Minutes - September 6th 2005 - Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Belledune Municipal Chambers

Present:

Mayor, Nick Duivenvoorden Deputy Mayor, Ron Bourque Councillor, James Carrier Councillor, Michael Firlotte Councillor, Emmie Flanagan Councillor, Austin Tardif CAO Clerk/Treasurer, Brenda Cormier

Mayor, Duivenvoorden called the meeting to order.

Councillor, Emmie Flanagan delivered the Serenity Prayer.

Austin Tardif moved that the agenda be adopted with additions, seconded by Emmie Flanagan. Motion carried.

Statement of Conflict of Interest:
Councillor, James Carrier filed with the Clerk a Disclosure of Interest under Deputy Mayor, Bourque's Statement - Caretaker Contract, Recreation Centre.

Presentations / Petitions / Delegations:
" James, June and Randy Furlotte - Hearing Unsightly Premises Notice
Mrs. Furlotte asked her son Randy to be here as he is the owner of the vehicles on the property. She signaled out Mr. Bouffard and stated that he has said they had to have everything taken from the property and they were not allowed to even install a fence, even thought they have a letter stating from before that they could install one.

Randy Furlotte spoke on the issue of notice served and made repeated statements and inquires relating to the following issues: " Feels they are being singled out and harassed
" Neighbour is using the Village and its by-law as a tool to fight and get what they want
" Feels this is a democracy, they own the property, pay taxes and should be able to control their own property
" Difference of opinion of the value of vehicles - and definition of derelict - he earns money with these vehicles and parts. What may not be valuable to one may be valuable to another
" Working on vehicles is his hobby and he feels it should not be decided by someone else whether it is permitted or not
" Who & how is it determined which properties are to be cleaned up - made reference to overall village conditions
" The issue of finances and inability to afford new vehicle
" Legalities of who is permitted to go on property without permission
" The threat of court is an expense venture - it will cost everyone

After much dialogue, he advised that he has started cleaning up some of the vehicles and parts, however contrary to what has been determine by the notice he does not agree that all the vehicles are derelict and of no value. He admits that because of his sometimes absent, lack of another space and procrastination it may not be done as timely as could be. He would agree the property did not look good, but various measures have been taken to tidy up, some vehicles gone, the grass has been cut, some parts put away etc. What he would like to know is what is going to be acceptable. He asked if Council members had drive by lately. He requested if the by-law enforcement officer was going to go see the property again.

Mayor, Duivenvoorden throughout the conversation maintained that the by-law is not meant to create hardship, harass or to get involved in neighbour disputes. The intention of the by-law is to coincide with zoning by-law and put a procedure and system in place to deal with these issues. Neighbouring property owners expect a certain standard to be maintained in their neighbourhood. It is to make the community better as a whole. The Council only proceeds when a complaint is issued. Currently there are three complaints for three properties; there will most likely be more to come. Complaints are investigated and evaluated and if there is non-compliance then a process of resolution must take place. The solution may not be difficult or require legal intervention; court is always the last action. The intention is through an exchange of information, such as what it taking place, acceptable resolutions should be able to be identified. The issue is if there is non compliance then it has to be addressed. He recognized that Randy Furlotte and well as James and June Furlotte have taken issue with this. Council is not here to determine whether he or his neighbour is right. The positive in this is that some work has already commenced and that there is an interest in finding what the acceptable solution will be.

Deputy Mayor, Bourque noted that he sees that this is being taken seriously and he is to be commended for that. He has seen a big improvement in the last while. You have made a large leap of faith; this is a good step forward. Perhaps after the meeting with the enforcement office there will need to be a compromise.

It was confirmed between Mr. Bouffard and Randy Furlotte that they will meet tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on site to evaluate what has been done and what is left to be done.

Mayor, Duivenvoorden noted that Randy had pled guilty to procrastination; perhaps the by-law will help him with this. Again Council does not make the ultimate decision whether compliant or not. This issue can be resolved and he looks forward to seeing the results after tomorrow's meeting.

Statements by Members of Council:
Deputy Mayor Bourque presented the following issues.
" Signs of Highway for advising of food and gasoline availability in the Village. Why we do not have any of these tab sings displayed on the provincial signs.

Mayor, Duivenvoorden noted that this is provincial territory suggested that a letter could be sent to the Department regarding this issue.

It was also noted by the CAO that this was looked at in the past and there is a distance requirement that has to be met and it was determined at that time the service facilities in the village are beyond the distance requirement.

Deputy Mayor, Bourque will draft a letter requesting the advertising tabs for Belledune.

" Ditching between Archibald and Noel road along Main Street.
It was noted that the ditches in this area are extremely deep and could cause some problems. It also does not look good coming into our community. He will be bringing to the table at budget time for discussion.

" Archibald Road - Slow moving traffic
It was brought to his attention that there are slow moving vehicles along that street (i.e. tractors) that are of a safety concern to other motorist. He would like to have signage. Directive was to have the legalities of posting such signs investigated and if permissible the type of signs that should be displayed.

" Recreation Centre -Doors
There are poor fitting doors in the Recreation Centre that are creating great heat loss in the winter. These need to be looked at for repairs and if necessary replacement Directive was to have Window/Door Contractors evaluate and make a recommendation with estimate for Council consideration

" Roherty Point
Deputy Mayor, Bourque is extremely disturbed over an issue that took place recently. A message was put on the council message manager system requesting materials for Roherty Point. The response was three of five Councillors saying no. The Councillor making the request then called one Councillor that said no and convinced that Councillor to say yes. Why did he not get that same call? He feels this shows a lack of respect for decisions of Council as well as a lack of respect for individual Councillors. Other Councillors were not privy to the information exchanged in that conversation.

Mayor, Duivenvoorden noted that Roherty Point has been at the table often. Improvement can definitely be seen there. In the beginning there was a budget of $20,000 established for this project. Perhaps every item should not have required approval. Perhaps the Councillor working on this project was doing so to keep Council in the loop.

Deputy Mayor, Bourque said the issue keeps arising because of lack of planning. He does not agree that money should be spent without Council approval. If the planning was done up front then the expenditure would be outlined in the project.

Councillor, Flanagan noted that she is the Council member being referred to. The issue being questioned was as a result of her being in Ottawa and materials were needed then. On another point, she called two Councilors not one. One of those Council members was not at the meeting and did not have all the information.

Deputy Mayor, Bourque said now that Councillor, Flanagan has identified herself, he wishes to tell her he is not trying to curb her enthusiasm but rather point out the need to do planning.

Councillor, Carrier vacated meeting - Statement of Conflict of Interest

" Caretaker Contract -Recreation Centre
Deputy Mayor, Bourque noted that recently an event at the Recreation Centre resulted in a hole being made in the wall and a very messy situation in the washrooms, vomit everywhere. He feels this is above the conditions outlined in the Caretakers contract. In discussions with the Caretaker she advised of other incidents in the past of a similar nature. He inquired if her preference would be not to have to clean this type of mess at all or be properly compensated. She advised that she could do the cleanup. In his opinion, such work is beyond the normal scope of work and should be compensated and these costs should be bore by the renter.

Ron Bourque moved that $50 of the Recreation Centre - Renters damage deposit be deducted and paid to the Caretaker for incidents where it requires cleaning of inappropriate human secretions, seconded by Michael Firlotte. Motion carried.

It was noted and recommended by the CAO that a Facilities Rental Agreement and Form be draft outlining the terms and conditions for rental. The Administrative Assistant has worked on one in the past and she could revise and prepare a draft for Council review.

Councillor, Carrier returned to meeting.

Councillor, Carrier presented the following issues.
" He advised Council that he has prepared a tender package for the Gazebo/Bandstand at the Recreation / Ballfield grounds. He met with the three contractors to present them with document, review and invite them to bid. Bids are to be ready for awarding on September 19, 2005. James Carrier moved that the Gazebo/Bandstand tender proceed to invitational bids with A1 Construction, J & G Carpentry and J. Hilliard General Contractor, seconded by Emmie Flanagan. Motion carried.

Deputy Mayor, Bourque confirmed that Councillor, Carrier will be conducting the inspections including the final inspection.

Councillor, Flanagan inquired if the work would be completed before snowfall and she was advised it would be.

" Policy & Procedure By-law for Council He wished to address the issues of the number of meetings and would like consideration to be given to reducing them. Hew will be bring forward at the next meeting a proposal of 2 regular meeting per month - 1st & 2nd Mondays and 1 working session - 3rd Thursday. He would like Council to give this some thought.

Councillor Flanagan presented the following issues:
" The Roherty Point project will be brought up for the last time this year. Brenda Russell is just about finished, with about two (2) days left. She would like at this point to recognize some volunteers, Randy Russell for labour and materials, Charles Hache, Jamie Firlotte and Flo Guitard for labour. She would like to see an expenditure of $250 for gift certificated in appreciation for their contribution to this project.

Emmie Flanagan moved that three gift certificated be purchased from Canadian Tire -$100 for Randy Russell and $50 each for Charles Hache and Jamie Firlotte and a $50 Gift Certificate from Staples for Flo Guitard, seconded by James Carrier. Motion carried. (4 yeas - Councillor's Flanagan, Tardif, Carrier & Firlotte) ( 1 nay - Councillor Bourque)

Councillor Tardif confirmed that this would be from the Roherty Point Budget.

" The Calendar Contest is nearing finalization and she has purchased from her own pocket bristol board for displaying of photos for committee. She would like consideration to be given for reimbursement of this expenditure.

James Carrier moved that Councillor, Flanagan be reimbursed up to $20 for bristol board expenditures for Calendar Contest, seconded by Michael Firlotte. Motion carried.

Emmie Flanagan moved that three -(3) additional concrete garbage cans be purchased for Roherty Point at an estimated cost of $350 each, seconded by Austin Tardif. Motion carried.

Deputy Mayor, Bourque inquired would the project still be within budget and he was advised, yes.

Reports:
Administration Report: The following issues were presented to Council
" Council review of Rural Plan - September 12, 2005 starting at 9:00 a.m. Councillor, Carrier advised he would not be there.
" Street Light Request - Permanent Resident Waterfront Drive. Directive was to proceed to have installed.
" Soil Sampling was done by Craig HydroGeoLogic the later part of August.
" A meeting was held with Jean Claude Arseneault of Roy Consultants to review building expansion and renovation proposal. Information will be brought to Council when required.
" The need to purchase a new garbage compactor for 2006 was confirmed with driver and the issue of tender specification will have to be determined by Council.
" The roadside resting areas as proposed has not proceeded yet. It is being recommended that the benches, garbage cans and fence material be purchased this year, but only be installed next year due to timing.
" The use of private access for Firlotte Road residents during the NB East Coast Railway overhead bridge repairs has been denied. Other alternative were presented and Mayor, Duivenvoorden met with Mr. Richard and they did an on site visit. More information will be brought to the table once a proposal is ready.
Mayor Duivenvoorden asked to have the meeting scheduled with the Municipal Works Supervisor, the property owner and himself.
" Jacquet River Campground employees would like a post season meeting with Council.
" Due to difficulty contacting the contractors by telephone for the Jacquet River Drive Property development estimated, a written request was sent inviting them to a meeting on September 8, 2005 if they are interested. Council will be advised at the September 12, 2005 meeting of the outcome.
" It is being recommended that a meeting with engineering consultant, Francis Frenette be held in the near future to discuss pending jobs and plans for next year.
" Street Turning areas are still an issue. In particular on Legacy Road as identified by DOT and the Laviolette St. West.
Mayor, Duivenvoorden said he intends to meet with a property owner to discuss a potential turning area on Laviolette St.
" Right of Entry and Temporary Easement agreements are ready to be distributed to property owners for the Brideau Lane Brook project and the Main Street Storm Sewer project. They require both the signature of the Mayor and Clerk and it would require both be present with the respective property owners.
" The status of the Policy and Procedure Development has been reviewed with Mel Parker. The documents are now in the first draft stage - templates from another municipality. However, they are now at the stage where they will require Council's review and input as they have to be fine tuned to what Council wants to meet the needs for Belledune. There are many documents and therefore they will be distributed to Council in batches, with time line for returning. A commitment of time and participation will be needed from Council to see this process move forward. The first batch of documents will be circulated to Council in the near future.

By-laws and Policies: Nil

Mayor, Duivenvoorden excused himself at 8:45 p.m. and also advise Council that he most likely will not be present at the working session on Thursday. Deputy Mayor, Bourque assumed the chair.

Motions & Resolutions:
Michael Firlotte moved that the 2005/2006 Ambulance Service Agreement between the Village of Belledune and Provincial Department of Health & Wellness be accepted and endorsed, seconded by Austin Tardif. Motion carried.

General Correspondence:
Correspondence In:
DNR, Judy Mercier - Application for Easement
Peggy Gordon, Belledune Citizens Comm. - Questions, Re: Bennett
Bathurst Sustainable Development - Request for meeting
DOT, David Cogswell - Five Year Priorities Road Work

Donations & Advertizing:
Austin Tardif moved that a $400 donation be give to the Leisure & Active Living Committee - September 17, 2005 Fun Day Event, seconded by Emmie Flanagan. Motion carried.

Emmie Flanagan moved the Village from the Recreation Equipment Budget reimbursement the Ice Packs Female Hockey Team, upon issuing of receipt, up to $600 for the purchase of Goalie Equipment to be owned by the municipality, seconded by Austin Tardif. Motion carried.

Michael Firlotte moved that the Village place a ¼ page advertisement for the cost of $300 in the special supplement of the Tribune in recognition of their 100th anniversary, seconded by Emmie Flanagan. Motion carried.

James Carrier moved that the Village for the cost of $1,500, partner with the Tourism Chaleur and the Chaleur region municipalities for advertising in the tourism guide, seconded by Emmie Flanagan. Motion carried.

Monthly Fire Chief's Report
SPCA Report _ July
BDPC - Permit Report, August
Charles Hubbard, MP - ACOA Funding
Office of the Premier - Chaleur Working Group on Long Term Care
AMANB (2) - Ms. Brenda Cormier, Board Member

Correspondence Out:
R. Murphy, JT Landry & Son, Doucet Contracter de Bois - Meeting
Ms. G. Maltais, GCP Bristol - Marketing Plan
Hon. Dale Graham, Wastewater Management Feasibility Study - Clean Water Grant
Village of Saint Quentin, Mayor Beaulieau
Mr. Roger Clinch, BMS Mining Division - Chaleur Drive Water & Wastewater Systems
James & June Furlotte - Public Hearing

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M. on a motion by James Carrier and seconded by Emmie Flanagan.


_______________________________
Clerk/Treasurer


__________________________________
Mayor