually surface once the snow recedes, and that a list is usually compiled for repairs to be carried out.
• Winter Damage
The Committee was advised that it is not unusual to receive complaints of retaining walls, etc., being damaged as plowing is carried out, and that some of these are usually located within the Town’s right-of-way.
• Potholes
K. Proctor noted that filling of potholes with cold mix is ongoing. Placement and retention of the cold mix is dependent on time and condition.
• Street Sweeping
The Committee was advised that some street sweeping has been carried out in areas where the snow has melted.
Correspondence
·
R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home
Correspondence received from the Environmental Director of the Nursing Home, Mr. J. Bouchie, was reviewed and discussed. The request is to reduce the existing street right-of-way on Victoria Street, specifically from the intersection at Pleasant Street in a northern direction, from 66 feet to 50 feet. It was reported that the purpose of the reduction would be to allow properties owned and in close proximity to the Nursing Home to be compliant with existing setback requirements. More particularly, the front yards of these properties sit on the Town’s rights-of-way, and therefore the Nursing Home is reluctant to carry out improvements to lands which they do not own. The reduction in the right-of-way would also see a propane tank and related bullards to sit on the Nursing Home’s existing land, as currently there is an agreement with the Town for its current location on the Town’s right-of-way.
Concerns were raised about long term traffic implications for the area, the previously proposed parking lot construction and main nursing home building addition. These matters need consideration before an right-of-way reduction could be considered.
Moved by Councilllor D. Roberts
Seconded by Councillor J. MacPherson
“That the request by the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, for a reduction in the Town’s Street Right-of-Way, from 66 feet to 50 feet on Victoria Street, more particularly from the intersection at Pleasant Street, in a northerly direction be referred to the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting.” Motion carried.
· Catherine T. Whelan, Clydesdale – Water Easement
Correspondence was received from Ms. C. MacNeil MacDonald, Solicitor, on behalf of her client, Ms. C. Whelan to release a water easement over her property located at Clydesdale. A previous request in 2007 was denied but with a suggestion that Ms. C. Whelan put forth her request again in a year or two. From information available, it would appear that some easements have been released over time while other have been denied.
Mr. K. Proctor advised that until such time as the County’s Wrights River Aquifer Wells have been given approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment approved testing is undertaken to verify the matter as “non GUIDI” and the facility permitted for continued operation, he feels the situation is still somewhat speculative.
The Deputy Clerk was requested to research land files to have adjoining properties also impacted by the easement identified for reference of what may or may not have been given release consideration in the past for added assessment against long term Utility requirements.
Moved by Councillor J. MacPherson
Seconded by Councillor D. Roberts
“That the request for the release of a water easement, on property owned by Ms. C. Whelan, land located in Clydesdale, Antigonish County, be referred to Committee of the Whole.” Motion carried.
· Street Sweeping Requests
Two requests for use of the Town’s Street Sweeper were received and reviewed. St. F. X. University’s (annual) request is for sweeping of the University in preparation for the upcoming convocation. Mr. K. Proctor noted that the Town would receive revenue of $125.00 per hour for carrying out the work. The Committee was in general agreement to fulfill the request.
A request was also received from the Town of Stellarton for use of the street sweeper for approximately ten (10) days. Mr. K. Proctor advised the Committee that the request would see the Town’s operator accompany the sweeper and carry out the work, with the $125.00 hourly fee again applicable. Following brief discussion, the Committee was in general agreement to fulfill the request.
· County Request Re 2008/2009 Sewer Treatment Plan Invoices/Budget Details
Mr. K. Proctor advised that correspondence was received by the Town’s Comptroller from the County’s Director of Finance requesting copies of invoices and clarification of costs related to the operation of the Sewage Treatment Plant. Mr. K. Proctor noted that schedules and summaries are provided annually to reflect the County operation portion for the system treatment and conveyance. Invoices have only been supplied when requested what has been twice in 14 years.
Adjournment
Moved by Councillor J. MacPherson
Seconded by Councillor D. Roberts
“That the meeting be adjourned.” Motion carried.