HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes March 28, 2023 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday,
March 28, 2023
10:10 a.m.
Council Chambers
2nd Floor, City Hall
320 Esplanade, Sydney, NS
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill called the meeting to order.
Council: Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill
Councillor Gordon MacDonald
Councillor Earlene MacMullin
Councillor Cyril MacDonald (left at 10:30 a.m., returned 11:28 a.m.)
Councillor Steve Gillespie
Councillor Eldon MacDonald
Councillor Steve Parsons
Deputy Mayor James Edwards
Councillor Ken Tracey
Councillor Darren O'Quinn
Councillor Lorne Green
Staff. Marie Walsh, Chief Administrative Officer
John MacKinnon, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Jennifer Campbell, Chief Financial Officer
Demetri Kachafanas, KC, Regional Solicitor
Wayne MacDonald, Director of Engineering &Public Works
Michael Ruus, Director of Planning & Development
Deanna Evely, Director of Human Resources
Sharon MacSween, Recording Secretary
Absent: Councillor Glenn Paruch(Regrets)
Councillor Darren Bruckschwaiger (Leave of Absence)
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May 23, 2023 2 of 14
The Council met earlier this date in accordance with Section 22(2)(d) of the Municipal
Government Act.
Summary of Decisions
Land Acknowledgement
Roll Call
O' Canada
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion to approve the March 28, 2023, Council Agenda as circulated. Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve minutes from:
➢ Special Council Minutes —March 7, 2023
Carried.
3. PROCLAMATIONS & RESOLUTIONS:
3.1 World Down Syndrome Day
Motion that CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim March
21", 2023 as World Down Syndrome Day in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and
encourage all residents of the CBRM to join together and celebrate this day and proclaim
the message, "With Us Not For Us."It's a call to all who work on behalf of people with
Down Syndrome to do so in partnership with them, empowering them to make decisions
and supporting them in having their voices heard. Carried.
3.2 Trans2ender Day of Visibility
Motion that the CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim
Friday March 31st, 2023 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the Cape Breton Regional
Municipality. Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 3 of 14
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
PROCLAMATIONS & RESOLUTIONS (Cont'd):
3.3 Autism Acceptance Month
Motion CBRM Mayor Amanda. M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim April 2023
as Autism Acceptance Month throughout the municipality and encourage all our citizens
to recognize the individuals/people with autism, family members, caregivers, educators,
and other professionals who strive to make Nova Scotia an inclusive and accessible place
for us all to call home. Carried.
3.4 National Dental Hygienists Week
Motion that CBRM Mayor Amanda. M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim the
week of April 4-10h, 2023 as National Dental Hygienists Week in the Cape Breton
Regional Municipality. Carried.
3.5 Cape Breton Eagles Day—April 4tn
Motion that CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim April 4h,
2023, to be Cape Breton Eagles Day in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and
encourage all CBRM residents to show their Eagles Pride. At 7:00 pm on April 4th, the
puck will drop for the first playoff game on home ice, and they need the support of the
community to be their 7th skater on the ice April 4th, 5th and onward. Carried.
3.6 Imperial Oil Petroleum Storage Facility
Motion that CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council direct that a letter
be sent to Imperial Oil outlining concerns from the area residents included in Appendix
"A" attached to the Resolution. Carried.
4. REPORT:
4.1 CBRM Regional Enterprise Network Update:
Motion that CBRM staff be directed to prepare an Issue Paper to consider the proposed
agreement outlined in the CBRM Regional Enterprise Network Update. Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 4 of 14
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
5. BUSINESS ARISING:
5.1 Council—February 28, 2023:
a) Public Report: Citizen Appointments to Various Committees
A public report on the successful candidates appointed to the various CBRM Committees
and Boards by Council was provided to Council.
For information only.
5.2 Emer2ency Council—March 10, 2023
a) RHI Update:
The Chief Administrative Officer provided a Memo with an update on the RHI proposals
that were submitted to CMHC.
For information only.
5.3 Council—March 14, 2023
a) Mandatory Policy Update: Engagement Programs - Proposed
Amendments to the Public Participation Programs Policy:
Motion to adopt the Public Participation and Engagement Programs Policy as presented
by staff. Carried.
5.4 In Camera Council—March 28, 2023
a) LUPE Local 761 - Crossing Guard Negotiations:
Motion to approve the tentative Collective Agreement for CUPE Local 761 which covers
a five-year term ending June 30, 2027 with the following increases:
July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023: 8% _ $14.99
July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024: 3% _ $15.44
July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025: 2% _ $15.75
July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026: 2% _ $16.06
July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027: 2.5% _ $16.47
Carried.
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 5 of 14
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
6. COUNCILLOR AGENDA REQUEST:
6.1 CBRM "Grow Our Own Doctors":
Motion that staff be directed to prepare and Issue Paper exploring the feasibility of CBRM
establishing a scholarship program to support one (1) local student per year to attend the
Cape Breton University (CBU) Medical School. The Issue Paper should also set the
parameters for eligibility. Further, as a condition of the scholarship, upon completion of
their medical training the candidate will be required to work as a Medical Doctor in CBRM
for at least five (5)years. Carried.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
N/A
8. Review of Action Items from this Meeting:
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill reviewed her list of action items from the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May 23, 2023 6 of 14
The Council met earlier this date in accordance with Section 22(2)(d) of the Municipal
Government Act.
Land Acknowledgement
Roll Call
O' Canada
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Green, to approve the
March 28, 2023 Council agenda as circulated.
Motion Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1015
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor O'Quinn, approval of the Minutes
from:
➢ Special Council Minutes —March 7, 2023
Motion Carried.
3. PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS:
3.1 World Down Syndrome Day
Motion:
Moved by Mayor McDougall-Merrill, seconded by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, that
CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim March 21st, 2023 as
World Down Syndrome Day in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and encourage
all residents of the CBRM to join together and celebrate this day and proclaim the message,
"With Us Not For Us." It's a call to all who work on behalf of people with Down Syndrome
to do so in partnership with them, empowering them to make decisions and supporting
them in having their voices heard.
Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 7 of 14
PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS (Cont'd):
3.2 Trans2ender Day of Visibility
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, seconded by Councillor MacMullin, that the
CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim Friday March 31st
2023 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Carried.
3.3 Autism Acceptance Month
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, that CBRM
Mayor Amanda. M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim April 2023 as Autism
Acceptance Month throughout the municipality and encourage all our citizens to recognize
the individuals/people with autism, family members, caregivers, educators, and other
professionals who strive to make Nova Scotia an inclusive and accessible place for us all
to call home.
Carried.
3.4 National Dental Hygienists Week
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Tracey, seconded by Deputy Mayor Edwards, that CBRM Mayor
Amanda. M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim the week of April 4-10th, 2023 as
National Dental Hygienists Week in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Carried.
3.5 Cape Breton Eagles Day—April 4tn
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Tracey, that CBRM
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim April 4th, 2023, to be Cape
Breton Eagles Day in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and encourage all CBRM
residents to show their Eagles Pride. At 7:00 pm on April 4th, the puck will drop for the
first playoff game on home ice, and they need the support of the community to be their 7th
skater on the ice April 4th, 5th and onward.
Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 8 of 14
PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS (Cont'd):
3.6 Imperial Oil Petroleum Storage Facility
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald,
that CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council direct that a letter be sent
to Imperial Oil outlining concerns from the area residents included in Appendix "A"
attached to the Resolution.
Carried.
Following the motion, Council also discussed:
• Whether there was an agreement in place with Imperial Oil to supply foam
• On site equipment to supply the foam
• Soil and water samples
• Tank life expectancy
• What was done with the petroleum that spilled from the tanks
• The potential magnitude of this type of an incident
• Industrial incidents of this type are addressed by the provincial and federal
departments of environment. Fire Services are exploring the issue through EMO-NS
• Imperial Oil was not billed for incremental costs for resources for the incident,
however CBRM was billed by the Airport for use of their foam truck which was
forwarded to and paid by Imperial Oil
• Information was provided to the Fire and Emergency Services Committee, and it was
suggested that a report on that information be provided at a future Council meeting
4. REPORT:
4.1 CBRM Regional Enterprise Network Update:
Mayor McDougall-Merrill welcomed Cape Breton Partnership representatives Tyler
Mattheis,President& CEO;Denis Thibeault,Economic Development Officer; Lan Zheng,
Economic Development Officer; and Kelly MacKinnon, Labour Market & Immigration
Advisor. They provided a presentation on the activities of the CBRM Regional Enterprise
Network. Their presentation highlighted:
• Overview of the Cape Breton Partnership
• CBRM Forward: Economic Development
• CBRM Regional Enterprise Network(REN) Staff, Board and LOC
• CBRM REN Leverage Investments
• Initiatives and Events
Continued...
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 9 of 14
REPORT- CBRM Regional Enterprise Network Update (Cont'd):
Statistics
• Business Planning Services
• Department of Labour and Skills partnership
• Immigration and Labour activities
Settlement and Retention in the CBRM
New Logo for CBRM REN
CBRM Forward: CBRM REN & Economic Development Strategy
• Proposed Agreement
• Request and Recommendation
After the presentation, discussion took place regarding the public sponsorship of
beautification initiatives, community surveys and measuring success through outcomes.
The following motion was then put forward:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Deputy Mayor Edwards, that CBRM staff be
directed to prepare an Issue Paper to consider the proposed agreement outlined in the
CBRM Regional Enterprise Network Update.
Discussion:
In response to a question, it was clarified by the Mayor it is that a 5-year agreement that
would be considered as referenced in the presentation.
Carried.
Councillor Eldon MacDonald spoke regarding the Downtown Sydney Beautification
Project and suggested anyone interested in providing sponsorship to contact Sydney
Downtown Development Association. He also spoke regarding District Energy and the
Charlotte Street Project.
Mayor McDougall-Merrill asked that additional detailed information be provided
regarding analytics from the Partnership's website and thanked the Partnership
representatives for their presentation and update.
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 10 of 14
5. BUSINESS ARISING:
5.1 Council—February 28, 2023:
a) Public Report: Citizen Appointments to Various Committees
John MacKinnon,Deputy Chief Administrative Officer,provided a public report, on behalf
of the Clerk, on the successful candidates appointed to the various CBRM Committees and
Boards, noting all have accepted the positions and the required background checks are
complete and in order:
• Board of Police Commissioners (2-year term):
o Dale Deering-Bert(Candidate 4P-2)
o Helen Luedee (Candidate 413-3)
o Tom Vickers (Candidate 413-5)
• Audit Committee (2-year term):
o Mark Galley (Candidate 4A-1)
• Heritage Advisory Committee (2-year term):
o Thomas Ashford (Candidate 4H-1)
o Kyron Coombes (Candidate 4H-2)
o Kaleb DeLeskie (Candidate 4H-3)
o Allie MacInnis (Candidate 4H-4)
o Saul MacNeil (Candidate 4H-5)
o Susan MacNeil-Singh (Candidate 4H-6)
o Spyro Trifos (Candidate 4H-7)
• Cape Breton Regional Library Board(2-year term):
o Kathy MacIntyre (Candidate 4L-4)
o Douglas MacLennan (Candidate 4L-5)
Mayor McDougall-Merrill thanked all individuals who put their name forward to express
their interest in contributing to our community.
For information only.
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 11 of 14
BUSINESS ARISING (Cont'd):
5.2 Emer2ency Council—March 10, 2023
a) RHI Update:
Marie Walsh, Chief Administrative Officer, advised that further to the Memo included in
the agenda package, CMHC contacted her office on March 27h and they are prepared to
meet with staff on March 30'', at which time CMHC will be providing comments to staff
on the eligibility on all proponent submissions. A Council meeting will then be scheduled
so that a final decision can be made on proponents for RHI projects.
In response to a question, the Chief Administrative Officer advised that the meeting date
will depend on the availability of Council and it was noted that budget deliberations are
scheduled for the upcoming week.
Councillor Parsons suggested that this matter be addressed quickly to move forward with
housing projects and referenced the March 31 deadline.
Mayor McDougall-Merrill advised that it is also important that the proponents be engaged
and provide them with information on what is to be expected.
For information only.
5.3 Council—March 14, 2023
a) Mandatory Policy Update: Engagement Programs - Proposed
Amendments to the Public Participation Programs Policy:
Michael Ruus, Director of Planning and Development, advised that CBRM is required to
update the Public Participation Programs Policy to bring it into alignment with the new
minimum planning requirements.
Mr. Ruus advised that a draft Policy has been provided as directed direction at the last
Council meeting which brings the content of policy in alignment with engagement
programs. He further advised that he has reached out to Membertou and Eskasoni regarding
feedback and has not yet had a conversation at this point in time and it would be reasonable
for Council to move forward with the proposed policy with the understanding that this will
be the beginning of future conversations which would also include those with neighbouring
municipalities regarding changes to consider in the future.
Continued...
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 12 of 14
BUSINESS ARISING: Council—March 14,2023 (Cont'd)
Mandatory Policy Update: Engagement Programs - Proposed Amendments to the Public
Participation Programs Policy(Cont'd):
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Tracey, to approve the Public
Participation and Engagement Programs Policy as amended.
Discussion:
During discussion, it was clarified that the consultation process going forward would
include Membertou, Eskasoni, Victoria and Richmond Counties. It was also noted that
within 14 days of the initiation of any process to adopt or amend the municipal planning
strategy, staff would send out formal notice for feedback and requesting input from those
communities, which would be brought before Council prior with proceeding with the next
step in the process.
Carried.
At this point in the meeting, Councillor Parsons mentioned the tri-council meetings that
were held in the past where information was shared and discussion had on strategies going
forward. He suggested that CBRM reach out to the Eskasoni and Membertou Chiefs to
suggest resuming the tri-council meetings to help grow relationships.
5.4 In Camera Council—March 28, 2023
a) LUPE Local 761 - Crossing Guard Negotiations:
Deanna Evely, Director of Human Resources, introduced this issue and advised that the
CUPE Local 761 contract expired June 30, 2022. A new tentative agreement has been
reached by both parties. The duration for the collective agreement is for a 5-year period
with a 17.5% wage increase and all remaining articles remain unchanged.
The following motion was then put forward:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Tracey, to approve the
tentative Collective Agreement for CUPE Local 761 which covers a five-year term ending
June 30, 2027 with the following increases:
July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023: 8% = $14.99
July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024: 3% = $15.44
July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025: 2% = $15.75
July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026: 2% = $16.06
July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027: 2.5% = $16.47
Carried.
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 13 of 14
6. COUNCILLOR AGENDA REQUEST:
6.1 CBRM "Grow Our Own Doctors":
Deputy Mayor James Edwards reviewed his Councillor Request Form included in the
agenda package and recommended that staff explore a scholarship program to support a
local student each year to attend the Cape Breton University Medical School
After the Council discussion, the following motion was put forward:
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor Edwards, seconded by Councillor Parsons, that staff be directed
to prepare an Issue Paper exploring the feasibility of CBRM establishing a scholarship
program to support one (1) local student per year to attend the Cape Breton University
(CBU) Medical School. The Issue Paper should also set the parameters for eligibility.
Further, as a condition of the scholarship, upon completion of their medical training the
candidate will be required to work as a Medical Doctor in CBRM for at least five(5)years.
Discussion:
Some of the Council discussion on this issue included: the authority of CBRM to provide
scholarships;providing scholarships to individuals in the medical doctor profession versus
other professional designations; and pressures regarding the timing of the request of an
Issue Paper.
Motion Carried.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mayor McDougall-Merrill reminded Council there is a standing item on Council agendas
to allow Councillors to provide updates on their Committee work and share updates with
Council and the wider public on what is happening.
Councillor Gordon MacDonald suggested that once a month, each committee provide a
report on what is taking place.
The Mayor reminded Council that this opportunity has been on the agenda for some time
and Councillor Gordon MacDonald advised that no one is reporting and it should be
mandated.
Mayor McDougall-Merrill advised that she will be sending reminders to Council for
Committee Reports.
Council Meeting - Minutes
March 28, 2023 Approved May, 23, 2023 14 of 14
8. Review of Action Items from this Meeting:
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill provided her list of action items from this meeting,
as follows:
1. Have a conversation about resuming holding Tri-Council meetings
2. Bring all Island-wide communities, including First Nations, together for a meeting
this spring
3. Follow up with Cape Breton Partnership deeper analytics of their website usage
At this time, Councillor Eldon MacDonald provided the contact phone number for the
Sydney Downtown Development Association for anyone wanting to provide sponsorship
for Downtown Beautification as discussed earlier in the meeting.
Meeting adiourned at 11:51 a.m.
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill John MacKinnon
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
/SIM