Wharton public meetings in 2023
28 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council Meeting
The Council is reviewing several municipal by-laws including a truck route and fire department regulations. They are also considering a $10,000 funding request for Springhill Ground Search and Rescue and a water leak adjustment policy.
- Public hearing regarding the deregistration of 40 Chapel Street, Springhill as a Municipal Heritage Property
- Second Reading of the Truck Route By-Law
- Approval of the Water Leak Adjustment Policy
- First Reading of the Fire Department By-Law
- Allocation of $10,000 for Springhill Ground Search and Rescue vehicle fleet expansion
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several policy updates and funding requests. Items include a new water leak adjustment policy, a fire department regulation by-law, and a request for search and rescue funding.
- Water Leak Adjustment Policy review
- By-Law to Establish and Regulate the Fire Departments
- Request to waive ice rental fees for U13 AAA Truro Bearcats Provincial Tournament bid
- $10,000 funding request for Springhill Ground Search and Rescue
- Dangerous or Unsightly Policy Comparative Review
Special Council Meeting
The council will review audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. Additionally, members will consider a feasibility study for geothermal energy in greenhouse food production and support a funding application for the Parrsboro Waterline Replacement project.
- Approval of Audited Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023
- Feasibility study for geothermal energy with potential $40,000 operating reserve withdrawal
- Funding application for the Parrsboro Waterline Replacement project
In Camera
The provided document contains no substantive information regarding topics of discussion or decisions. The record consists of empty fields and software interface text.
Council Meeting
The Council is reviewing several organizational policies including a compressed four-day work week. They are also considering first readings for a land rezoning in New Prospect, a truck route by-law, and a development agreement for the Higgins Mountain Wind Project.
- First reading of rezoning PID 25477431 from Rural Resource to Rural Industrial at 3331 Highway 2, New Prospect
- Approval of the Compressed 4-Day Work Week Policy
- First reading of the Truck Route By-Law
- First reading of the Higgins Mountain Energy Wind Project Development Agreement
- Appointment of Cory DeWitt as Building Official
In Camera
The provided document contains no specific discussion topics or decisions. The record consists of procedural software interface elements and empty fields.
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several policy amendments and municipal updates. Discussions include a proposed four-day work week policy and a potential letter of concern regarding the Scotiabank branch closure in Pugwash.
- Proposed Compressed 4-Day Work Week Policy
- Amendment to Tax Reduction and Exemption Policy Schedule A
- Council Meetings and Proceedings Policy amendment
- Letter of concern regarding Scotiabank Pugwash branch closure
- Public hearing presentation by Cumberland Public Libraries
In Camera
The provided document contains only procedural boilerplate and software metadata. There are no specific topics, motions, or decisions recorded in the text.
Special Council Meeting
The Council is considering several actions regarding land use and property divestiture. Items include a proposed rezoning for multi-unit residential use, the sale of multiple surplus properties via RFP, and an application to alter the Advocate United Church.
- Rezoning PID 25228214 from Parks and Open Space to Multi-unit Residential
- Divestiture of 25 and 53 Junction Road, Springhill via RFP
- Divestiture of lands adjacent to Robertson Ave, Springhill via RFP
- Appointment of Samantha Stewart as Building Official
- Heritage application to alter the Advocate United Church
Special COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing an application to alter a Municipal Heritage Property at Advocate United Church. The committee, acting as the Heritage Advisory Committee, will consider recommending approval of this application to the Municipal Council.
- Application for alteration of Municipal Heritage Property: Advocate United Church
Council Meeting
The Wharton Council meeting on October 25, 2023, includes discussions regarding land use and heritage properties. The agenda features public hearings for rezoning in Little River and second readings for Wentworth Station. The council will also address the deputy mayor election and Extended Producer Responsibility.
- Public hearing for Mervil Rushton Building Movers (2020) Limited rezoning in Little River
- Second reading of rezonings for PIDs 25358581 and 25267402 in Wentworth Station
- Motion to opt into Extended Producer Responsibility with Divert NS
- Heritage designation application for Mattinson Hansford Cemetery at 536 Hansford Road
- Deregistration application for Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several municipal items including heritage property applications and policy amendments. Discussion includes proposed changes to solid waste collection routes and a potential rescheduling of December council meetings.
- Update on 'In The Works - A Social Enterprise' by Corey Hunter-Chiasson
- Proposed amendment to the Council Meetings and Proceedings Policy
- Discussion of Solid Waste Collection Routes
- Heritage registration application for Mattinson Hansford Cemetery at 536 Hansford Road
- Public hearing proposal for heritage deregistration of 40 Chapel Street, Springhill
In Camera
The provided document contains no specific discussion topics or decisions. The record consists of procedural software interface text rather than meeting content.
Special Council Meeting
The Council is conducting public hearings regarding multiple properties identified as dangerous or unsightly. The session includes recommendations to issue demolition orders for various locations in Springhill, Pugwash, and River Hebert.
- Demolition order: 15 Pioneer Street, Springhill
- Demolition order: 9609 Highway 6, Pugwash
- Demolition order: 33 South Street, Springhill
- Demolition order: 147 Herrett Road, Springhill
- Demolition order: 205 Main Street, Springhill
Council Meeting
The Council is reviewing several land rezoning requests for Wentworth Station, Little River, Gulf Shore, and Parrsboro. Additionally, they are considering the sale of surplus property in Springhill and the creation of two new staff positions.
- Public Hearing: Rezoning for Scallion-Powell at Wentworth Station
- First Reading: Rezoning PID 25446477 (Mervil Rushton Building Movers) from Rural Resource to Lower Density Residential in Little River
- Second Reading: Rezoning PID 25451535 (Feldershore Properties Limited) from Agricultural to Recreational Residential in Gulf Shore
- Second Reading: Multiple rezonings for Sargent & Perrin in Parrsboro
- Sale of surplus property at 242 McGee Street, Springhill for $12,000.00 plus HST
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a proposal to repeal the Carbon Surcharge Fund Policy and reallocate remaining funds to a local non-profit. The agenda also includes discussions on residential waste reroutes, rescheduling future meetings, and the Wallace Area Rate.
- Repeal of Carbon Surcharge Fund Policy
- Miller Solid Waste Routes presentation by Jeff Traver
- Wallace Area Rate discussion
- Rescheduling of October Committee of the Whole meeting
In Camera
The provided document contains no substantive agenda items or descriptions of business to be discussed. The record consists of empty fields and software interface text.
Special Council Meeting
The council is reviewing Fire Department capital projects for Springhill and Parrsboro fire stations. A motion proposes increasing the total capital budget from $2.4 million to $6,357,400. This increase would be funded through $3,957,400 in capital borrowing.
- Increase Springhill and Parrsboro fire station capital budget to $6,357,400
- Proposed capital borrowing of $3,957,400 for fire station projects
Special Council Meeting
The meeting includes public hearings for rezoning requests in Gulf Shore and Parrsboro. Council will also consider first readings for rezonings in Wentworth Station and a request to use social media for development notices. Additionally, the agenda covers contracts for local hockey clubs and a vehicle lift installation.
- Public hearings for rezoning requests at Gulf Shore and Parrsboro
- First reading of rezoning for PIDs 25358581 and 25267402 in Wentworth Station
- Request to allow social media for public planning and development notices
- Approval of 2023-24 agreements for Cumberland Blues and Springhill Coal Miners hockey clubs
- $41,815.08 contract award to Nova Truck Centres for a vehicle lift
Council approved 2023-24 agreements for the Cumberland Blues and Springhill Coal Miners hockey clubs. A contract for a vehicle lift was awarded to Nova Truck Centres, and the first reading of a rezoning amendment for two PIDs in Wentworth Station was approved.
- Approved first reading of rezoning for PID 25358581 and 25267402 to Recreational Residential (RRec)
- Approved request to Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to allow social media for public planning notices instead of newspapers
- Approved 2023-24 Agreement with Cumberland Blues Hockey Club
- Approved 2023-24 Agreement with Springhill Coal Miners SR A Men’s Hockey Club, contingent on payment of 2022-23 ice fee balance
- Awarded RFP-MCC-2306 for a Four Post Vehicle Lift to Nova Truck Centres for $41,815.08
In Camera
The provided document for the August 24, 2023, Wharton In Camera meeting contains only procedural software interface text. No specific topics, discussions, or decisions are recorded in this agenda.
Special Council Meeting
The Council is meeting to review proposed changes to the Ice Allocation Policy. Additionally, they are considering a motion to purchase a new rescue vehicle.
- Approval of revisions to the Ice Allocation Policy
- Purchase of 2023 F550 4x4 Crew Cab Rescue Vehicle for $270,694 plus $13,264.01 HST (total $283,958.01)
Council approved the purchase of a 2023 F550 4x4 Crew Cab Rescue Vehicle and revisions to the Ice Allocation Policy.
- Approved purchase of 2023 F550 4x4 Crew Cab Rescue Vehicle for $283,958.01 (including non-recoverable HST)
- Approved revisions to the Ice Allocation Policy
- Approved the meeting agenda
Special Council Meeting
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland authorized the Mayor and CAO to sign Cost Share Agreement No. 2023-008 regarding a Three Year J Class Agreement.
- Approved agenda as presented
- Authorized Mayor and CAO to sign Cost Share Agreement No. 2023-008
Special Council Meeting
Council approved a contract for a new highway plow/salt truck and authorized funding requests for local associations. Members also approved the first reading of several rezoning amendments in Parrsboro and funding for sod at the Pugwash Library.
- Approved first reading of Land Use Bylaw amendments for 10 rezonings in Parrsboro
- Forwarded Ice Allocation Policy revisions to the next meeting for consideration
- Approved request to receive and disburse up to $12,000 from Christie-Smith Community Fund to Heritage Models Association
- Approved request to receive and disburse up to $25,000 from Christie-Smith Community Fund to Parrsboro Creative Arts Association
- Awarded RFP-MCC-2305 for one highway plow/salt truck to Nova Truck Centres for $370,229.50
- Approved $8,800 plus tax for additional sod at the Pugwash Library
Council Meeting
Council approved a contract for water meter installation in Springhill and voted to continue with the current policing provider. Several rezoning amendments and tax policy updates were approved. The council also issued demolition orders for two properties following public hearings.
- Awarded $1,024,667.92 contract to Neptune Technology Group Canada Co. for Springhill water meters
- Accepted recommendation to proceed with current policing provider and enter discussions with RCMP and Department of Justice
- Issued Demolition Orders for 7949 Highway 321, Rockley and 207 Main St, Springhill
- Approved second reading for rezoning PID 25166851 from Agricultural to Recreational Residential
- Approved amendments to Tax Reduction and Exemption Policy
- Increased Low-Income Tax Exemption income cut-off to $34,400 and exemption to $505
- Approved $24,919.34 adjustment to eliminate Biggs Drive Water Association historical deficit
- Approved first reading to rezone PID 25451525 from Agricultural to Recreational Residential
Special Council Meeting
Council approved grants to organizations for the 2023/2024 fiscal year totaling $808,350. A transfer of $97,600 from Green Space reserves was authorized to fund specific grants. Additionally, a surplus of $4,250 was allocated to the Oxford Arena Association.
- Approved 2023/2024 grants to organizations totaling $808,350
- Approved transfer of $97,600 from Green Space reserves for identified grants
- Allocated $4,250 grants surplus plus $10,000 to the Oxford Arena Association
COW
The Committee of the Whole forwarded several items to the June 28 Council meeting, including a water meter contract for Springhill and updates to tax exemption policies. Council also accepted a signage petition and requested an update on property valuation appeals.
- Forwarded $1,024,667.92 Springhill water meter contract to June 28 meeting
- Forwarded Low-Income Tax Exemption Policy update (CPI increase of 7.5%) to June 28 meeting
- Forwarded Tax Reduction and Exemption Policy amendments to June 28 meeting
- Accepted signage petition from Cumberland County residents and businesses
- Forwarded request to disburse up to $5,000 to Cobequid Fun-Tones to June 28 meeting
- Forwarded request to disburse up to $15,000 to Meadow Park Recreation Group to June 28 meeting
- Forwarded motion to appoint Pat Boyce, Mike McKenzie, and Avery Withrow as Building Officials to June 28 meeting
- Denied request for staff and Council indigenous cultural awareness training
Special Council Meeting
Council approved the 2023/2024 budget with total revenue of $36,406,661 and set residential and commercial tax rates. The council also approved capital budgets for general and water utilities and authorized a borrowing resolution for current expenditures.
- Approved 2023/2024 revenue and expenditure estimates totaling $36,406,661
- Set general residential tax rate at $1.14 and commercial at $2.71 per $100 assessment
- Approved sewage collection and treatment rates for multiple systems
- Set rural street light rate at $33.49 per assessment account
- Approved Jackson’s Point Road Association private road rate of $34.16 per account
- Approved village rates for River Hebert and Pugwash Village Commissions
- Set 2023/24 tax levy due date as July 14, 2023
- Approved $16,740,708 General Capital Budget and $4,864,121 Water Utility Capital Budget
Council Meeting
Council approved a request to receive and disburse up to $25,000 for a playground and renewed a road maintenance agreement. The body also advanced two rezoning requests to first reading and approved a second reading for a noise by-law amendment.
- Approved Second Reading of the By-Law to amend the Noise By-Law
- Approved First Reading to rezone PID 25267543 (Bragg Lumber Sutherlands Lake) from Rural Resource to Recreational Residential
- Approved First Reading to rezone PID 25166851 (Urquhart-Victoria/Hansford Road) from Agricultural to Recreational Residential
- Approved request to receive up to $25,000 from Christie Community Foundation for Hastings Road Recreation Society playground costs
- Approved renewal of Road Maintenance Agreement with Parrsboro and Area Harbour Commission
- Appointed Brian Wood as Building Official, Fire Inspector, and Development Officer