Luc Foulem

The special public meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. The primary discussion revolved around Draft Resolution 3.1, concerning the approval of a subdivision agreement between Squire Green Incorporated and the City of Baths for a development project involving 24 semi-detached units (12 buildings) extending the Fairway Court success. Representatives from Squire Green provided details, noting the project's estimated value exceeds $10 million and emphasizing the importance of a city incentive program to make pricing attractive. The development is anticipated to yield significant annual tax and utility revenue for the city. The council members also discussed the progress of existing foundations within the subdivision.

The meeting included presentations on audited financial statements for March 2022, totaling $2,722,149, covering operating funds and capital expenditures, including specific details on various vendor payments. Key agenda items involved bylaw amendments: Bylaw 2022-02M, amending the municipal plan bylaw, and Bylaw 2022-01Z, amending the zoning bylaw, both advanced through second and third readings. Furthermore, the council addressed Bylaw 2022-03M concerning the designation of roads for off-road vehicles, which proceeded to the first reading, necessitating subsequent provincial review. Resolutions were passed to assent to municipal service easements related to the Ashi subdivision and to approve transfers of public street land and easements for the Gowen subdivision. Additionally, the council approved monetary payments in lieu of parkland for the Joel Cormier and Jacob Andrew Scott subdivisions, as well as awarding a proposal for a new or used rubber wheel loader to Paul Equipment for $387,300 plus taxes.

The meeting included a territorial acknowledgement respecting the Mcmack people as the essential homeland of the City of Baos. Key agenda items involved the adoption of the agenda and declarations of conflict of interest. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by members of the Corvette Club regarding the 2024 Baths Harvest Festival Corvette event, detailing its success in previous years, planned activities like meet-and-greets, car shows, and parades, and requesting municipal support totaling $3,550 for items such as tourist bags, bus service, signage, trophies, and venue rental fees. Council members expressed support for the economic benefits of the event. Financial matters included the approval of accounts payable totals for December 2023, totaling $3,817,814, with specific details provided for Capital and Operating funds. Furthermore, the council proceeded with the first reading of proposed bylaw 2024-03, concerning the designation of city roads accessible to off-road vehicles, which sparked a discussion regarding public notification and coordination between various vehicle associations.

The plenary meeting addressed several grant applications for 2026. Approvals were granted for subsidies to the Bathurst Arts Society ($7,000) and the Bathurst Heritage Museum ($19,500). A subsidy request for the 640e Escadron des cadets de l'air Chaleur was refused as it did not align with the grant program objectives, being considered an association-type request. The request from Planète Jeunesse Chaleur was also refused as it was deemed to be a regional and provincial program, though the Council indicated openness to reviewing a donation request for specific projects. A subsidy of $5,000 was approved for the Victoria Park Enhancement Committee Inc. Furthermore, the Council agreed to continue sponsoring two students by covering full tuition fees for the next four years for the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation, amounting to an annual total of $12,480.

The meeting included discussions and decisions regarding 2026 Grant Requests. The Council approved grants for the Bathurst Art Society ($7,000), the Bathurst Heritage Museum ($19,500), and the Victoria Park Enhancement Committee Inc. ($5,000). The request from Chaleur #640 Air Cadets was denied, and the request from Chaleur Planet Youth was also denied, though future specific project donations remain an option. Regarding the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation, Council agreed to continue sponsoring two students for four years at an annual cost of $12,480, maintaining sponsorship coverage for full tuition fees. Deputy Mayor D. Knowles declared a conflict of interest concerning the Bathurst Hospitality Days item.