Council Highlights – Regular Meeting, July 9, 2024 

|  Public Interest, Resident Information

Council Highlights – Regular Meeting, July 9, 2024 

Council Highlights provides a brief overview of the latest Municipal Council meeting. For the complete details, please refer to the official minutes, which will be available after the upcoming Regular Council Meeting. 

Meeting Agenda 

Council Package 

Council Updates: 

Public and Administrative Presentations: 

  • Nicole Bulmer, By-Law No. 2024-15, A By-Law Relating to Loitering and Soliciting in Tantramar: Nicole Bulmer presented personal concerns in the wording of the by-law.   
  • Mount Allison Student Union: Lucy Rae and Reid Delaney presented the value of MASU, introduced new members, and discussed their plans for increased collaboration with the municipality. 
  • Natalie Donaher: Delivered a presentation on infrastructure funding for housing within Tantramar. 

Events and Policies: 

  • Moonlight Madness 2024: Approved the annual Moonlight Madness event, now in its 32nd year. 
  • Farmer’s Market Fall Fair Liquor License: Approved the application for a liquor license for the fall fair. 
  • Policy 2024-14 – Ice Skating Protective Helmet Policy: Council voted to approve a policy to enhance safety during ice skating activities at the Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre. 
  • Policy 2024-15 – TVMCC Sign Rental Policy: Approved by Council
  • Policy 2024-11 – Confidentiality Policy – Approved by Council. 
  • Upcoming Council Meetings – Council has approved a motion to optimize our summer meeting schedule. This adjustment, aligning with practices in other municipalities, allows us to focus on key priorities while respecting summer schedules.
  • Schedule Changes: 
  • Committee of the Whole Meeting on July 22, 2024, is removed. 
  • Regular Council Meeting on August 13, 2024, is removed. 
  • September Regular Council Meeting is moved to Monday, September 9, 2024. 

Infrastructure and Development: 

  • Removal of Development Agreement Mallard Drive Sackville: Motion passed to remove the existing development agreement, allowing for new and exciting opportunities in the area. 
  • Redesignation and Rezoning of Beale and Inch Property: A public presentation is scheduled for August 26th at our Committee of the Whole meeting, and a public hearing will be held at the Regular Council Meeting on September 23rd. This is a key opportunity for the public to be involved and voice their opinions. 
  • Capital Borrowing: Council authorized the debentures for 2023 Capital Projects. Out of over $2 million in projects, only $343k required borrowing. This strategic financial management by Director of Financial Services Michael Beal saved the municipality a significant amount of money. Thank you, Michael!  
  • Sackville Water Treatment Pumphouse 1 & 2 Replacement: Approved the replacement of outdated pumphouses to ensure a more reliable water system. New timber pumphouses are ready and will enhance our community’s infrastructure. 
  • Lorne St Water Mitigation Project Phase 3 Funding: Director of Community and Corporate Services, Kieran Miller, secured additional funding to complete the Lorne St Water Mitigation project! Council approved an increase in the award amount, bringing the total to $5,438,855 including HST. This significant achievement will greatly benefit the community by enhancing our infrastructure and mitigating potentially catastrophic flooding. 

Cultural and Community Events: 

  • Fort Beausejour Special Activity License: Council voted to approve a Special Activity License with Parks Canada to host the Acadian Day Celebration at Fort Beausejour on August 14, 2024. This event celebrates our rich cultural heritage and is promises to be an exciting event collaboration.  
  • Municipal Art Program: Council approved a motion brought forward by Councillor Michael Tower requesting staff to draft a public art program that would enable artists to display their work for a period of time at a municipal facility.  

By-Laws: 

  • By-Law No. 2024-15 – Loitering and Soliciting in Tantramar: Received first and second reading. The third reading will be at the September Regular Council Meeting. 
  • By-Law No. 2012-002B – Amend Village of Dorchester Zoning By-Law: Approved amendments to support community growth and development. 
  • By-Law No. 2024-13 – Promotion of Health and Safety of Residents: Approved the by-law aimed at enhancing resident health and safety. 
  • By-Law No. 2024-14 – Adoption and Interpretation of By-Laws in Tantramar: Received third and final reading, now in effect to ensure clarity and consistency in municipal governance. 

Mayor & Councillor Statements & Inquiries: 

  • Mayor Andrew Black: Celebrated Janelle Dixon for her recent accomplishments being selected as an Indigo Youth Ambassador. We wish Janelle luck during her visit to Toronto, Ontario as she promotes the importance of literacy.  
  • Councillor Michael Tower: Councillor Tower spoke on the value of applying for housing grants while available and echoed sentiments of Natalie Donaher’s presentation.   
  • Councillor Debbie Wiggins-Colwell: Statement regarding our First Responders and the new TMR system. Councillor Wiggins-Colwell inquired about receiving more information on mold remediation at 4984 Main St. Dorchester, former municipal office of Dorchester.  

Stay Updated: Join us for the next Committee of the Whole on August 26, 2024, at 3:00 PM in person or via live stream on our YouTube Channel to stay engaged with municipal progress and decisions. 

Missed the last meeting? Catch up with the full recording available on our YouTube channel. Your engagement is vital to our community’s progress and decisions.