HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - April 20, 2021 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday,
April 20, 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 O'Quinn
Councillor Lorne Green
Staff. Marie Walsh, Chief Administrative Officer
Jennifer Campbell, Chief Financial Officer
John MacKinnon, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Demetri Kachafanas, QC, Regional Solicitor
Wayne MacDonald, Director of Engineering &Public Works
Bill Murphy, Director of Recreation, Parks, Grounds & Buildings
Michael Ruus, Director of Planning & Development
Karen Neville, Senior Planner
Kristen Knudskov, Planner
Sharon MacSween, Senior Administrative Assistant
Tanya Nicholson, Recording Secretary
Absent: Councillor Darren Bruckschwaiger (Regrets)
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 2 of 16
The Council met In Camera earlier this date pursuant to Section 22(2) (c) of the Municipal
Government Act.
Summary of Decisions
Call to Order
O' Canada
Roll Call
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve minutes from:
➢ Council Meeting—March 9, 2021
Carried.
Motion to approve minutes from:
➢ Council Meeting—March 23, 2021
Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion to approve the April 20, 2021 Council Agenda and Addendum as circulated.
Carried.
3. PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month:
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council hereby declare the month of May
2021 as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month"in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Carried.
3.2 Lyme Disease Awareness Month:
Motion that CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim May 2021 as
"Lyme Disease Awareness Month" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Carried.
3.3 Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month:
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim May 2021 as
"Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month" in the Cape Breton Regional
Municipality. Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 3 of 16
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
PROCLAMATIONS (Cont'd):
3.4 2021 Volunteer Week:
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim April 18d'to 24h, 2021
as "Volunteer Week" in recognition of the splendid efforts of our volunteers who provide
service to our residents and communities. Carried.
3.5 North American Occupational Safety and Health Week:
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim the week of May 2nd to
May 8d', 2021 as "North American Occupational Safety and Health Week" in the Cape
Breton Regional Municipality. Carried.
4. PRESENTATION:
4.1 Highland Arts Theatre:
A presentation was provided on provided a presentation on the arts and culture sector of
CBRM.
For information only.
5. DELEGATION:
5.1 Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council—ICI:
A presentation was provided on the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council.
For information only.
6. REPORT:
6.1 Efficiency Nova Scotia:
A presentation was provided by Efficiency Nova Scotia regarding CBRM Energy
Management.
For information only.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 4 of 16
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
7. PLANNING ISSUE:
7.1 APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE:
a) Case 1078 - Municipal Planning Strategy Amendment to allow a
Medical Clinic at 46 Cottage Road, Sydney (PID 15105133 and
15270382):
Motion approval to advertise Notice of a Public Hearing at an upcoming meeting of
Council, to consider the amendment, Case 1078, to allow a Medical Clinic at 46 Cottage
Road, Sydney (PID 15105133 and 15270382) and regulate following Option 3, General
Provisions specifically for Medical Clinics, as outlined in the staff Reportpaper dated April
13, 2021. Carried.
Motion approval to advertise Notice of a Public Hearing at an upcoming meeting of
Council, to consider an amending the North End Sydney Secondary Planning Strategy and
Land Use Bylaw in accordance with Option 3, General Provisions to permit Medical
Clinics, as outlined in the staff Report dated April 13, 2021. Carried.
Motion approval to advertise Notice of a Public Hearing to consider amending the CBRM
Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use Bylaw, North End Sydney Secondary Planning
Strategy and North End Sydney Secondary Land Use Bylaw, to permit medical clinics as
home-based businesses as outlined in the staff Report dated April 13, 2021. Carried.
b) Case 1079-Motor Vehicle Sales PID 15037278 (2248 Kings Road,
Howie Center; District 7)
Motion approval to advertise Notice of a Public Hearing for an upcoming meeting of
Council, to consider the site plan approval criteria to permit motor vehicle sales
developments in the Kings Road Sales (KRS) Zone and assist in mitigating potential
adverse effect on surrounding residential development—Case 1079, PID 15037278, 2248
Kings Road, Howie Center. Carried.
7.2 Parking Area Request—CBRM Parking Meter Bylaw T-5:
Motion that staff be directed to draft an issue paper outlining potential options for
amendments to the CBRM Parking Meter Bylaw T-5. Carried.
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 5 of 16
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd):
8. COUNCILLOR AGENDA REQUESTS:
8.1 Land Purchase for Playground/Dry Fire Hydrant—MacKessey Drive,
Victoria Mines:
Motion to direct staff to prepare an Issue paper for the next regular meeting of Council for
the purpose of negotiating the purchase of Lot 16—PID 15519929—(Playground area) and
Lot 18 — PID 15519903 — (Dry Fire Hydrant) located on MacKessey Drive in Victoria
Mines from the Executors of the estate concerning Gladys MacKessey. Carried.
8.2 Outstanding Loan Forgiveness —Emera North Sydney:
Motion to direct staff to prepare an Issue paper for the upcoming Budget Sessions for
Council consideration to forgive the outstanding loan balance owed to CBRM by the
Northside Community Civic Centre Society. Carried.
9. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
9.1 CBRM to February 28, 2021:
For Information Only.
9.2 Port of Sydney Development Corporation to February 28, 2021:
For Information Only.
ADDENDUM:
10.00 BUSINESS ARISING:
10.01 In Camera —April 20, 2021:
a) Selection of Police Chief:
Motion to approve the appointment of Robert Walsh to the position of Police Chief
effective April 20, 2021. Furthermore, that the Deputy Chief position be advertised in
accordance with the requirements of Section 37 (4) of the Nova Scotia Police Act and the
CBRM Recruitment and Selection Policy. Carried.
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 6 of 16
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd):
10. Review of Action Items from the Meeting:
Mayor McDougall reviewed the list of action items from this meeting.
For Information Only.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 7 of 16
The Council met In Camera earlier this date pursuant to Section 22(2) (c) of the Municipal
Government Act.
Call to Order
O' Canada
Roll Call
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Edwards, approval of the following
Minutes as previously circulated:
➢ Council Meeting—March 9, 2021
Motion Carried.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Cyril MacDonald
approval of the following Minutes as previously circulated:
➢ Council Meeting—March 23, 2021
Motion Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, to
approve the April 20'', 2021 Council Agenda and the Addendum as circulated.
Motion Carried.
3. PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Tracey, seconded by Gillespie, that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall
and Council hereby declare the month of May 2021 as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
Month" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 8 of 16
PROCLAMATIONS (Cont'd):
3.2 Lyme Disease Awareness Month:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, that
CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim May 2021 as "Lyme Disease
Awareness Month" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Motion Carried.
3.3 Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor Gillespie, that Mayor Amanda M.
McDougall and Council proclaim May 2021 as "Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness
Month" in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Carried.
3.4 2021 Volunteer Week:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, that
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim April 18d'to 24h,2021 as "Volunteer
Week" in recognition of the splendid efforts of our volunteers who provide service to our
residents and communities.
Carried.
3.5 North American Occupational Safety and Health Week:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, seconded by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, that
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council proclaim the week of May 2nd to May 8d',2021
as "North American Occupational Safety and Health Week" in the Cape Breton Regional
Municipality.
4. PRESENTATION:
4.1 Highland Arts Theatre:
Wesley Colford, Artistic & Executive Director, Highland Arts Theatre, provided a
presentation on the arts and culture sector of CBRM. They apologized for the confusion
regarding their understanding of the intent of this presentation.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 9 of 16
PRESENTATION Highland Arts Theatre (Cont'd):
Council was advised that the amended requests to be presented will also distributed
following the meeting. Presentation highlights included:
• History of arts and culture on Cape Breton Island
• Performing arts that have been derived from local cultures
• Local success stories: Savoy, Center for Craft and Design, New Dawn Convent
project, CB Mike, Celtic Colours and Sacred Heart Downtown
Cultural activity amid COVID pandemic
Venues for local performing arts
• Potential for the local arts and culture
• Highlights and challenges
• Highland Arts Theatre:
o Overview from 2014 to present
o Video presentation, A Special Radical Access Announcement
o HAT being the first professional community-funded theatre in Canada
Spin-off effects created by the local arts and culture with revenue going into the
local economy
• Funding and support
• Key Requests:
o Increased and designated operating funding for arts and culture
organizations and activities within the CBRM - allocated in the budget.
o A commitment to better transparency policies and constructive feedback
regarding results of municipal funding grants such as Sustainability,
Festivals and Event, and Operations.
o A dedicated granting program for individual artists
Mayor McDougall thanked Wesley Colford for their presentation and noted the requests
will be brought into the Budget discussion. She expressed her appreciation for the cultural
sector and their activities in the community.
5. DELEGATION:
5.1 Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council—ICI:
Trent Soholt, Executive Director Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council -ICI,provided
a presentation on the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council - ICI including the
following highlights:
• Who we are
• What is Best Value Procurement?
• Why Should I Care?
Common Themes
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 10 of 16
DELEGATION—Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council—ICI(Cont'd):
• What is a Community Benefit Agreement(CBA)?
• What is Included?
• Key Ingredients —Core Criteria for Successful CBAs
Opportunity
• Procurement with CBA Integration—Examples of Results
Contract Language Implemented June 2020
CBRM Major Projects
Updated Major Project Data.for Cape Breton
Updated Demand Scenario
Updated Major Project Data.: Estimated Supply vs. Demand
• Known Occupation & Training Needs
• How Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council is helping
After the presentation, Council discussed the following:
Skill alignments
• Encouraging trade workers to contact Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
Work with Unions
Mayor McDougall thanked Trent Soholt for his presentation and noted the contact
information for Rochelle Hatcher would be forwarded to Council.
6. REPORT:
6.1 Efficiency Nova Scotia:
Bill Murphy introduced Khaled Ibrahim, On-Site Energy Manager, CBRM — Efficiency
Nova Scotia, who provided a presentation on Efficiency Nova Scotia, CBRM Energy
Management 2021-2021, discussing the following highlights:
• Introduction
➢ Efficiency Nova Scotia
➢ UN Sustainable Development Goals
➢ Canada Energy
• Energy Efficiency
➢ Energy Conservation Measures (ECM)
• CBRM Last 5 Years Achievement
➢ CBRM Energy & GHG Achievement
• CBRM Energy Management Goals, Objectives and Plan
• CBRM 2021-2025 Energy Efficiency Projects
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 I1 of 16
REPORT - Efficiency Nova Scotia (Cont'd):
After the presentation, Council discussed the following:
• Focus on wind and solar power for green projects
Utilize waste from wastewater into energy
• Federal Government Budget for Green Economy
Mayor McDougall thanked Khaled Ibrahim for his presentation and noted she looks
forward to future conversations.
7. PLANNING ISSUES:
7.1 APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE:
a) Case 1078 - Municipal Planning Strategy Amendment to allow
a Medical Clinic at 46 Cottage Road, Sydney (PID 15105133
and 15270382):
Karen Neville, Senior Planner and Kristen Knudskov, Planner, provided background
information on this issue which is outlined in the staff Report dated April 13, 2021.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, approval to
advertise Notice of a Public Hearing at an upcoming meeting of Council, to consider the
amendment, Case 1078, to allow a Medical Clinic at 46 Cottage Road, Sydney (PID
15105133 and 15270382) and regulate following Option 3, General Provisions specifically
for Medical Clinics, as outlined in the staff report paper dated April 13, 2021.
Discussion:
• Traffic and parking related provisions and concerns
• Any interior alterations (i.e. expansions) would require a permit to meet threshold
• Council agreed to separate the recommendations motion into three(3)separate motions
• Amendment is only for provisions for a medical clinic
• Support of local physicians
• Medical clinic definition
• Commercial sector effect
• Similarities and differences for a doctor office in residential versus commercial zone
• Similar approach is taken for long-term care facilities
Motion Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 12 of 16
PLANNING ISSUES: APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE: Case 1078 - Municipal Planning
Strategy Amendment to allow a Medical Clinic at 46 Cottage Road, Sydney (PID 15105133
and 15270382) (Cont'd):
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Paruch, approval to
advertise Notice of a Public Hearing at an upcoming meeting of Council, to consider an
amending the North End Sydney Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw in
accordance with Option 3, General Provisions to permit Medical Clinics, as outlined in the
staff Report dated April 13, 2021.
Discussion:
• Additional provisions for homebased versus standalone medical clinic
• Home based businesses, the operator must be a resident of the home with the provision
that allows for one additional staff member.
Motion Carried.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald,
approval to advertise Notice of a Public Hearing to consider amending the CBRM
Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use Bylaw, North End Sydney Secondary Planning
Strategy and North End Sydney Secondary Land Use Bylaw, to permit medical clinics as
home-based businesses as outlined in the staff Report dated April 13, 2021.
Motion Carried.
b) Case 1079 —Motor Vehicle Sales PID 15037278 (2248 Kings
Road, Howie Center; District 7):
Kristen Knudskov, Planner, advised the Planning Department received an application to
permit a motor vehicle repair and sales shop on PID 15037278 (2248 Kings Road, Howie
Center) which would primarily deal with smaller vehicles such as ATVs and motorcycles
but may include other types as well. She noted the property is presently zoned Rural CBRM
(RCB) and motor vehicle sales are not permitted within the RCB zone. It was noted that
this was once a former commercial site.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor Green, approval to advertise Notice
of a Public Hearing for an upcoming meeting of Council, to consider the site plan approval
criteria to permit motor vehicle sales developments in the Kings Road Sales (KRS) Zone
and assist in mitigating potential adverse effect on surrounding residential development—
Case 1079, PID 15037278, 2248 Kings Road, Howie Center.
Motion Carried.
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 13 of 16
PLANNING ISSUES (Cont'd):
7.2 Parking Area Request—CBRM Parking Meter Bylaw T-5:
Michael Ruus, Director of Planning and Development, advised that Breton Brewing is
considering a new location in downtown Sydney at 278 Charlotte Street that spans
Charlotte Street to the Esplanade and would require a loading zone on the Esplanade side
of the building. The Planning and Development Department received a request from
Breton Brewing for dedicated on-street parking spaces from 8-11 a.m. (Monday —Friday)
at that site for the purpose of loading and unloading.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Edwards, that staff be
directed to draft an issue paper outlining potential options for amendments to the CBRM
Parking Meter Bylaw T-5.
Discussion:
The following items were discussed:
• Parking Permits
• Loading Zones
Motion Carried.
8. COUNCILLOR AGENDA REQUESTS:
8.1 Land Purchase for Playground/Dry Fire Hydrant—MacKessey Drive,
Victoria Mines:
Councillor Lorne Green provided background information on the request.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Gillespie, to direct staff to prepare
an Issue paper for the next regular meeting of Council for the purpose of negotiating the
purchase of Lot 16—PID15519929—(Playground area) and Lot 18—PID 15519903 —(Dry
Fire Hydrant) located on MacKessey Drive in Victoria Mines from the Executors of the
estate concerning Gladys MacKessey.
Discussion:
Councillor Green advised that the playground has been in existence since 1985 and the fire
hydrant in place since about 2010 or 2011. The intent is to maintain the two vital
community assets.
Motion Carried.
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 14 of 16
COUNCILLOR AGENDA REQUESTS (Cont'd):
8.2 Outstanding Loan Forgiveness —Emera North Sydney:
Deputy Mayor Earlene MacMullin, advised in the fall of 2020, the Emera Centre and
CBRM jointly facilitated the process of developing a 5-year business plan for the Centre
with the purpose of supporting rebuilding capital and operating funds to maintain
operations. She noted there is a balance of approximately $172,000 owing to the
Municipality as a result of a loan granted to Northside Community Civic Centre Society in
the initial development stages to bridge the gap of the community-based funds to meet
funding requirements for the construction of the facility. The outstanding balance is now
preventing the organization from applying for any Municipal funding.
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, to
direct staff to prepare an Issue paper for the upcoming Budget Sessions for Council
consideration to forgive the outstanding loan balance owed to CBRM by the Northside
Community Civic Centre Society.
Discussion:
Discussion included the following items:
• Clarification that the loan amount was $231,000 and not $1.5 million for the Emera
Center
• Miners Forum is only other nonprofit group other than volunteer fire departments with
a loan guarantee from CBRM
• Last loan payment was received in January 2017 from the Society and multiple
statements of account were sent
• Emera business plan and Society detailed finances
• Issue Paper will have up-to-date financial details
• Funds raised were invested into center operations
• Recreation Master Plan
• Reserve funds are depleting
• Collection options
• Arenas are not taxed
• CBRM bridged a funding gap in the amount of$231,000 for the Emera Center
Point of Order:
Councillor Green raised a Point of Order as the motion being discussed was to direct staff
to prepare an Issue Paper not to enter debate on the issue at this time.
Mayor McDougall suggested that Council ask questions that they would want addressed in
the Issue Paper.
Further discussion included the following:
• Miners Forum (former Bayplex) loan was for a geothermal upgrade. CBRM is now the
owner of the building
• Allowances for uncollectable receivables in the Budget
The CAO advised she would work with CFO to have the Issue Paper prepared prior to the
Budget deliberations commencing on April 27, 2021.
Motion Carried.
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 15 of 16
9. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
9.1 CBRM to February 28, 2021:
For Information Only.
9.2 Port of Sydney Development Corporation to February 28, 2021:
For Information Only.
ADDENDUM:
10.00 BUSINESS ARISING:
10.01 In Camera —April 20, 2021:
a) Selection of Police Chief:
John MacKinnon, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, advised in mid-March the
selection of Chief of Police process started and now has been completed.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Parsons, to approve the
appointment of Robert Walsh to the position of Police Chief effective April 20, 2021.
Furthermore, that the Deputy Chief position be advertised in accordance with the
requirements of Section 37 (4) of the Nova Scotia Police Act and the CBRM Recruitment
and Selection Policy.
Motion Carried.
Mayor and Council congratulated Robert Walsh on his appointment to the position of
Police Chief.
Council Meeting- Minutes
April 20, 2021 Approved May 18, 2021 16 of 16
10. Review of Action Items from the Meeting:
1. Share with Council, contact information for Rochelle Hatcher, Nova Scotia
Construction Sector Council.
2. List of Issue Papers from Agenda items.
3. Reminder that Budget meetings are scheduled April 27 — 29h at the Joan Harriss
Cruise Pavilion
Meeting adiourned at 8:48 p.m.
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall John MacKinnon
/tcn Deputy Chief Administrative
Officer