HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - December 10, 2024 Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Council Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2024
2:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers
Council
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke
Councillor Gordon MacDonald
Councillor Earlene MacMullin
Councillor Esmond "Blue" Marshall
Councillor Steve Gillespie
Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald
Councillor Glenn Paruch
Councillor Steve Parsons
Councillor Steven MacNeil
Councillor Dave MacKeigan
Councillor Paul Nickituk
Councillor Darren O'Quinn
Councillor Kim Sheppard-Campbell
Staff
Demetri Kachafanas, KC, Interim Chief Administrative Officer
Christa Dicks, Municipal Clerk
Robert Sampson, KC, Solicitor
Jennifer Campbell, Chief Financial Officer
Kirk Durning, Director of Director of Recreation, Parks and Grounds, and
Buildings and Facilities
Wayne MacDonald, Director of Engineering and Public Works
Tyson Simms, Director of Planning and Development
Mark Bettens, Fire Chief and Director of Fire and Emergency Services
Sean Tobin, Chief of Staff
Raymond Boudreau, Director of Water and Wastewater
Bruce MacDonald, Manager of Emergency Management
Craig MacNeil, Deputy Fire Chief
Peter Vandermeulen, Planner
Travis Radtke, Housing Coordinator, Planning and Development
Jenna MacQueen, Communications Advisor
Spencer Merrill, Information Technology Technician
Yuecong Cao, Administrative Assistant, Clerk's Department
Kelly McDonald, Recording Secretary
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 2 of 13
The following does not represent a word for word record of the proceedings
of this meeting. The agenda, reports, supporting documents, information
items circulated, and video (if available) are online at verw.v..fir_„_c_b_rrr�..,..n_s c.. ..
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke called the meeting to order.
Land Acknowledgement
Roll Call
O' Canada
1. Approval of Agenda
Motion
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, to
approve the December 10, 2024, council agenda and addendum as
presented.
Motion Carried
2. Approval of Minutes
Motion
Moved by Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor
MacMullin, to approve the CBRM minutes from:
➢ Special Council Minutes - April 4, 2023
➢ Special Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
➢ Special Council Minutes - April 6, 2023
➢ Special Council Minutes - May 30, 2023
➢ Special Council Minutes - June 27, 2023
➢ Special Council Minutes - March 6, 2024
➢ Council Minutes - August 20, 2024
➢ Council Minutes - October 2, 2024
➢ Special Council Minutes - October 30, 2024
➢ Council Minutes - November 12, 2024
Motion Carried
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 3 of 13
3. Proclamations and Resolutions
3.1 Lebanese Heritage Month
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Marshall, that CBRM
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim the month of November 2024, as
Lebanese Heritage Month in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
3.2 Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Motion
Moved by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Paruch, that
CBRM Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim the month November 2024,
as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality
and encourage all citizens to learn about lung cancer and early detection
through lung cancer screening.
Motion Carried
3.3 Project Red Ribbon Launch
Motion
Moved by Councillor Gillespie, seconded by Councillor O'Quinn, that CBRM
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim the launch of MADD Cape Breton's
Project Red Ribbon in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
3.4 YMCA Peace Week
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacKeigan, seconded by Councillor O'Quinn, that CBRM
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim the week of November 16th to
23rd, 2024, as YMCA Peace Week in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 4 of 13
3.5 Restorative Justice Week
Motion
Moved by Councillor Nickituk, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald,
that CBRM Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council, recognize this year as the 25th
Anniversary of the Restorative Justice Program in Nova Scotia and proclaim
the week of November 17th to 23rd, 2024, as Restorative Justice Week in
the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
3.6 Transgender Day of Remembrance
Motion
Moved by Councillor O'Quinn, seconded by Councillor Paruch, that CBRM
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim Wednesday, November 20th,
Transgender Day of Remembrance in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
3.7 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day
Motion
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, that
CBRM Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim November as National
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and November 21st, 2024, as Pancreatic
Cancer Day in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
3.8 Christian Heritage Month
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacNeil, seconded by Councillor Parsons, that CBRM
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim the month of December as
Christian Heritage Month in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 5 of 13
3.9 Giving Tuesday
Motion
Moved by Councillor Gillespie, seconded by Councillor Paruch, that CBRM
Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim December 3rd, 2024, as Giving
Tuesday in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
3.10 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Motion
Moved by Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Gillespie,
that CBRM Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim December 3, 2024, as
International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the Cape Breton Regional
Municipality.
Motion Carried
3.11 James Delorey Day
Motion
Moved by Councillor Sheppard-Campbell, seconded by Councillor MacKeigan,
that CBRM Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council proclaim December 7th, 2024,
as James Delorey Day in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried
4. Planning Issues
4.1 Case 1096: Development Agreement for 166 Lingan Road,
Whitney Peir
Peter Vandermeulen, Planner, reviewed the report and recommendations
included in the agenda package. Discussion took place regarding appeal and
amendment processes for clarification. The following motion was then put
forward:
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 6 of 13
Motion
Moved by Councillor Sheppard-Campbell, seconded by Councillor Paruch to
direct staff to schedule a public hearing to consider the proposed
development agreement as set out in Attachment F, included in the agenda
package; and to give first reading to consider proposed amendments to the
CBRM Land Use By-law, as set out in Attachment G included in the agenda
package, and schedule a public hearing.
Motion Carried
4.2 CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund - Update Regarding E-
Permitting System
Director Simms reviewed the information report included in the agenda
package. Discussion took place regarding the Housing Accelerator Fund
Initiative List, the Preliminary Breakdown of Anticipated Costs, and system
design options.
For Information Only
S. Protective Services Issues:
5.1 Appointment of By-law Enforcement Officer to Serve as
Dog Control Officer:
Director Simms reviewed the report and recommendation included in the
agenda package. The following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor
MacMullin, to appoint Paul Hunter as a By-law Enforcement Officer, to serve
as a Dog Control Officer, administering and enforcing the CBRM Dog By-law
(D-400) for the CBRM.
Motion Carried
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 7 of 13
5.2 Appointment of By-law Enforcement Officers-By-law
Services Division:
Director Simms reviewed the report and recommendation included in the
agenda package. The following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Parsons, to appoint
Curtis Dauphney and Scott Parker as By-law Enforcement Officers for CBRM.
Motion Carried
6. Corporate Services Issues
6.1 Council Policies
Christa Dicks, Municipal Clerk, reviewed the memo and recommendations
included in the agenda package. The following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Gillespie, to direct
staff to perform a review and provide recommendations on Council policies;
and to direct staff to review and provide recommendations relating to
committees including but not limited to committee composition, terms of
reference, and meeting schedules; and to approve the return to the General
Committee (Committee of the Whole) as outlined in Resolution RC4 -
Committees with Committee meetings being held the first Tuesday of each
month (unless otherwise scheduled) beginning at 10:00 a.m.; and to amend
the Resolution RC3 - Meetings Policy that Meetings of Council occur on the
second Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise scheduled) beginning at
2:00 p.m.; and to direct staff to review formatting and processes for staff
submitted reports and council request forms.
Motion Carried
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 8 of 13
6.2 Vacancies on Various Committees and Committees Update
Christa Dicks, Municipal Clerk, reviewed the memo and recommendations
included in the agenda package. Discussion took place regarding committee
members and terms. The following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Gillespie, to accept
the recommendations included in the memo in the agenda package,
regarding vacancies on internal and external committees.
Motion Carried
6.3 Municipal Code of Conduct
Demetri Kachafanas, KC, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, reviewed the
memo and recommendation included in the agenda package. Discussion
took place regarding potential to amend the Code of Conduct. The following
motions were then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald,
to adopt the Model Code of Conduct for Municipalities prescribed by the
Minister under Subsection 520(1) of Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1998, the
Municipal Government Act as required under the Code of Conduct for
Municipal Elected Officials Regulations made under Section 520 of the
Municipal Government Act on or before December 19, 2024.
Motion Carried
Motion
Moved by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, seconded by Deputy Mayor Eldon
MacDonald, to request to the Provincial Municipal Affairs and Housing to
enter into a dialogue with the CBRM to consider an appeals process within
the current Code of Conduct.
Motion Carried
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 9 of 13
6.4 Authorization to Pursue Infrastructure and Development
Funding Opportunities
Mayor Clarke reviewed the memorandum and recommendation included in
the agenda package.
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Paruch, to authorize
the Mayor to represent CBRM Council in discussions with federal and
provincial governments to explore potential agreements and to pursue and
apply for available infrastructure and development fund-ing opportunities.
Motion Carried
6.5 Ann-Mor Properties Ltd./135 Commercial Street Lot, Glace
Bay Library Lease Renewal
Demetri Kachafanas, KC, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, reviewed the
issue paper and recommendation included in the agenda package.
Discussion took place regarding market rental costs. The following motion
was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacKeigan, seconded by Deputy Mayor Eldon
MacDonald, to authorize a new five-year lease for July 1st, 2024, to June
30th, 2029, with a rate calculated based on $18 per square foot for an area
of 6300 square feet, with a 2% cost of living adjustment for each year of the
lease; and CBRM will take over the cleaning services for the leased
premises; the monthly rent will be as follows for the term of a five-year
lease:
• July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025: $9450.00
• July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026: $9639.00
• July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027: $9831.78
• July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028: $10028.42
• July 1, 2028 - June 30, 2029: $10228.98
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 10 of 13
Motion Carried
6.6 Equity and Anti-Racism Plan
Demetri Kachafanas, KC, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, reviewed the
memo and recommendation included in the agenda package. The following
motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Parsons, to approve
the issuance of an Expression of Interest to identify qualified persons to
develop the municipal Equity and Anti-Racism Plan.
Motion Carried
6.7 Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development-
Project Application
Director MacDonald reviewed the issue paper and recommendation in the
agenda package. Discussion took place regarding project timelines. The
following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Gillespie, to approve the
application to the Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure and Development
Program (GRID), for the projects identified in the agenda package.
Motion Carried
6.8 Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF)- Project
Application Tartan Downs
Director MacDonald reviewed the memo and recommendation in the agenda
package. The following motion was then put forward:
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 11 of 13
Motion
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, to
direct Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to direct staff to proceed with an
application to the Direct Delivery Stream of the Canada Housing
Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), as the lead in a partnership application with the
Urban Neighbourhood Development Association (LINDA) for the proposed
Tartan Downs Development as presented in the Issue Paper included in the
agenda package.
Motion Carried
6.9 Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF)- Water Utility
Application
Director Boudreau reviewed the issue paper and recommendation included in
the agenda package. The following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor Sheppard-Campbell, seconded by Councillor O' Quinn,
to authorize the Water Utility to apply to the Canada Housing and
Infrastructure Fund by the deadline of March 31, 2025.
Motion Carried
6.10 Funding Agreement- Nova Scotia Nature Agreement
Director Boudreau reviewed the issue paper and recommendation included in
the agenda package. The following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor
MacMullin, to approve the Water Utility to enter into the funding agreement
for land acquisition in public watersheds; and to direct the Water Utility to
return to Council with details about specific parcels and seek council
approval prior to executing any Purchase and Sale Agreements.
Motion Carried
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 12 of 13
6.11 CBRFES SCBA Program
Chief Bettens and Deputy Chief MacNeil reviewed the memo and
presentation included in the agenda package. Discussion took place
regarding volunteer fire departments, program terms, costs, and equipment
lifespan. The following motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor Paruch, to approve the
renewal of the contract to replace self-contained breathing apparatus.
Motion Carried
6.12 CBRM Designated Comfort Centres and Memorandum of
Understanding
Bruce MacDonald, Manager of Emergency Management, reviewed the staff
report and recommendation included in the agenda package. Discussion took
place regarding preparedness, budget, and large-scale events. The following
motion was then put forward:
Motion
Moved by Councillor Sheppard-Campbell, seconded by Councillor O'Quinn, to
adopt in full the content of the staff report, included in the agenda package,
regarding the operation of CBRM designated comfort centres and the
associated Memorandum of Understanding, between the CBRM and partner
organizations.
Motion Carried
6.13 Acquisition of Land
Demetri Kachafanas, KC, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, reviewed the
memo and recommendation included in the agenda package. The following
motion was then put forward:
Council Meeting - Minutes
December 10, 2024 Approved January 21, 2025 Page 13 of 13
Motion
Moved by Councillor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald,
to authorize the Interim CAO to proceed with the purchase and acquisition of
land adjacent to C200 as negotiated.
Motion Carried
7. Committee Reports - N/A
8. Financial Statements
8.1 CBRM to September 30, 2024
For Information Only
Meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
Cecil P. Clarke
Mayor
Christa Dicks
Municipal Clerk
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