Town Council of the Town of Cormack
Minutes of Regular Meeting

August 10, 2006

Present: Mayor W. Hewitt
Deputy Mayor Anthony Alexander
Councillor Bruce Pinksen
Councillor Calvin Pelley
Councillor Melvin Rideout

Also Present: Town Clerk Manager Cynthia Fry
Office Assistant Elizabeth Appleby

The meeting was called to order by the Mayor at 7:30 pm.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

1. Minutes Resolved

Resolution 06-098 Alexander/Pinksen
Resolved that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 13TH and 20th, 2006 be adopted as presented. 5 for, carried.

2. Adjustments to Tax Accounts

Resolution 06-099 Alexander/Rideout
Resolved to adjust the Business Tax account of Thickwood Holdings Inc. at the Viking Trail location for 2005. 5 for, carried.

Resolution 06-100 Alexander/Pinksen
Resolved the adjustment to the accounts of Patricia Cull ($180.60) Na-tallie Ranch Limited ($828.87) and Fred Parsons ($437.52) for exempted productive farmland for 2006. 5 for, carried.

Administration

Resolution 06-101 Alexander/Pelley
Resolved that Elizabeth Appleby may attend (1) the ‘Developing Your Municipality: Discovering the Potential’ workshop scheduled for August 25th and 26th at Port au Choix and (2) the ‘Privacy Act - Questions - Do’s and Don’ts’ set for September 29th at the Deer Lake Motel - expenses to be paid by the town. 5 for, carried.

Permits and Inspections and Subdivision and Development

John Linfield - the town has received responses from the Government Services Department regarding Mr. Linfield’s application to construct a mink barn, conditions attached..
Roland Parsons - development application to construct a small shed 16' x 28'.
John T. White - development application to construct a driveway access at Veterans Drive.
Evergreen Enterprises Ltd. - development application to quarry at Viking Trail location.
A referral letter from the Department of Natural Resources regarding an application from Evergreen Enterprises Ltd. to operate a quarry at Viking Trail quarry.
Newfoundland Power - permission requested for installation of two poles at Barry Samms farm on Birch Avenue.
Fred Parsons - assessment form for crown land application, submitted for ratification - renewal of agricultural lease 44113 which has expired but not been cancelled.

Resolution 06-102 Rideout/Alexander
Resolved that the town issue a permit to John Linfield to construct a mink barn subject to compliance with the conditions noted from the Department of Government Services and in accordance with the town’s development and building regulations also that permits/approval be issued to or ratified where already issued to Roland Parsons, John T. White, Evergreen Enterprises Ltd. Nfld. Power, and Fred Parsons. The town has no objection to the development of a quarry operation as per referral letter from the Department of Natural Resources for Evergreen Enterprises Ltd. at the Viking Trail location. 5 for, carried.

Councillor Pelley left the council chamber at this time (8:20 pm) to allow consideration of his application to install three signs at: Veterans Drive (½ km from intersection), ½ km west of Balsam Avenue intersection with Veterans Drive, and at the Ash Avenue and Balsam Avenue intersection.

Resolution 06-103 Rideout/Pinksen
Resolved that the application to erect three signs 2 (2x2) and 1 (4 x 8) be approved. 4 for, carried.

Councillor Pelley returned to the regular meeting.

Government Services Centre - Certificate of Approval and Final Approval Certificate for Mrs. Doris Sheppard for installation of a sewage system at 311 Veterans Drive.

Dept. of Government Services - a permit for a proposed new temporary greenhouse for Terry Tiller. The operation appears to be shut down, nevertheless the town has not received an application in respect to this matter and the permit will be held pending the town’s decision. Mr. Tiller will be notified that the green house structure is there without permit and must be removed.

The Viking Trail quarry sublease with Humber Valley Paving - will be reviewed by councillors. An attempt will be made to make more efficient use of the materials provided to the town under a contract.
A meeting set for Thursday of next week to review the file.

District 16 Report is on DVD and available to councillors for review.

Fire Department

Work to be done at the Larch Avenue building is not appropriate for students (scaffolding). They can paint using long poles and leveling the gravel floor in building.

Fire Chief Cory Spracklin arrives at 8:35 and leaves at 8:50 pm.

Mr Spracklin submitted a report for reimbursement totaling $4901.57.
The Department of Municipal Affairs has approved a Special Assistance Grant in the amount of $26,000 on a 50/50 cost-shared basis to assist in the purchase of new breathing apparatus’, air cylinders and bunker suits for the fire department.

The department’s Financial Report for 2005 was tabled.

Resolution 06-104 Rideout/Alexander
Resolved that the Fire Department’s Financial Report for 2005 be accepted as tabled. 5 for, carried.

Fire Chief Cory Spracklin asked that the town consult with the department before purchasing any protection clothing or equipment for the department. The department will provide a list of needed items.
The department feels it needs access to fuel for the fire truck so has asked for a key be made available to the department.

Resolution 06-105 Pinksen/Alexander
Resolved that the Fire Chief be given a key to the town’s fuel tank so that the fire department will be able to obtain fuel for the fire truck whenever needed. 5 for, carried.

The department will have to keep record of fuel obtained.

The fire chief estimates that the department’s pick up truck needs approximately $1000 worth of repairs to get it back on the road including brakes, exhaust system and repairs to the body. At least two estimates will be provided to the town.

The department wants to change the process for selection of fire chief. The fire chief’s position to be for a two year period. The purpose being to have a fire chief installed to coincide with the election of officers.

Recreation

Bank Statement balance at the end of June - Cormack Recreation Commission $1359.69
Bank Statement balance at the end of June - Cormack Rec Bar Committee $ 586.76
Bank Statement balance at the end of July - Cormack Rec Bar Committee $ 580.76

Public Works

Council directed that some material from the sandpit behind the stadium site be used to upgrade the Maple Avenue turnaround. The street light should be installed. The clerk reported it would cost $175 to relocate a street light and council directed that it should be clarified whether this would apply if the street light could just be discontinued and new one ordered.

Council is still confident that a heavier grader would improve the condition of our by roads. The office should try to arrange to hire a contractor to do community roads grading as soon as possible. Councillors will prepare a plan of sections of road to be upgraded this fall.

Waste Management

Resolution 06-106 Rideout/Alexander
Resolved that the Town of Cormack extend the Garbage Collection contract with C & R Contractors Limited for the amount of $ 16,224 to run from August 1st 2006 to July 31, 2007 with the conditions accepted. 5 for, carried.

The town will notify the businesses affected that the town will no longer be responsible for garbage collection from commercial operations on Viking Trail.

ARDAHC

The clerk reported that there is $181,924.26 in the ARDAHC Bank Account.
Council asked that if possible some of those funds should go into a GIC to earn some interest.
The town received an amended “Letter of Offer” from ACOA to reflect the contribution from the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.
We will invite Proposals for the relocation of the heritage house.
Council oked posting of the JCP positions. The Project Manager’s job position should get posted as soon as possible but Martin Lowe, committee chair, should be asked for input in the preparation of the notice.
The town had received a quote on rental of space from Ken Alexander for council office space while work is being done on the center. Anthony left the room so that Council could consider the quote.
Deputy Mayor Alexander left the room to allow discussion at 9:40 pm.
Council is not prepared to accept the rental rate. We will investigate other options.
Deputy Mayor Alexander returned to the council chambers.

CORRESPONDENCE

Atlantic Drilling and Blasting Ltd. - information and promotion.
Gerry Byrne MP - regarding the Gas Tax Funds.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Resolution 06-107 Pinksen/Pelley
Resolved that the accounts presented for payment totaling $ 28,348.98 be paid including the amount to Elizabeth Appleby. 5 for, carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Municipal Assessment Agency - Value Change Report

The clerk manager gave a brief explanation of the report to council.

2. Adoption of Harassment Policy

Resolution 06-108 Pinksen/Alexander
Resolved that the Harassment Policy as presented to council be adopted by the Town of Cormack.
5 for, carried
.
3. Wage and Salary Review

Resolution 06-109 Rideout/Alexander
The following changes are resolved in response to a review of current conditions:
Lawrence Morris, Maintenance Operator...... $ .50/hr increase
Cynthia Fry, Town Clerk Manager................ $1.00/hr increase
Elizabeth Appleby, Office Assistant.............. $1.00/hr increase (retroactive from June 12th and reviewed at six months and twelve months from first day of employment).
5 for, carried.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Proposed Regional Plan - Humber Valley Region

Councillors reviewed the boundaries of the proposed regional authority. Council has concerns with the proposal and the clerk will notify the department that it is council’s consensus that the boundary should follow the opposite side of Grand Lake to protect the water supply against environmental pollution from developments, and should include Howley and Addies’ Lake within the regional authority,
The town will send its comments in writing to the Dept. Of Municipal Affairs.

Resolution 06-110 Alexander/Rideout
Resolved that the Town of Cormack nominate Mayor Warwick Hewitt as its representative on the Regional Planning Authority. 5 for, carried.

2. Viking Trail Quarry Lease

The town has received copies of the quarry lease renewal from the Department of Natural Resources.

3. Renewal of General Insurance Policy

Resolution 06-111 Alexander/Pinksen
Resolved that the Town of Cormack renew its Municipal General Insurance Policy (CBC 0417409-10) with Baine Johnston Insurance Corporation. 5 for, carried.

4. MRIF Round Two

Deadline for submission of applications for Round Two of Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund program is September 11, 2006.

ADJOURNMENT

Resolution 06-112 Rideout/Pelley
Meeting adjourned. 5 for, carried at 10:30 pm.