Scott Surette

The council held a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for properties on Abbott's Harbor Road to transition from marine-industrial to mixed-use for residential development. The council also addressed the addition of new road construction in the Tusket area to the agenda. Further discussions included the adoption of multi-use trail reports for Tusket and Plymouth, where the council explored options for cost-reduction or phased approaches for the Tusket project due to financial concerns, and discussed the status of ongoing construction activities.

The council meeting featured a presentation from the president of the Yarmouth Shelburne County Federation of Agriculture regarding a proposal to establish a community pasture model. The initiative aims to support local livestock producers by identifying and leasing municipally owned land for grazing, which would help strengthen local farming viability and increase agricultural output. The discussion covered the logistical aspects of creating a cooperative, managing soil fertility, implementing rotational grazing, and utilizing provincial programs for infrastructure such as fencing and irrigation. The council also addressed the challenges of the current meat supply chain and expressed interest in evaluating specific municipally owned properties for potential inclusion in the project.

The Council discussed the Recreation department's new mission and strategic plan. Various administrative and personnel actions were taken, including granting a councillor's leave of absence and appointing members to the Audit Committee, the Mariners Centre Management Authority, the Finance Committee, the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association Board, and the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation. A presentation on an outdoor illumination and light pollution by-law was held, resulting in the rescission of its first reading pending further feedback. Other business included amending overtime policies, approving a change to a future meeting date, and requesting improved signage for a safety hazard in Morris Island. The Council also approved community grants for a monument society and a cemetery committee, and authorized the construction of a medical clinic in Tusket.

The council received a presentation on instruments of subdivisions and their associated risks. Key organizational actions included the appointment of auditors, a solicitor, and various officers for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, as well as membership approval for NSFM and FCM. The council adopted a new code of conduct policy for elected officials and approved a multi-year contract with the SPCA based on a per-use model. Additionally, a member was appointed to the Medical Clinic Executive Steering Committee, a sponsorship for an administrative conference was authorized, and a letter of support was issued for a historical significance nomination. A draft policy regarding funding for out-of-region events was discussed and referred back to staff for revision.

The council reviewed and discussed the proposed draft capital budget, which includes investments in a new medical clinic, the Mariners Centre Wellness Centre, and various municipal infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the council evaluated the draft operating budget, noting balanced revenues and expenditures, including considerations for taxation rates, increased operational costs for RCMP and fire services, and allocations for a new library lease. Staff were instructed to incorporate minor adjustments to the budgets for future consideration.