Ken Knox

The meeting included a presentation from Physician Recruitment Nova Scotia Health, with an overview of their work and an offer to extend services to Annapolis Royal. The Twinning Committee provided an overview of the Royan 2023 visit. The Committee discussed and recommended accepting the Climate Change Plan 2022, writing letters of support for physician recruitment and retention funding, and approving the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund application for a solar garden project. They also discussed a request for a ground-penetrating radar assessment of the wharf, which was tabled, and recommended accepting an agreement for the use of NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus as an emergency shelter. Further discussions involved the Twinning Committee's funding request, the Strategic Plan, rescinding the Building and Alterations Guidelines Policy, and various committee appointments. The selection/appointment of committee chairs and livestreaming meetings were also discussed. Additionally, Mayor Boyer announced that CAO Sandi Millett-Campbell is receiving a Queen's Jubilee Medal.

The meeting addressed various topics including public works matters such as petroleum storage tanks, West Nile Virus, signage, and town flowers. Finance discussions covered DONMAR, the town website, student maintenance work, and a letter regarding the lighthouse. Presentations were given on the Committee of the Whole process and signage issues. The committee also discussed the upcoming provincial election, zoning and land use, support for Bill C-325, climate change issues, and a budget request from the Western Valley Development Authority. Planning and bylaws were reviewed, including residential properties in the downtown area, illegal signs, streetlight requests, unsightly premises, and applications for changes to heritage properties.

The meeting addressed aged receivables for water utilities and taxes, collection procedures for overdue accounts, and quarterly presentations of aged receivables. Discussions also covered speed limits, mandates for the Marketing and Economic Development Committee and the Traffic Flow Advisory Committee. Other topics included a request from King's Theatre for a Council member appointment, potential expenditures from Pixie Dust Funds, an invitation to a recreation conference, and a Christmas dinner for staff and council. An amendment to the policy on meetings and procedures, an offer from Home Hardware to host an outdoor rink, and an assessment appeal by the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens were also discussed. The meeting further addressed open governance, a retreat for Council, protocols for workshops, and the town's procurement policy.

The Committee discussed congestion issues at the Farmers' Market and considered blocking off St. George Street during Saturday markets. An Accessibility Rebate Policy was recommended for approval. The Environment Committee is expected to meet soon, and the Strategic Plan review is scheduled. Water tests were satisfactory. The Town must change its Procurement Policy to reflect the Atlantic Procurement Agreement. The Orderly and Peaceful Conduct By-Law should be re-written. A Public Works Building Committee is to be created. A presentation on a proposal to the Rural Secretariat will be scheduled. The lawyer's advice on Audit Committee meetings was reviewed. Ducks Unlimited was contacted about using the French Basin as a holding pond. ARDMA provided a summary of their plans for using marketing funds. Zoning issues for a property on St. George Street are being addressed. Future applications for changes to heritage property should include photos. Properties on St. George Street may be considered unsightly. The meeting moved in camera to discuss by-law violations, a lease agreement, and a personnel issue. A license agreement proposal from Parks Canada for Petit Parc was recommended for approval.

The Committee of the Whole meeting included presentations on fireworks displays and property valuation services. Discussions covered the draft taxation policy, a request for a speed bump, the Employee Wellness Policy, and the Annapolis Royal Police Department Auxiliary Program. The committee also discussed water tests, a letter regarding septic pumping, sustainable community awards, the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, community survey results, and the unveiling of a painting at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Other topics included outstanding taxes, a taxpayer complaint, the Town Crier stipend, a tax billing policy, and the use of Town Hall space. Additionally, the Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed garden and building awards, changes to heritage properties, and conference calling capabilities.