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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – May 12, 2020


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RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MISCOUCHE
Monthly  Council Meeting
May 12th, 2020

1. OPENING MEETING
Mayor Albert Gallant called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Present:
Albert Gallant  – Mayor
Allan Parks – Deputy Mayor
Jacqueline Lecky- Councillor
Pat MacLellan – Councillor
John Searle- Councillor
Ivan Blanchard- Councillor
Joan Arsenault – Councillor
Michelle Perry- Administrator

2. Declaration of Conflict of Interest:  No one declared a conflict of interest.
3. FIRE DEPARTMENT: There was nothing to report as the department had not had any meeting since Covid 19.  Michelle informed council that Chief Jason Woodbury and his committee decided not pay annual dues to the PEI Firefighters Association as the dues increase from $20.00 a member to $60.00 a member and next year they want it to be $100.00 member.  Jason advised Michelle that this would not affect the training and that the department will be charged a Commercial rate for any training.   Ivan also asked if it was looked into about the insurance rates from the underwriters what the difference would be from the Old truck to a New truck.  Allan stated that he will call Cookes Insurance to see what they can tell him.

4. MAINTENANCE REPORT: Michelle gave the following report: The shaft on the blower either needs to be repaired or replaced. It was suggested to get some quotes on what it would cost. John also asked if it was thought about to buy a Zero Turn lawn mower to use instead of the Bobcat. There were some concerns as to where will it be stored, and where would Monty put his equipment for grass cutting. It was also asked about insurance if it would be covered. Michelle will check that out, and council also wanted a breakdown on what was spent on the Bobcat per year.

5. REC CENTER REPORT: There are no activities at the Rec Center since March due to Covid -19
Michelle stated that Mitchell’s First Aid was looking to use the Rec Center to teach first aid as he needs a bigger space due to social distancing.  Council had concerns about the cleaning in-between classes.

MOTION moved by Allan Parks  seconded by Jacqueline Lecky and carried
THAT the charge for use of the Rec Center would be $150.00 a day plus cleaning expenses.
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES: Meeting minutes for March 10th, and Conference Call April 16th , 2020

MOTION moved by Allan Parks seconded by Jacqueline Lecky and carried
THAT the minutes for March 10th, and April 16th 2020 be approved as presented.

7. BUSINESS ARISING:
a) West Lagoon: The land was staked off and is ready to be surveyed.

MOTION moved by John Searle seconded by Ivan Blanchard and carried
THAT the community get 2 quotes for Surveying and that they will accept the lowest bidder.

b) Laughlin St: The land was surveyed and staked off and the work will begin on May 25th, 2020
c) Letter to resident driving Lawnmower on Sidewalk: The letter was sent to the resident.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Fire Dept: Already discussed.
b) Planning Board- Building Permits- Permit was issued to 51 Main Dr E and 60 Kelly Dr both for storage sheds that will replace existing ones. Main Dr E there were 2 lots purchased that were approved on February 11 as 1 lot, lots 3 & 4.  The resident has since decided to swap lots with the original owner of Lot 5, and now has had it re-surveyed.

MOTION moved by Allan Parks seconded by John Searle and carried
THAT the new lots 4-5 be approved as Lot 2020-1, preceding Lot 3-4 Lot 2020-1

c)  Sewer: Bills: Since Covid 19 the sewer bills have not been sent out, Council stated to send them out as soon as Michelle has the office ready to be reopened.

MOTION moved by John Searle seconded by Jacqueline Lecky and carried
THAT the Interest on Sewer Bills be deferred going forward.

d) Firehall Maintenance & Street Lights:
e) Community Improvements: Ivan mentioned about getting some painting done on the outside of the building, it was advised that we should put this request on hold for the present time.
f) Finances:
9. APPROVAL OF BILLS TOTALING $ 90,264.88

MOTION moved by Allan Parks seconded by John Searle and carried
THAT the payment of the bills totaling $ 90,264.88 is approved.

10. NEW BUSINESS:

a) Fast Rescue Repair: The fast rescue wheel wells are in bad shape and need to be fixed they are all rusted. Council received 2 quotes and Albert had made the decision to get the work done with the lowest quote Centennial Carstar on behalf of council.  Council also had some complaints about the Fast Rescue being used as a personal vehicle and out of the community a lot during the weekdays.  Albert advised that he will bring those concerns to the Fire Chief.
b) Bursary: council has received 3 qualified applicants for the Resident Bursary.  Michelle read the 3 resumes without names.
Council voted on the 3 applicants. It was a tie vote for applicant 2 & 3 and Mayor Albert Gallant broke the tie for applicant 2.
The 2020 Resident Bursary will be awarded to Chloe Woods.c) Skate Park Reopening: There was some questions on opening the Skate Park in the community. Council wanted to get some more information on if other communities are opening and what are they doing to follow the health measures put in place, to keep the kids safe that will be using it.
d) Fire Burning By Law: The Fire Chief had a posting on Facebook about the Fire Burning Bylaw in the Community.  The community did have a no burning bylaw in the community but was pulled years ago as they did not have anyone to in-force it.  This created a lot of concerned residents that have fire
pits in their back yards. Council wanted to have the Fire Chief retract or clarify the statement as some council members are still receiving call on this. Council will look into other municipalities to see what they have for a Bylaw, as they feel that fire pits as long as they have a screen can be used in the community as long as residence are being responsible and follow the fire index guides.

11. NEXT MEETING: June 9th, 2020

12. MEETING ADJOURNED

MOTION moved by John Searle THAT the meeting of May 12th, 2020 be adjourned.