Jennifer Blanchard

The Council proclaimed March as Easter Seals Month, approved a business application for tourist accommodations, granted approval-in-principle for a new residential development, and authorized the release of accounts payable. Furthermore, the council approved an application for a wildfire prevention and mitigation program, authorized a grant payment for the Regional Lifestyle Centre, initiated a structural engineering assessment for a derelict property, approved a speed hump location plan, awarded a standing offer agreement for equipment rental, authorized participation in the Irish Loop Tourism Project, and approved a feasibility study for a community ice rink project.

The board discussed the appointment of a municipal maintenance worker, reviewed business applications, and approved accounts payable. The meeting included the proclamation of Heritage Week, the submission of an application for the provincial summer employment program, and the issuance of a standing offer for equipment rental. Further actions involved rescheduling a future meeting, updating signing authority, awarding a contract for the installation of dry hydrants, authorizing equipment purchases, and approving councillor attendance at an upcoming municipal symposium.

The council ratified a new NAPE collective agreement and several email votes regarding backfill applications and meeting date changes. Key items included granting approval-in-principle for a new residential development, processing accounts payable, and addressing committee reports from the regional lifestyle centre and joint council. The council also approved removing several businesses from the tax roll, supported the 2026 Winter Carnival, awarded a renovation contract for the regional lifestyle centre, and authorized a review of the Eastern Regional Service Board contract. Furthermore, a request for a tax waiver was denied, a repair or removal order for a derelict property was initiated, and funding was approved for a high school seniors' outreach dinner.

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.