Linda N. Sullivan Brown

The regular council meeting commenced with agenda approval. Key business included the second reading and passage of Bylaw A-7-2026 regarding the procedure bylaw for the rural community of Fendy Shores. Discussion arose concerning a zoning confirmation letter for a 50 megawatt battery energy storage facility, confirming it fits the definition of a permitted private utility use, though future construction permits would be monitored. Various department reports were reviewed, including updates on correspondence regarding the denial of Irving Woodlands' harvesting plan and the ongoing support for the medical isotope development at Point Lepreau. Invoices were approved following the correction of a spreadsheet error impacting subtotals. New business involved declaring March 26 as Epilepsy Awareness Day and the council's formal approval of the amended Human Resource Manual, as well as consideration of a residential and commercial incentive package requiring further legal review.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the Regular Council Meeting of January 14, 2026, and the Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 21, 2026. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation regarding the establishment of a community accessible bus service, "We're Running Lake Buses," intended for disabled individuals, which requires significant funding and involves securing partnerships, including with nursing homes. The council also addressed several bylaw readings and enactments, including the Building Bylaw (C4-2026), the Universal Fees Bylaw (C-3-2026), the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw (A-6-2026), and the Remuneration Bylaw (A-5-2026). Department reports were submitted online by the Mayor, Councilors, and Planning Director. The State Community Emergency Preparedness committee announced that radon test kits could be returned for testing starting February 17th. The Recreation Destination Committee reported a good turnout for a recent bingo event and announced an upcoming bingo event.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including the addition of a request for a letter of support from NB Power. Key discussions centered on the draft functional plan for the Community Complex, presented by Dillon Consulting, which included demographic overviews, facility comparisons, identified community needs, anticipated operational risks, and cost estimations. Council directed that a conceptual drawing be prepared for the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Old business included the second reading and summary of three by-laws: the Building By-Law (C-4-2026), which sets permit expiry timelines and institutes penalties for proceeding without a permit; the Universal Fees By-Law (C-3-2026) to comply with provincial regulations regarding planning and development application fees; and the Code of Conduct By-Law (A-6-2026), which updates regulations for member representation and communication. The Remuneration By-Law (A-5-2026) to adjust council member rates was also reviewed. Department reports noted the Mayor's interest in nuclear-related matters, including isotope production and a potential CANDU reactor development. Correspondence included updates on a dredging request for Dipper Harbour and the issuance of a press release supporting nuclear initiatives. New business involved resolving to transfer funds to the Canada Community Building Fund, approving attendance for the CAO at the Canadian Nuclear Conference, approving a donation to the Fundy Shores Home & School Association, and resolving to send a letter of support to NB Power regarding nuclear matters. The annual election confirmed Heather Saulnier as Deputy Mayor.

The key discussion topic involved the Community Complex, specifically a review of floor space and needs. Council and staff deliberated on potential floor plan layouts, identifying essential versus optional design elements. Council settled on a preferred floor design, and the CAO will present the revised conceptual design to Dillon Consulting for updated pricing, which is slated for discussion at the next Committee of the Whole meeting in February. The Mayor also indicated plans to present the revised design to the public soon.

The first meeting of 2026 included approval of the agenda with the addition of a letter of support for MD power at the point site under new business. The minutes from the Regular Council Meeting of December 3rd, 2025, and the cancelled December 17th meeting were approved. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the proposed municipal administrative space. The discussion focused on two variations for the facility design: Variation One included a full program (health clinic, child care, recreation/gymnasium, municipal offices, library/computer access, community event space, and leasable space), estimated to cost over $30 to $40 million. Variation Two focused on strategic essential services that cannot be accessed elsewhere, including municipal office space, a community event flex space, a health clinic, and leasable spaces, with an estimated size of 13,700 square feet. Council expressed a need for conceptual drawings or floor plan sketches to better compare the variations and justify costs to the community.