Cameron MacLellan

The proceedings covered two distinct meetings: a Special Meeting focused on the 2021 budget and a subsequent Committee of Whole Meeting. The Special Meeting included the adoption of the agenda and a presentation detailing the proposed 2021 operating budget, noting decreases in most general government areas but an expansion in the growth sector, while maintaining the tax rate. Following this, the Committee of Whole Meeting addressed adding items to its agenda, specifically the Jagged River Health Center status and COVID-19 testing logistics. Discussions regarding the Health Center highlighted the start dates and roles of two new doctors and efforts to ensure residents without primary care access services. The COVID-19 discussion reviewed the timeline of events following the shift to 'orange status,' including a meeting with the Minister of Health's office, the Council's request for local testing, and subsequent communication regarding testing sites.

The special meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, motion 2021-0826-111, which was approved unanimously. Following the declarations of conflict of interest, the primary business involved the amendment of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale to Schuler's Forest Products GP Inc. concerning Lot 2021-1 (PID 20628897). The amendment addressed a provision related to using the lot as a loading area for the last piece of land owned by the Village of Beldune in the industrial park. The motion to adopt the amended agreement passed with a vote of 4-0.

The meeting commenced with a reaffirmation of the oath of office and a moment of reflection for individuals connected to the village who had recently passed away. Council members discussed and adopted the agenda with several amendments, including adding a discussion regarding a ceremony for recovered remains of residential school children, removing the code of conduct item, and modifications related to the events committee and suspending the August meeting. Discussions also arose regarding a matter concerning Rorty's Road. The council adopted the minutes from previous meetings held in June 2021. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation from the representative of the Beldune ATV Trails regarding the progress of their river crossing bridge project. The representative detailed challenges, including the loss of prior government funding and subsequent cost increases due to material tariffs, as well as current delays in receiving approval for a new trail route from Crown Land due to the area being designated a candidate Protected Natural Area (PNA).

Discussions focused on adding an item to the agenda regarding speculation about happenings at Glencore and providing a public statement on official information received. A procedural reminder was given regarding microphone use for live streaming. Business included addressing concerns about equal opportunity for local individuals to obtain potential work related to Glencore activities. An update was provided regarding an asset management plan project involving RV Anderson and FCM funding. It was noted that work commenced before official approval, resulting in a funding discrepancy where approximately $19,543 is still eligible for funding, though this is less than the initially approved amount. The council agreed to process the eligible funding and review future proposals with this in mind. Additionally, the committee recognized the Event Committee for successfully managing graduation banner and ceremony expenses under budget despite challenges presented by COVID-19.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgement of the traditional unseated territory of the Migmouth peoples. Key discussions involved adopting the agenda after a reaffirmation of office. Topics included reviewing and making decisions on various boards and committees. The status of the EMO Planning Committee and EMO Coordinator appointment was reviewed, with a decision to revisit the Planning Committee later. The EMO Standing Committee appointments were confirmed. The Fire Committee was noted as taking care of itself. The Beldune Joint Health and Safety Committee was discussed, noting it was inactive and required an employer representative. The Beldune Economic Development Task Force was discussed, with the consensus leaning toward dissolving it and allowing the main economic development committee to direct future efforts. The Building Community Events Committee amendments were discussed, with general agreement to keep it operational despite implementation difficulties due to COVID-19. The Beldune Port Authority discussion was postponed pending a future presentation. The County Crime Stoppers appointment continuation was also addressed.