Ashley Wakeham

The public meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the ratification of an email vote approving an amendment to the Snow Clearing and Ice Control Service Agreement for 2025-26. Applications for new residential development and a variance for lot frontage at 150-152 Northside Road were considered, with approval-in-principle granted for the development contingent on specified conditions. The Council approved various expenditures, including payments for Accounts Payable, a donation to the Knights of Columbus Christmas Hamper Program, funding for the Mobile Central High School Scholarship Fund, and support for the 2025 Kidsmas events. Furthermore, the Town decided to apply for funding to purchase a wood chipper via the MMSB Community Waste Diversion Fund and approved the appointment of the Property Assessment Appeals Commissioner for 2026. The meeting concluded with decisions regarding approving the release of an RFQ for Catch Basin Cleaning Services and issuing a follow-up removal order for excessive waste at 4 O'Driscoll's Lane.

The public meeting included the appointment of the Assistant Town Clerk to the role of Town Clerk for the session. Key business involved the approval in principle of a new residential development application for 4A Long Pond Path, subject to various regulatory requirements including septic and well system approval. The council also approved applications for two residential accessory buildings at 64-66 Irishtown Road and 28 Dunn Drive. Financial matters included the approval of Accounts Payable listings totaling $449,447.42 across two sections. Actions taken included approving a $3,000.00 financial contribution for Cod Fest 2025, approving the release of an RFQ for Ditching and Drainage Maintenance Services, releasing a Quarter 4 Operational Grant payment of $25,000.00 to the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre Inc., and approving repairs for a 2016 Dodge Ram 5500. Furthermore, the Town approved entering a 3-Year Fixed Term Service Contract for backup generator maintenance and resolved to apply for cost-shared funding for Lower Path Road Upgrades and the Outdoor Community Rink Phase 1 project. The request for advertising support from the Citizens Crime Prevention Association was denied.

The meeting involved the nomination and acclamation of Keith O'Driscoll as Mayor for the 2025-2029 term, followed by the election of Ethan Williams as Deputy Mayor through a secret ballot. The agenda was adopted, and the minutes from the September 8, 2025, Public Meeting were approved. Key business included the approval-in-principle for several applications: a new residential development at 1-3A Irishtown Road, a general contracting business at 122 Southside Road, a new commercial development at 122 Southside Road, a residential accessory building at 9-11 Scott Drive, and a new residential development at 5 Ocean View Brae. Approvals were also granted for a retail store application at 801-807 Southern Shore Highway (in principle) and a residential accessory building at 62-78 Quay's Road (in principle). The Council approved accounts payable disbursements totaling $131,922.44 across two sections. Appointments were made to the Northeast Avalon Joint Council, Southern Shore Joint Council, and the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre Board. The Council authorized the Mayor and Town Manager to commence collective bargaining negotiations with NAPE, designated signing authorities for financial documents, expressed support for an amendment to the St. John's Urban Region Regional Plan, appointed the Town Manager to the Irish Loop Tourism Project, and awarded contracts for ditching/drainage maintenance, winter road salt, and winter road sand.

The meeting agenda was adopted, followed by the approval of the minutes from the November 17, 2025 Public Meeting. Key business included the successful rescinding of a previous motion for the expropriation of land at Lower Road, and subsequently, approval for the expropriation of land situated at Cemetery Lane West only for the purpose of constructing a small boathouse and wharf. Two development applications were addressed: Application #2025-426 for a new residential development was denied due to survey plan issues regarding existing structures and road frontage requirements, while Crown Land application #164841 for property acquisition at Lower Road was approved. The Council approved accounts payable listings for November 2025. Major actions included the adoption of the Town of Bay Bulls 2026 Municipal Operating Budget and the 2026 Tax and Fee Structure, the casting of a vote for Ed Durnford for the Avalon Director position on the Municipal Assessment Agency Board of Directors, approval of the 2026 Public Meeting schedule, approval of the Town Office Christmas Holiday closure dates, approval of pre-authorized payments for 2026, approval of staff Christmas bonuses, approval of the BBRLC lease agreement for 2026-2031, authorization for the destruction of 2025 General Election materials, and approval of the new Special Events Permit Application and updated Development Permit Conditions, all effective January 1, 2026.

The meeting addressed several key items, including a residential development application at 129A Northside Road and another for an apartment building at 5-15 Alley Road, both of which received approval in principle subject to certain conditions. The council ratified an email vote regarding a donation to the Her Majesty's Penitentiary Carpentry Vocational Program. They also approved the release of payables, participation in the 2025 Targa Newfoundland event with route modifications, and the acceptance of the 2024 financial statements for both the Town and the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre Inc. Furthermore, the council approved the release of a job advertisement for the Community Enhancement Employment Program, set the date and budget for the Trunk or Treat 2025 event, approved the installation of a Veteran's Crosswalk, and allocated funds for the BBRLC's Back to School Bash 2025. A decision on a service agreement with Cummins for a backup generator was deferred.