Sarah Mattatall

The council meeting addressed various operational and administrative matters. Key discussion topics included a presentation from the Sandy Point Lighthouse Group regarding a three-phase restoration project and associated funding requests. The council approved the first reading of updated municipal planning and land use bylaws, awarded an RFT for WWTP aeration upgrades to Mid-Valley Construction, and discussed a proposed hotel development correspondence. Additionally, the council reviewed the provincial budget, addressed municipal user fee policies, and authorized a resolution for the pre-approval of debenture issuance. Updates were also provided on joint services planning, fire service changes, and library operations funding.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes from the preceding meeting. Correspondence involved directing staff to seek clarification from the Canada Summer Jobs program regarding volunteer supervision support for potential funding. Staff reports covered the approval of the Eastern Shelburne County Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee Terms of Reference, the awarding of the tender for Lift Station Upgrades to Mid-Valley Construction for $898,000 plus HST, and information-only reports from the Building Inspector and the SVFD for January 2026. The Council entered an in-camera session to discuss contract negotiations under MGA 22 (2) (e). Motions arising from the in-camera session authorized the CAO to execute a five-year Lease Extension and Commission Agreement with Canada Post and directed staff to invite the Director of Operations to provide clarity on the new service model and associated costs for the C&D Site. New Business included reminders about the upcoming NS Quality of Life Initiative data survey and the Amalgamation Steering Committee Meeting.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including an amendment. Key discussions included delegations from SASI Works requesting tax exemptions for non-profit organizations and a future consideration for sound and lighting upgrades at the Community Centre during budget deliberations. Council moved into an in-camera session regarding legal advice. Staff reports resulted in approvals directing staff to update the Public Participation Program Policy for Planning Documents, pursue coastal protection policy updates through the Coastal Planning Support Program (potentially with Lockeport), and initiate outreach to find a community group to coordinate the Guild Hall Summer Art Series. New business included expressions of appreciation for the Public Works Department following a snowstorm, an announcement regarding a successful joint Regional Emergency Management Coordinator grant application, updates on amalgamation steering committee meetings, and recognition of the outgoing and incoming Fire Chiefs.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and the 2026-2027 REMO Operating Budget. Council heard a presentation regarding the installation of Core Communication Boards in community areas, expressing support and directing staff to review costs and locations. Another presentation covered a signage project for the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, which received full support. Staff were directed to begin the approval process for Draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Updates, including scheduling a public meeting. An update confirmed the Guild Hall Summer Arts Series committee will continue operations after a staff departure. Council also addressed ongoing accessibility implementation and noted a request from the Chamber of Commerce regarding operating the Visitor Information Centre. Council convened an in-camera session to discuss contract negotiations.

The meeting included proclamations for various international and national days of observance. Delegations presented concepts for the future use of the Visitor Information Centre building, including proposals for a coffee shop and exploring operational options via an ad hoc committee. Correspondence from Amnesty International regarding safe drinking water and accountability for a dump site was noted, with a commitment from the Town to follow up in the new year. Council approved the Second Reading of the Regional Emergency Management By-law (REMO) and approved Temporary Borrowing Resolutions for Roseway Rebuild and North End Development. Staff reports included directing staff to extend the Ohio Road Land Buy Back agreement, giving Second Reading to amendments for the 80 Hammond Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law regarding rezoning to Commercial General (C-1) with specific use restrictions, requesting support for a bulk fill water station, approving the award of a Surplus Fire Truck tender, and directing staff to cancel the Rodney Street Request for Tender (RFT). Council also received the draft Grants to Organizations Policy for information and as a non-binding reference tool for 2026-27 budget deliberations.