Digby Municipal Council Minutes

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order with Warden Gregory in thechair at 6:03 pm.AttendanceCouncillors present:Linda Gregory, WardenJimmy MacAlpine, Deputy WardenRandall Amero, CouncillorDavid Tudor, CouncillorStaff present:Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative OfficerGordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative OfficerCora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryRegrets:Maritza Adams, CouncillorPrayerWarden Gregory asked everyone to pause to seek guidance forthe meeting. AgendaWarden Gregory added Medical Students as New Business# 2. Deputy Warden MacAlpine added an item to InCamera.MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved asamended.MOTION CARRIEDHearings & PresentationsBob Sweeney – DigbyMunicipal FireAssociationMOVED and seconded that Mr. Bob Sweeney from theDigby Municipal Fire Association come before the committee to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIEDMr. Sweeney thanked Council for the opportunity to speakto Council. Mr. Sweeney would like to see a feasibilitystudy done. The Municipality of Clare went through theprocess of a feasibility study and the fire service has done
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2great since.A question and answer period followed Mr. Sweeney’spresentation. Council asked whether the Association is also looking into a sustainability study as well. Council madethe comment that if the feasibility study went forward, itwould review the sustainability of all fire departments. Itwas also discussed that perhaps it might be easier to recruit volunteers if the gear and equipment were updated. It wasnoted that there might be a possibility that some firedepartments might shut down as a result of the feasibilitystudy. Council advised the Association that they need toknow what it is they would like to get from the study, theTerms of Reference.Warden Gregory asked that the departments introducethemselves and provided each department with a chance tospeak to Council on behalf of their department.There were 9 fire departments present. Chief Lee Wentzell,Digby Neck; Chief Walley Devries, Westport; Chief Gerald Moore, Freeport; Paulette Walker, Digby; Chief DarrylJelfs, Bear River; Chief Roy Mullen, Weymouth; ChiefRobert Sweeney, Plympton; Chief Dwayne Haight, Smith’sCove; and Chief Cromwell, Southville (late).The representatives from each department were given achance to speak. Comments from the departments included:Fire departments should maintain a certain level ofservice.Would like to see the Association be able to have thesame results as the Municipality of Clare.Would not want to lose any fire departments as aresult of the feasibility study.Fire departments are in desperate need of newequipment, vehicles and in some cases buildings.Doug Cromwell from Southville was late for the meeting and it was agreed to go on with other business until hearrived.MinutesApril 11, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes of April 11, 2011 beapproved as circulated.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Business Arising/OldBusiness#1 Tax Exemption Request – Good Samaritan CommunityChurchThe CAO had been directed after the last meeting to contactthe Good Samaritan Community Church to see when theyintend to build their church. There has been no response.This item will be added to the next Council agenda.#2 Nova Scotians forEqualization FairnessDeputy Warden MacAlpine has no further information at this time, but will have it available for the May Councilagenda.Other Business ArisingDeputy WardenMacAlpineNo Business ArisingCouncillor AmeroNo Business ArisingCouncillor AdamsAbsent. Warden Gregory noted that Councillor Adams’mother-in-law passed away.Councillor TudorNo Business ArisingWarden GregoryNo Business ArisingNew Business#1 Digby Elementary– Funding Request –Ocean Blue Fun RunThe Ocean Blue Fun Run takes place in June.MOVED and seconded that the funding request for the Ocean Blue Fun Run be referred to the budget process.MOTION CARRIED#2 Medical StudentsA letter was received by Southwest Health asking if theMunicipality and the Town would consider offering medical students or residents bursaries while they are still inschool, in lieu of signing bonuses. For example, offer them$25,000 per year for the 4 years of medical school for a 4
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4year return of service to Digby.It was mentioned that students need to be aware that theycould be working in Weymouth and Bear River as well. Warden Gregory will mention it.There was a discussion on the terms of the contract and theconsequences of students changing their mind and wanting to buy it out.MOVED and seconded that Council consider a medicalstudent bursary while they are still in school, which wouldequal half of $25,000 per year for 4 years.MOTION CARRIEDChief Administrative ReportThe CAO report dated May 9, 2011 was included in theCOTW Package.MeetingsThe By-law and Policy meeting on June 6, 2011 conflictswith FCM. It was agreed to hold this meeting on May 30, 2011 since there was no meeting scheduled for that date.Joshua Slocum MonumentMr. Hersey provided Council with some pictures of the Joshua Slocum monument as well as a quote for repairs.Council agreed that the costing was good for the repairs.It was agreed that permission must be obtained from theproperty owners to allow people to view the monument on the property as well as go on the property to fix it.Request forDecisions/DirectionNILDepartment ReportsTaxationThe Taxation report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection ReportThe Building Inspection report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Environmental ServicesThe Environmental Services report for April 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Airport/DispatchThe Airport/Dispatch report for April 2011 was included inthe meeting package. Council discussed the possibility of having dispatch recruit additional business. The Deputy CAO advised that it hasbeen discussed. It could be handled in two ways; thedispatch supervisor could solicit customers, or electedofficials could approach the wardens of neighboring municipalities to see if there is any interest.MOVED and seconded that research be done in regards to a fee schedule and what levels of service could be offered bythe dispatch department at the Airport.MOTION CARRIEDDog Control Activityand Financial ReportN/ACoordinator Program DevelopmentThe Coordinator Program Development report for April2011 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/ADigby Municipal FireAssociation –ContinuedMOVED and seconded that Mr. Doug Cromwell from the Southville Fire Department come before Council.MOTION CARRIEDMr. Cromwell provided Council with an overview of theresults of the feasibility study that was done in Clare. Therewas $1,000,000 borrowed over 10 years, which was used tobuy trucks, halls, and equipment for the departments mostin need. Council has the final decision on where the moneyis allocated. The fire area rate is used to pay off the loan.The feasibility study was hired out to a retired chief from another area. It was noted that the Digby Municipal Fire Associationwould have a majority vote after the feasibility study wascompleted.Warden Gregory thanked the Association for coming andpresenting to Council.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Updates fromPrevious meetingsThe updates from previous meetings were included in the CAO report.Special Projects UpdatesThe special projects updates were included in the CAOreport.Strategic Priorities UpdateN/ANotice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryN/ARecessThere was a 5 minute recess before proceeding in camera.In Camera MOVED and seconded that the meeting proceed in camerato discuss a contractual issue.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:15 PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting DateJune 13, 2011Meeting LocationCouncil ChambersCall to OrderWardenPause to Seek GuidanceWardenApproval of the AgendaAdditions/DeletionsPresentationsClaredon Robicheau, Transport de ClareApproval of MinutesMay 9, 2011Old Business /Business Arising from Minutes# 1.0Municipal Fire Services – Fire Department five year fundinghistory# 2.0Deputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorWardenGregory
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Debt collection service contract with SNSMR and request for designation#2Canadian Owners & Pilots Association 2014 Conference #3#4#5#6Correspondence ReceivedInformation Only# 1Copy of letter to Tri County Regional School Board# 2SNSMR-Cost sharing programs# 3Communities, Culture and Heritage-Amendments to Heritage Property Act#4#5# 6
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaChief Administrative ReportJune 13, 2011Meeting Dates/RemindersDate & TimeMeetingLocationJune 20, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomJune 27, 2011 @ 6:00 pmPublic HearingCouncil ChambersJune 27, 2011 @ 6:15 pmCouncilCouncil ChambersJuly 4, 2011No MeetingJuly 11, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomJuly 18, 2011No MeetingJuly 25, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCouncilCouncil ChambersAugust 1st& Aug 8thNo MeetingAug 15, 2011COTWCouncil ChambersAugust 22nd& 29thNo MeetingRequest for Decision/DirectionN/ADepartment Reports for May 2011AdministrationTaxationBuilding Department Permit ReportMunicipal Fire Inspector Environmental ServicesDispatch Call ReportAirport ReportDog Control Activity/Financial Coordinator Program Development
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaUpdates from PreviousmeetingsSpecial Projects UpdatesNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment

Booze for Sale

Petition asking for liquor store on Long Island and Digby Neck


Curious onlookers gathered to watch the first load of beer come off the truck and into Brier Island’s new NSLC agency store. Jonathan Riley photo
Published on June 10, 2011
Published on June 10, 2011
Jonathan Riley Residents of Long Island and Digby Neck want a place to buy alcohol, too. They say the recent decision by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to put an agency store on Brier Island did little for them.

Topics : Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation , Store in Centre Grove , Long Island , Brier Island , Freeport
Ossinger’s Store in Centre Grove, in the middle of Long Island, used to sell alcohol but closed this spring.

The NSLC put out a tender on April 4 asking for proposals for an agency store in the Digby Neck area, from Sandy Cove to Brier Island.

Two stores applied for the tender: R. E. Robicheau’s on Brier Island run by Wally and Joyce DeVries, and Long Island Trading in Tiverton on the eastern end of Long Island, run by Stanton Seamone.

On May 27, the NSLC announced that they had accepted the DeVries’ bid and they started selling alcohol on June 7.

Karen Crocker of Freeport has no problem with Brier Island getting a store but she doesn’t see how it helps people on Digby Neck and Long Island.

She started a petition requesting the NSLC maintain at least the level of service the people of Long Island had grown accustomed to.

Stanton Seamone who runs Long Island Trading says there were 138 signatures on the petition in his store and another 80 or so in Freeport on June 9.

David Tudor of Freeport is the municipal councilor for district four which covers Brier and Long islands and Digby Neck down past Little River. He says he is happy that Brier Island has a store, but he would have been happier if both stores had been accepted.

“I thought there was room for both stores. Now for people in East Ferry it means two ferry trips. So this doesn’t help them really.”

Rick Perkins, spokesperson for the NSLC, says Robicheau’s won the contract through a public tender process and any unsuccessful applicants can, upon request, receive an explanation and a debriefing on their submission.

The request for proposals states that potential stores must be at least 10 kilometres from any agent in any other community, and at least 13 kilometres from the closest existing NSLC store.

The request for proposals, including selection criteria, is available here online

Seafood Chowder Supper

Seafood chowder supper put on by the Digby Neck Volunteer fire dept and Ladies Auxiliary on Sat. June 11 5:30pm Adults $8. Kids under 12 $5.
Come one, come all!

Dan Mills offers Potato Seed

Good Afternoon and Hello!

The Old Coot is plantin' taters today - " Better the day; better the deed", it's been said since long ago.

He keeps his potato winter crop in a Cold Room in the basement every year.....and found enough Yukon Gold to plant for this season.

But, he found well over a milk crate of the Banana style (aka 'Finger Pototes'), and two nearly full of blue ones.These are the desendants of those which my old friend, Vaughn Height gave me ten or so years ago, and he claimed they'd been in his family since his father brought them off a ship some 60 years before.

I found a lot more than I expected and has all that he needs already planted....I shall put them in the car port -they are well sprouted and ready to go in the ground- and anyone who wishes some may come and help themselves. Bring a pail or a box please, and help yourself whether I am home or not.

In a weeks time I'll assume no one wants any and put them in the compost.

Danny

Pls.ask your neighbors. I don't have many local e-mail ads...d

Digby Neck Events

Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper

6 p.m. Tuesday June 14, 2011

Digby Neck Consolidated Elementary School
Sandy Cove

Please bring your favourite dish to share and enjoy a delicious meal and conversation in warm fellowship with friends. If you don't have time to prepare something come anyway. There is always plenty of good food. Invite your neighbours.

Everyone is welcome.

Please put it on your calendar!

An Australian Mr. Digby

Blogger: My, what you find on the internet about the word or name Digby!

Man was tortured, strangled: witness
BY EMMA SPILLETT
28 May, 2011 01:00 PM
AN ANGLE grinder was allegedly used to torture former Cronulla man Matthew Digby before he was kicked in the head and strangled to death with a dog leash, Wollongong Local Court was told last week.
A male witness, known only as P550, told the court accused murderer Richard James Walsh had confessed to killing Mr Digby, 35, and then burning his body in a car in January last year.

Members of Mr Digby's family wept in court as they heard P550 recount how Walsh admitted to sinking an angle grinder into Mr Digby's leg when he refused to divulge information about a robbery at co-accused Lauren Mae Batcheldor's house in early 2010.

Walsh allegedly told P550 the pair took Mr Digby to an oval earlier to question him.

He said Walsh told him that when Mr Digby tried to run away, he punched him, dragged him to a car and chained his hands with a dog leash. Walsh then allegedly drove Mr Digby to a house and parked in the garage, where he punched and slapped him until he was unconscious, the court heard.

According to P550, Mr Digby later made a threat to Walsh about what he would do when released and Walsh had responded: "Now you've said that I can't let you go."

He then went to get Mr Digby a "last drink".

P550 said when Walsh returned, he noticed Mr Digby had freed an arm from the leash. It is alleged Walsh became angry, opening the back of the car to kick Mr Digby repeatedly in the head, the witness said.

P550 said Walsh told him he wrapped a dog leash around Mr Digby's neck and pulled until his body stopped moving. He allegedly said he later moved Mr Digby's body into the front passenger seat and placed a tyre on his stomach, before putting a tarp over him.

Walsh allegedly told P550 he had driven to a dirt road in the bush the following day, where he planned to leave Mr Digby's body.

According to P550, Walsh said he noticed blood had seeped on to the car's floor, so he doused the car and the body with fuel and set it alight, then called Batcheldor, who picked him up a short time later.

In another alleged conversation with P550, Walsh admitted there was blood on the garage floor and he had used bleach to clean it.

P550 said Walsh also told him he and Batcheldor went to a pawn shop to look for her stolen jewellery. She found a chain, which she believed Mr Digby had pawned, the court heard.

P550 was the final witness in a three-day committal hearing involving Walsh and Batcheldor, who are charged with murdering and kidnapping Mr Digby last year.

After hearing the evidence, Magistrate Ian Guy decided there was a case against the pair and committed them to stand trial later in the year.

Walsh and Batcheldor are expected to appear in the Supreme Court in Sydney for arraignment on August 5.