Juliann Cashen

This section of the Official Community Plan for the Municipality of East Hants outlines a comprehensive strategy for the management and protection of rural and agricultural lands. It establishes Rural Use (RU), Agricultural Reserve (AR), and Rural Use North (RU-2) designations to protect natural landscapes, foster agricultural industries, and allow for compatible, diverse development. The plan also addresses rezonings, development agreements for various uses including small multiplex dwellings, and encourages sustainable practices such as wind energy development, while managing potential land use conflicts and promoting community well-being.

The meeting focused on several municipal planning and development applications, including amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw for projects in Enfield, and proposed amendments to the Subdivision Bylaw concerning future transportation connections. Key discussion topics included residential concerns regarding existing infrastructure capacity, traffic congestion and safety, the need for intersection upgrades and traffic lights, pedestrian safety, potential impacts on wetlands, and the planning process for managing density and development within the community.

The council discussed the Corporate and Residential Services Committee report and initiated amendments to the Tax and Water Collection Policy to include minor housekeeping updates. During an in-camera session, council addressed land, contractual, and personnel issues. Open session outcomes included declaring specific green space properties as surplus for disposal and directing the Chief Administrative Officer to identify additional surplus municipal properties for the Municipality's Housing Strategy.

The committee meeting covered a range of municipal issues, including updates to the Tax and Water Collection Policy following a regulatory name change, and proposed revisions to the bylaws regarding the maintenance of private roads to align with recent fee adjustments. Discussions were held on potential funding sources for bottled water distribution during droughts, and the committee approved a partnership with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq for a green municipal feasibility study on wetlands. Additionally, the committee addressed flood risk mitigation studies for Barneys Brook, the establishment of firefighting ponds at the waste management center, and concerns regarding traffic management for the Dorey Lane development. Several planning matters were reviewed, including rezoning applications for property in Enfield, amendments to parking requirements for townhouse developments, and a proposed development agreement for a multi-unit project in Elmsdale. Finally, the committee approved the donation of a vintage scoreboard from the East Hants Memorial Arena to be displayed at the local sportsplex.

This document outlines the Customer Service Strategy for the Municipality of East Hants, aiming to reinforce customer service values and foster a culture of service excellence. The strategy focuses on building public trust and delivering exceptional service by connecting customer expectations with municipal operations. Key focus areas include cultivating a strong Customer Service Culture, empowering employees, improving Service Delivery, and enhancing Collaboration among departments and with the community. It emphasizes values such as integrity, respect, learning, excellence, and fairness in all interactions.