HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - March 9, 2021 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday,
March 9, 2021
6:01 p.m.
Main Concourse
Centre 200
481 George Street, Sydney, NS
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall called the meeting to order.
Council: Mayor Amanda M. McDougall
Councillor Gordon MacDonald
Deputy Mayor Earlene MacMullin
Councillor Cyril MacDonald
Councillor Steve Gillespie
Councillor Eldon MacDonald
Councillor Glenn Paruch
Councillor Steve Parsons
Councillor James Edwards
Councillor Ken Tracey
Councillor Darren Bruckschwaiger
Councillor Darren O'Quinn
Councillor Lorne Green
Staff. Marie Walsh, Chief Administrative Officer
Jennifer Campbell, Chief Financial Officer
Deborah Campbell Ryan, Municipal Clerk
Demetri Kachafanas, QC, Regional Solicitor
Wayne MacDonald, Director of Engineering &Public Works
Michael Ruus, Director of Planning & Development
Sheila Kolanko, Property Manager
Sharon MacSween, Senior Administrative Assistant
Tanya Nicholson, Recording Secretary
Absent: N/A
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Summary of Decisions
Call to Order
Roll Call
O' Canada
ADDENDUM:
Community Spirit Plaque:
It was noted that the Community Spirit Plaque was presented to CBRM by the Lieutenant
Governor.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve minutes from:
➢ Council Meeting—February 23, 2021
Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion to defer item 7.1 (a) on the Addendum regarding the Sydney Central Library to a
future Council meeting. Carried.
Motion to approve the March 9d', 2021 Council Agenda and remainder of the Addendum
as circulated. Carried.
3. PROCLAMATION:
3.1 Superhero Day:
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim March 24h, 2021 as
"Superhero Day" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Carried.
3.2 World Water Day:
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and CBRM Council proclaim Monday, March
22nd, 2021 as "World Water Day" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and residents
are encouraged to practice responsible and sustainable use of water. Carried.
Continued...
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Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
3.3 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
Motion that CBRM Council proclaim Sunday, March 21st, 2021 as "International Day for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Carried.
ADDENDUM:
3.4 World Down Syndrome Day:
Motion that CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim March 21",2021
as World Down Syndrome Day in the CBRM and encourage all residents of the CBRM
and the Government of Nova Scotia to #SeeTheAbility and #LeaveNoOneBehind.
Carried.
4. PRESENTATIONS:
4.1 Caregivers Nova Scotia:
Caregivers Nova Scotia provided a presentation to Council on the services they offer.
For information only.
4.2 Cape Breton Island Housing Authority:
A presentation was provided on the role of the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority and
the Board.
Motion that staff be directed to call for expressions of interest for three(3) CBRM citizens
to serve on the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority Board for a three-year term and
report back to the Nominating Committee for consideration and referral to Council,noting
that Council's recommendation will be forwarded to the NS Department of Infrastructure
and Housing for formal appointment. Carried.
4.3 Verschuren Centre:
A presentation was provided on the work taking place at Verschuren Centre.
For information only.
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Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
5. FINAL APPROVAL —PUBLIC HEARING:
5.1 Request for Street Closure(Old alignment of Kings Road—Portion of Pid
15705585 —Old alignment of Esplanade, Portion of PID 15705718:
Motion to close portions of the old alignments of Kings Road and Esplanade identified in
the staff Issue Paper dated March 9, 2021, and that they be deemed surplus for sale to the
Province of Nova Scotia for the development of the Nova Scotia Community College
Campus. Carried.
6. Update on Strategic Planning Sessions:
Mayor McDougall provided an update on the Strategic Planning Sessions that were held
on March 3 to 5, 2021.
It was agreed to facilitate a Zoom discussion regarding how Council will move forward
with the future Committee and Council meeting structure.
Action Items from this Meeting:
Mayor McDougall provided a list of action items to be addressed.
ADDENDUM:
7. BUSINESS ARISING:
7.1 Council—January 26, 2021
a) Sydney Central Library Study: Service, Programs and
Operation Plan:
This item was addressed earlier in the meeting and was deferred to a future meeting of
Council.
Adiournment
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Call to Order
Roll Call
O Canada
Mayor McDougall recognized Cassidy Riley's recording of O'Canada for use at the
Council meetings.
ADDENDUM:
Community Spirit Plaque:
Deputy Mayor Earlene MacMullin advised Council that the Community Spirit Plaque was
presented to Cape Breton Regional Municipality by the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc,
Lieutenant Governor, for CBRM's tremendous spirit and resilience throughout the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor McDougall advised once the plaque is displayed, the public would be informed of
its location.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Bruckschwaiger, approval of the
following Minutes as previously circulated:
➢ Council Meeting—February 23, 2021
Motion Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Parsons to approve the
March 9a', 2021 Council Agenda and the Addendum as circulated.
Discussion:
Councillor Green noted that he just received the Addendum today and is not prepared to
vote on a motion regarding the Sydney Central Library and asked that it be deferred to a
future meeting.
With the agreement of the mover and seconder, the motion to approve the Agenda and
Addendum was withdrawn at this time.
Continued...
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Cont'd):
Motion to Defer:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Edwards,to defer item 7.1 (a) on the
Addendum regarding the Sydney Central Library to a future Council meeting.
Discussion:
The Mayor noted that a Special Council meeting could be called to deal with this issue,
and it was agreed to schedule that meeting within two weeks and to invite all parties
engaged with the project, including Senator Dan Christmas,the Developers and the Library
Board and staff.
Motion to Defer Carried,with three(3) Councillors voting in the negative.
The Mayor noted that in consultation with the Clerk, the background information on the
Sydney Central Library project will be compiled and circulated to all Council well in
advance of the special meeting so that everyone will have the opportunity to review the
history of the project before the meeting.
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Tracey to approve the
March 9d', 2021 Council Agenda and the remainder of the Addendum.
Motion Carried.
3. PROCLAMATION:
3.1 Superhero Day:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Gillespie, that Mayor
Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim March 24h, 2021 as "Superhero Day" in the
Cape Breton Regional Municipality, in recognition of Caleb's amazing legacy and the
importance of supporting "Caleb's Courage" in raising public awareness of childhood
cancer at the regional level.
Motion Carried.
3.2 World Water Day:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Gillespie, seconded by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, that CBRM
Council proclaim Monday March 22nd, 2021 as "World Water Day" in the Cape Breton
Regional Municipality and residents are encouraged to practice responsible and sustainable
use of water.
Motion Carried.
Continued...
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PROCLAMATIONS (Cont'd):
3.3 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Edwards, that CBRM Council
proclaim Sunday, March 21st, 2021 as "International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried.
ADDENDUM:
3.4 World Down Syndrome Day:
Motion:
Moved by Mayor Amanda M. McDougall, seconded by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, that
CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim March 21st, 2021 as World
Down Syndrome Day in the CBRM and encourage all residents of the CBRM and the
Government of Nova Scotia to#SeeTheAbility and#LeaveNoOneBehind.
Motion Carried.
Mayor McDougall noted that CBRM, in partnership with the Down Syndrome Society, is
hosting a special day for members of the local Down Syndrome Society at City Hall on
March 22, which includes activities such as Mayor for a Day.
4. PRESENTATIONS:
4.1 Caregivers Nova Scotia:
Ms. Maggie Roach-Ganaway, Caregiver Support Coordinator, Caregivers Nova Scotia
provided a presentation for Caregivers Nova Scotia highlighting the following:
• What Caregivers Nova Scotia is
• Who is a caregiver?
• What do we know about unpaid caregivers?
• What do we know about how caregiving affects mental health?
• What do caregivers say about their role?
Caregivers support in Canada
Caregivers support in Nova Scotia
• The pillars of Caregivers Nova Scotia
• Programs and services
• Facilitated peer support groups
• Information/health navigation
• Educational Workshops, Resources, and Advocacy
• How can you support us?
Continued...
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PRESENTATIONS—Caregivers Nova Scotia (Cont'd):
Council discussed the following:
• Effects on Caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Organization originated in 1998 and was funded by the Provincial Government
Council needs more presenters like the Caregivers Nova Scotia
• Difference between Caregiver Benefit and Supportive Care Program and qualifying
household income to receive either support
Mayor McDougall thanked Ms. Roach-Ganaway for her presentation and advised that the
CBRM Communication staff would share the Caregivers Nova Scotia resources with the
public.
For information only.
4.2 Cape Breton Island Housing Authority:
Mr. Shawn Luker, Director, CB Island Housing Authority,provided a presentation on the
Cape Breton Island Housing Authority highlighting the following:
• Introduction
• What we do as an organization
• The role of the board
• Request for board member appointments
Criteria for board members
Following the presentation, Deborah Campbell Ryan, Municipal Clerk, advised that the
process to call for expressions of interest would be similar to past practice. The Clerk's
office would receive the submissions, then the submissions would be brought to
Nominating Committee and that Committee would make referrals to Council. Council
would then recommend board member appointments to the Minister of Housing and
Infrastructure.
Council then discussed the following:
No priority list for snow removal of CB Island Housing properties
Need for a direct line of communication between Councillors and Community
Housing
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Paruch, that staff be directed to call
for expressions of interest for three (3) CBRM citizens to serve on the Cape Breton Island
Housing Authority Board for a three-year term and report back to the Nominating
Committee for consideration and referral to Council, noting that Council's
recommendation will be forwarded to the NS Department of Infrastructure and Housing
for formal appointment.
Motion Carried.
Continued...
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PRESENTATIONS (Cont'd):
4.3 Verschuren Centre:
Dr. Beth Mason, President& CEO, Verschuren Centre Inc,provided a presentation on
the Verschuren Centre highlighting the following:
• Platform Activities
• Energy (Thermal and Solar)
• Infrastructure Build 2020
• Products from Industrial Biotech
• Partners in the National Industrial Bio-Cluster
• Impactful Investment Attraction
• What Verschuren Centre provides
• What Clients Need
• Areas for Collaboration
Centres of Excellence in Cape Breton
Mayor and Council were invited to receive additional information and a tour of the
Verschuren Centre to see firsthand the work taking place.
Mayor McDougall thanked Dr. Mason for her presentation.
For information only.
5. FINAL APPROVAL —PUBLIC HEARING:
5.1 Request for Street Closure(Old Alignment of Kings Road—Portion of PID
15705585 —Old Alignment of Esplanade, Portion of PID 15705718):
Ms. Sheila Kolanko, Property Manager, provided background information on the issue.
She noted the Legal Department has not received any written complaints or objections from
the community, however she did receive an email from a resident who was confused on
the location of the street closing and suggested that in the future, the Notice of
Advertisement be clearer to understand.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Parsons, to close
portions of the old alignments of Kings Road and Esplanade identified in the staff Issue
Paper dated March 9, 2021, and that they be deemed surplus for sale to the Province of
Nova Scotia for the development of the Nova Scotia Community College Campus.
Motion Carried.
Continued...
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6. Update on Strategic Planning Sessions:
Mayor McDougall provided an update on the Strategic Planning Sessions that were held
on March 3rd—5h, 2021, highlighting the following:
• Intention of the Strategic planning sessions
o Bring Council together to discuss respective goals for Council
o Take the first steps in developing a Strategic Plan for CBRM
o Team-building opportunity
o Cost: $4200 for 28 people which is comparable to the costs for the
Council orientation sessions held at the Holiday Inn, and meetings held at
C-200. Due to COVID-19 and the inability to use the Council Chambers,
there are costs associated with in-person meetings.
• What took place
o Invited community stakeholders representing various capacities in our
community including small business, health care professionals,
environmentally-focused groups, larger scale businesses, and our Regional
Enterprise Network(REN). Council also received presentations around
COVID-19 recovery.
o This exercise of presentations was to help Council understand what is
happening outside the municipal jurisdiction.
o A day and half was then focused on staff and Council coming together to
talk about the CBRM's strengths (what we do well) and how we use those
strengths to grow our community
o Goal was to come up with key areas/priorities for strategic direction.
o Facilitators will take the documented work from the session and develop
long and short-term goals along with deliverables on how to achieve them
o Nothing was ratified or voted on, and anything required will be brought to
Council for approval and/or implementation
Continued...
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Update on Strategic Planning Sessions (Cont'd):
• Claim that we have contravened the MGA
o This type of work is not only necessary but was encouraged by the
Minister of Municipal Affairs, noting the 2019 meeting with Department
and then Minister Chuck Porter
o New Minister joined via Zoom to introduce himself and applaud Council
for taking the important steps in developing a Strategic Plan for CBRM
o Disappointment that media coverage of these workshops has been
incredibly negative
o Council and staff concluded the workshop on a positive note and it felt
like staff and Council really connected and were prepared to work
together, stronger than ever.
For information only.
Action Items From This Meeting:
It was agreed that the following action items would be addressed:
• Arrange tours of Verschuren Centre for Council members (COVID-friendly);
CBRM Communication staff to share the Caregivers Nova Scotia resources with
the public
• Provide Council members with a background information package on the Central
Library Project in advance of the Special Council Meeting, and to schedule the
special meeting
• Facilitate a Zoom discussion regarding how Council will move forward with
future Committee and Council meeting structure.
Continued...
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ADDENDUM:
7. BUSINESS ARISING:
7.1 Council—January 26, 2021
a) Sydney Central Library Study: Service, Programs and
Operation Plan:
This item was addressed earlier in the meeting and was deferred to a future meeting of
Council.
Meeting adiourned at 7:58 p.m.
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall Deborah Campbell Ryan
Municipal Clerk
/tcn