By Ryan King
Community News Reporter
ROSE BLANCHE – HARBOUR LE COU – The town held a regular meeting of council on Dec. 20, 2021.
Committee structures
The council set their committee members. The town clerk was advised by Professional Municipal Administrators NL that each committee should only have three members in addition to the mayor.
The Beautification Committee will consist of Mayor Jennifer Keeping, Deputy Mayor Gordon Edwards, Coun. Fred Billard, and Coun. Henry Lawrence.
The Human Resources Committee will consist of Mayor Jennifer Keeping, Coun. Gary Bateman, Coun. Fred Billard, and Coun. Henry Lawrence.
The Safety Committee will consist of Mayor Jennifer Keeping, Coun. Gary Bateman, Coun. Henry Lawrence, and Coun. Craig Savoury.
The Building/Planning Committee will consist of Mayor Jennifer Keeping, Deputy Mayor Gordon Edwards, Coun. Gary Bateman, Coun. Fred Billard, and Maintenance Barry Spicer.
The Public Works Committee will consist of Mayor Jennifer Keeping, Deputy Mayor Gordon Edwards, Coun. Craig Savoury, and Coun. Frank Touchings.
The Budget Committee will consist of Mayor Jennifer Keeping, Coun. Frank Touchings, and Town Clerk Tammy Farrell.
The Policy Committee will consist of Mayor Jennifer Keeping, Deputy Mayor Gordon Edwards, Coun. Frank Touchings, and Town Clerk Tammy Farrell.
Representatives for various roles were also established. Representing Waste Management is Coun. Frank Touchings, representing the Fire Department is Coun. Fred Billard, for the Rose Blanche Lighthouse is Coun. Frank Touchings, and Town Clerk Tammy Farrell for Recreation.
Town website
Deputy Mayor Edwards provided two quotes from Waterworks and from Triware, with one quote still waiting to come in for the town’s website. When this last quote is received, the council can meet to discuss options. Funding is available through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Community Enhancement Employment Program (CEEP)
It was found that there was no extra funding available, leaving three employed on the grant. Some work on a trail in the town had been completed, but the weather is a factor. Painting at the lighthouse was also discussed. Mayor Keeping advised that she visited the site and wishes to keep the work going. Another visit will be done in the spring.
Boardroom rental
The Department of Transportation requested to rent a room in the town for their workers to use a washroom and a lunchroom. Council decided to rent the boardroom for $1000 per month.
2022 budget
The 2022 budget resolved that minimum property tax will increase $5.00 per year. Mil rate will increase to 11.5 per cent. Poll tax will also increase to $5.00 per year. Waste Management fees will increase $10.00 per year. All remaining taxes will remain the same for 2022 with no increase.
All 2022 taxes are due and payable on June 30, 2022. All outstanding 2021 municipal taxes must be paid in full April 1, 2022, or water services will be disconnected, or legal action will be taken for those without water service. Any cost of disconnection of water or legal fees will be charged to the resident.
Also, a compound interest of 2 per cent for outstanding accounts will begin Aug 1, 2022, and added at the beginning of each month thereafter.
The Kinsmen Club, Orange Lodge, and Rose Blanche Harbour Authority will get a 20 per cent discount on property for 2022. The council will re-visit this each year.
Wages will increase due to the provincial minimum wage increase.
Correspondence
A concerned resident in Harbour le Cou wrote in regarding road maintenance and an unrepaired guardrail. The town is currently waiting on supplies to repair the road and will dig a drain to divert the water build up at Harbour Le Cou Beach. The guardrail in question has not been replaced due to snow clearing.
The town also received correspondence from the Royal Canadian Legion regarding an advertisement in the Veterans Service Book. The town will not go ahead with it this year; instead they will support locally.
TOWN OF ISLE AUX MORTS – The town held a regular meeting of council on Dec. 13, 2021. Here are some of the highlights.
2022 budget
The new budget for 2022 was approved at this meeting. Changes included: the mil rate of 7.75 will increase to 7.85; minimum tax will rise to $380.00; Commercial Rates rise from 15 mils to 15.5 mils; Minimum tax rises to $460.00; Business tax will rise from 11 mils to 11.5 mils; Minimum business tax will be $395.00; Poll Tax will rise from $320 to $325; School garbage rates will rise to $2500 and water rates to $2000.00; Garbage taxes will raise to $170.00.
Accounts payable
A list of accounts payable in the amounts of $20,673.03 for council was presented: $177.99 for Community Healthy Living; $1,751.82 for CEEP; $3,775.52 for the Fire Department; $1,563.19 for the stimulus project; $625.00 for donations; and $650.00 for elections.
Correspondence
The Fire Services Division wrote to the town regarding the 2021/2022 fire protection financial assistance grant. Funding was approved for six lapel speaker microphones with ear jacks for an 80/20 cost ratio. The total funding was $3541.86 less rebate of $3211.86. The province will pay $2569.51 and the town $642.38.
Council read correspondence from Daniel Humber regarding a copy of permits approved for Matador Mining to repair/replace two culverts after a washout.