Suzuki Gets Another Degree!

Suzuki to get degree from Sainte-Anne


CHURCH POINT — Universite Sainte-Anne will confer an honorary doctorate on environmentalist and scientist David Suzuki at the spring convocation at its Church Point campus in Digby County.

The university said Suzuki has worked tirelessly to raise public awareness of environmental issues.

His work is well-known and respected by many, including Universite Sainte-Anne, said the release.

Nova Scotia’s only francophone university recently installed solar- and wind-powered renewable energy sources and the university recognizes Suzuki as a source of inspiration, said the release.

The convocation is May 8.

ADEDA News

FARM FORUM: CHANGING PRACTICES IN A CHANGING WORLD
From grapes to cheese and from mink to milk, a day-long farm forum set for Cornwallis on March 27 will have enough inspirational topics, speakers, and networking sessions to keep participants busy listening, learning, and thinking until the cows come home. (Thanks, Larry!)

TAKING ANNAPOLIS DIGBY ABROAD
We’re pleased to report that our Welcome to Annapolis Digby portal is now officially launched, thanks to the Honourable Ramona Jennex, Minister of Immigration, and very special guest Wanda Finigan who opened the event with a traditional Mi’kmaq song of welcome. All of our project ambassadors can now sign up at our Facebook-style social portal and get connected to potential immigrants abroad! We also took Annapolis Digby on the road to London’s Emigrate Show.

BURIED TREASURE IN OUR REGION
It’s valuable, and found deep underground in almost every part of our province. We can’t live without it. And yet, we largely ignore it. What better time than today, World Water Day to remind us of the natural treasure buried beneath our feet?

More buried treasure: Have you ever wondered about the benefits of having your own root cellar? Let the folks at the Green Barn in Granville Centre tell you all about it! And, this weekend, don’t forget to take in the 5th Annual Annapolis Digby Tourism Showcase — get out there and discover what’s in our own back yard.

Annual Blue Jean Gala

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Nova Scotia Chapter (CPAWS-NS) is the province's voice for wilderness conservation. We are working to keep at least half of Canada's public land and water wild - forever.
InformationCurrent City:
Halifax, NSHometown:
Halifax, NSWebsite:
http://www.cpawsns.org
http://www.facebook.com/CPAWSNS
http://twitter.com/CPAWSNovaScotia

Cpaws Nova Scotia
The photos have been chosen...
The prizes are lined up...
The music is starting...

CPAWS NS is getting excited to host our 1st Annual Blue Jean Gala event this Thurday at the Hart & Thistle at 1869 Upper Water St. The evening begins at 7pm with photo contest winners being announced and then entertainment begins by Jon Bryant and Dance Movie until around 10pm. Tickets are selling fast but there will be a reserve at the door and they are $10. Please email cpawsnsphotocontest@gmail.com if you have any questions.
See you on Thursday

On Tonight at Council

Council Agenda
Meeting Date March 22, 2010 Meeting Location Municipal Council Chambers Call to Order Warden Jim Thurber Reading of Mission Statement Warden Jim Thurber Pause to Seek Guidance Warden Jim Thurber Documents Subject Area Approval of the Agenda Additions/Deletions  Council Staff Special Presentations Presentations & Hearings Emera-Dan Muldoon and Kevin Cameron Re: Digby Wind Project Minutes Approval/Amendments February 22, 2010
Council Agenda
Business Arising from Minutes 1.  2. 3. Deputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor Gregory Councillor Amero Councillor Adams Warden Thurber New Business # 1 Funding Request SW Music Festival # 2 # 3 # 4 # 5 # 6
Council Agenda
Administration  CAO Report Meeting Updates Project Updates Payables- February, 2010 $ 370,789.69 Financial Report February 28, 2010 Correspondence 1. NS Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal 2010 Traffic Count Program 2. RCMP Use of jet fuel at Digby Airport 3. Digby & Area Health Services Charitable Foundation Acknowledgement of receipt of our letter of Feb 18th. 4. Atlantic Coordinating Committee on Crime Prevention and Community Safety Building Crime Prevention Knowledge in Atlantic Canada 5. Phil Barrett S/Sgt Copy of letter to Wharf Rat Rally
Council Agenda
Council Committees 1. COTW  Costs associated with demolition of dangerous and unsightly properties 2. By-law & Policy First Reading Amendment to Dog By-law # 2006-02 Approval of Road Naming and Community Adjustment Policy Advisory Committees # 1 REMO Management Planning Committee Warden Thurber/ Deputy Warden MacAlpine # 2 Heritage Advisory Committee Councillor Amero Councillor Adams # 3 Planning Advisory Committee Warden Thurber Deputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor Gregory  No Meeting- 1 Vacancy remaining for citizen representative # 4 Police Advisory Committee Councillor Gregory Councillor Amero Councillor Adams Meeting scheduled for April # 5 Tri County Housing Authority R Fitzgerald
Council Agenda
Regional/Joint Committees # 1 Airport Working Group Deputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor Adams  # 2 Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency Warden Thurber Minutes Jan 2010 Managing Director Report #3 Digby Annapolis Development Corp Warden Thurber Councillor Amero Next Meeting April 14th #4 Digby Area Learning Association Councillor Adams Minutes Feb 2010 Executive Director Report #5 Digby Area Tourism Association Councillor Gregory Minutes- Feb 2010 #6 Digby Area Recreation Committee Councillor Gregory Councillor Amero Minutes Feb 2010-03 Recreation Manager Report #7 Digby Harbour Port Association Councillor Gregory #8 Fundyweb Broadband Deputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor Amero Minutes June 2009 Meeting Scheduled April 2010 # 9 Industrial Commission Deputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor Amero Minutes Jan 2010 # 10 Kings Transit Authority Councillor Amero # 11 Senior Safety Committee Councillor Adams Councillor Gregory Minutes -January 2010 Coordinators Report # 12 Tideview Terrace Councillor Gregory Warden Thurber & Councillor Adams Minutes Jan 2010 # 13 Waste Check Deputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor Gregory Board Pkg – March 2010 # 14 Western Counties Regional Library Deputy Warden MacAlpine
Council Agenda
Council Reports Warden Thurber  Deputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor Gregory Councillor Amero Councillor Adams Notice of Motion In Camera Adjournment

Last at Municipal Council

Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
1
Call to Order The Council meeting was called to order with Warden Thurber in the chair at 6:03 p.m. Attendance Councillors present:  Jim Thurber, Warden  Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden  Linda Gregory, Councillor  Randall Amero, Councillor  Maritza Adams, Councillor Staff present:  Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer  Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer  Pat Stevens, Tax Clerk/Receptionist Prayer Warden Thurber welcomed everyone to the meeting, read the Municipality’s mission statement and then asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting. Agenda The announcement made by the Dept of Transportation was added to New Business. MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as amended. MOTION CARRIED Presentations Friends of Point Prim – Doug Brown MOVED and seconded that Mr. Doug Brown come before Council to make a presentation on Friends of Point Prim. MOTION CARRIED  Mr. Brown advised Council of the formation of the society, Friends of Point Prim. This not for profit Society would assist in making access to Point Prim more accessible. Friends of Point Prim will be asking for a one time investment from both the Municipality of Digby and the Town of Digby of $1,000. This investment would be used to replace the current gate entrance, apply signage, supply a parking area and install a trail. Membership from the private and business sectors would allow for upkeep in the future. Warden Thurber thanked Mr. Brown for the presentation and advised that the request for funding would be forwarded to budget discussions. Minutes January 25, 2010 Public Hearing MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of January 25, 2010, Public Hearing be approved as circulated. MOTION CARRIED
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
2
January 25, 2010 Regular Council MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of January 25, 2010, Regular Council be approved as circulated. MOTION CARRIED Old Business 1 Solid Waste By-Law  A question was raised regarding Section 4.3 in the By-Law.  An issue was raised regarding Section 6.2.4 of the By-Law which states that commercial organic containers or carts must be emptied on a weekly basis. It was noted that the Municipality has bi-weekly pickups and the By-Law should be changed to reflect this. MOVED and seconded that the Solid Waste By-Law, section 6.2.4 be amended to state that the “Commercial organic containers or carts must be emptied on a bi-weekly basis”. MOTION CARRIED 2 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan MOVED and seconded that Council approve the Resolution of the Final Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. MOTION CARRIED Warden Thurber No Old Business. Deputy Warden MacAlpine No Old Business. Councillor Gregory No Old Business. Councillor Amero No Old Business. Councillor Adams No Old Business. New Business #1 Bear River & Area Health Clinic – Request for funding of $1,800 MOVED and seconded that the request for funding for the Bear River and Area Health Clinic be referred to the budget process. MOTION CARRIED #2 Councillor Amero – Letter Regarding Drug Testing of School Bus Drivers  A discussion took place regarding the request that a letter be sent to the Department of Education asking for mandatory random drug testing for school bus drivers. The school board currently does not have it in their policy. MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to the Minister of Education requesting an investigation into a policy for mandatory drug testing of school bus drivers. MOTION CARRIED
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
3
#3 TIANS 2010 Annual General Meeting  Council discussed the request for co-sponsorship for this event which is being held at the Digby Pines in May. The CAO stated there were monies left in the 2009/2010 fiscal year in the Economic Development Projects budget to cover this request. MOVED and seconded that Council sponsor TIANS 2010 for half of the cost up to and not exceeding $750. MOTION CARRIED #4 Councillor Gregory - Lack of Cell Phone Coverage  Concerns were raised regarding the lack of cell phone coverage in many areas of the Municipality. Businesses that rely on cell phones are losing customers due to poor coverage. The CAO has spoken to the Municipalities of Yarmouth and Argyle to determine if they are having similar problems. Aliant has been spoken to about this in the past but there have been no solutions. MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to Aliant and all cell phone service providers regarding the lack of cell phone coverage. MOTION CARRIED MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to the CRTC regarding the lack of cell phone coverage in the Municipality. MOTION CARRIED #5 Hanse Society Adventure Park – Letter of Support  Discussions on the positive aspects of the Aerial Adventure Park were held. The Adventure Park would enhance the tourism industry and increase visitation at the Theme Park. MOVED and seconded that a letter of support for the Aerial Adventure Park be written. MOTION CARRIED #6 Announcement from Department of Transportation  The Warden had been invited to a funding announcement in Liverpool on February 19, 2010, but was unable to determine if the announcement was for the project in the Digby area. It turned out to be an announcement from Department of Transportation that they will be repaving Highway 303, north to the Digby town line, and installing a left-turning lane, as well as repair and repave Highway 101 from Annapolis line to Exit 26, Digby.
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
4
Administration Request for decision/direction Approval of tender for 3 geo-thermal wells and 1 domestic well for Weymouth Library Appointments of Todd Hall and Richard Fitzgerald to the Planning Advisory Committee Extension of Glenn Dunn’s appointment to ADEDA for six months as per policy MOVED and seconded that Council accept the lowest tender of $35,481.10 by D.J.’s Well Drilling for the installation of 3 geo-thermal and 1 domestic well for the Weymouth Library. MOTION CARRIED MOVED and seconded that Council accept the appointments of Todd Hall and Richard Fitzgerald to the Planning Advisory Committee MOTION CARRIED A discussion was held regarding a six month extension of Glenn Dunn’s appointment to ADEDA. The CAO will advertize for a new member and Mr. Dunn will be advised that he can re-apply for this position. MOVED and seconded that Council grant a six month extension to Glenn Dunn’s appointment to ADEDA as per policy. MOTION CARRIED CAO Report Bill Canada Funding  The CAO report for February 22, 2010 was included in the meeting package.  The CAO will find out the status of the application to the Build Canada Fund. Payables MOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of $750,154.65 for the month of January 2010 be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED Financial Report MOVED and seconded that the financial report for January 31, 2010 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Correspondence SNSMR – Municipal Services Division Survey Discussion was held encouraging all Council to participate in the survey on the website.
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
5
Council Committees Committee of the Whole Recommendations to Council for Approval MOVED and seconded that Council support Le Transport de Clare’s expansion of service up to and including Barton in the amount of $7,000 for the 2010/2011 fiscal year. MOTION CARRIED Bylaw & Policy Review Digby Salvage & Disposal Youth Grant Policy Amendment Human Resource Policy Amendments Low Income Tax Exemption Policy MOVED by and seconded that Digby Salvage & Disposal be awarded the Solid Waste Contract for 2010-2015. MOTION CARRIED MOVED and seconded that the Youth Grant Policy Amendment be accepted adding the clause allowing grants to students for participation or hosting of National or Provincial events. MOTION CARRIED MOVED and seconded that the Human Resource Policy Amendments be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED MOVED and seconded that pursuant to the Low Income Tax Exemption Policy # 2010, the Municipality hereby grants an exemption from taxation, operating as a reduction in the 2010-2011 taxes otherwise payable to the Municipality in respect to a property in the amount of $125.00 for owners of property whose 2009 income from all sources does not exceed $19,140. MOTION CARRIED Advisory Committees #1 REMO Management Planning Committee  The REMO Management Planning Committee minutes for November 2009 were included in the meeting package. The new REMO coordinator was introduced at the last meeting. Danny Harvieux was appointed chair and Jimmy MacAlpine vice chair of the REMO Management Planning Committee. #2 Heritage Advisory Committee  The Heritage Advisory Committee minutes for January 2010 were included in the meeting package. #3 Planning Advisory Committee  There have been two applicants for the Planning Advisory Committee. There is one more required. #4 Police Advisory Committee  There has been no Police Advisory Committee meeting since the last Council meeting.
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
6
#5 Tri County Housing Authority  The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on in October 2009. Regional / Joint Committees #1 Airport Working Group  There has been no Airport Working Group meeting since the last Council meeting. #2 Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency  The ADEDA meeting minutes for December 2009 as well as the Managing Director report for January 2010 were included in the meeting package. #3 Digby Annapolis Development Corp  DADC met on January 21, 2010. The next meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2010. #4 Digby Area Learning Association  The DALA minutes for February 3, 2010 were distributed before the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2010. #5 Digby Area Tourism Association  The DATA meeting minutes for January 2010 were included in the meeting package. The meeting scheduled for February 2010 was cancelled due to a snow storm. The next meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2010. #6 Digby Area Recreation Committee  The DARC minutes for January 2010 as well as the manager’s report for February 2010 were included in the meeting package. There have been problems with the zamboni. There has been an application filed to have work done at the arena. #7 Digby Harbour Port Association  The Digby Harbour Port Association minutes for January 2010 are not out yet. The next meeting is scheduled for March. #8 Fundyweb Broadband  There has been no Fundyweb Broadband meeting since the last Council meeting. Deputy Warden MacAlpine is working on having a meeting scheduled for late March. #9 Industrial Commission  There has been no Industrial Commission meeting since the last Council meeting. There is a meeting scheduled for February 23, 2010. #10 Kings Transit Authority  The Federal transit funds issue is still unresolved. #11 Senior Safety Committee  The Senior Safety Committee minutes for November 2009 were included in the meeting package. There was a discussion regarding the Provincial grant they have applied for. This funding has to be applied for yearly. Council discussed requesting the Province make these funds permanent so they no longer have to be applied for annually. There were over 120 seniors that attended the Senior’s Day function.
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
7
#12 Tideview Terrace  The Tideview Terrace minutes for December 2009 were included in the meeting package. There is a meeting scheduled for February 23, 2010. #13 Waste Check  The Waste Check meeting minutes for December 2009 were included in the meeting package. #14 Western Counties Regional Library  There has been no Western Counties Regional Library meeting since the last Council meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2010. Council Reports Warden Thurber  Warden Thurber gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.  The Warden had received a letter from the Wharf Rat Rally asking for a letter of support. This was forwarded to the next COTW. Deputy Warden MacAlpine  Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.  Deputy Warden MacAlpine stated that at the next Bylaw & Policy meeting, the roadside placement of the civic number sign has to be discussed and then advertised in the summer edition of the Coastline. Councillor Gregory  Councillor Gregory gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings she has attended during the past month. Councillor Amero  Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month. Councillor Adams  Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the Sustainability Conference she had attended during the past month. Comments from the gallery  The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions. There were no questions. In Camera MOVED and seconded to go In Camera to discuss a personnel issue. MOTION CARRIED Regular session resumed.
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipal Council Minutes
February 22, 2010
Seabrook, Nova Scotia
8
Adjournment MOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:45 PM. MOTION CARRIED _______________________________ _____________________________ WARDEN CLERK