December 8th, 2008 Meeting
The main item on the agenda was the town budget for 2009. Here are the highlights:
General Revenue Fund
The assessment base for the Municipality has increased from $254,544,128 to $284,208,775. The increase of $29,664,648 provided an additional $406,406 in revenue for the year 2009.
The Budget reflects maintaining the tax rate at $1.37.
Total expenditures have increased from $4,078,130 to $4,480,102, an increase of $401,972.
The Unconditional Grant provided to the Town by the Province has been remained the same for 2009 at $384,878.
The cost of Policing Services provided by the RCMP has increased from $586,034 to $607,200, an increase of $21,166.
The Town’s total long-term debt outstanding as at December 31, 2008 will be $542,000. Fiscal Services provide for a reduction in debt of $172,000. In addition, $150,000 has been allocated to the General Capital Reserve Fund for future capital purchases and construction projects.
The Fiscal allocation includes $500,000 for Capital Expenditures from Operating for Capital Work.
The Budget reflects the Municipality’s financial commitments as a member of the Greater Saint John Region totaling $98,012 as well as a commitment to the River Valley Community Center (Arena) for $186,441.
General Government Services reflect a Cost of Assessment fee of $56,842 paid to the Province of New Brunswick, an increase of $5,933.
SEWERAGE Revenue Fund
The annual user fee has been maintained for 2009 at $270 per unit. The previous rate of $245 per unit was held constant from incorporation on January 1, 1998 until 2006.
Total expenditures for the Budget are $468,423.
January 12th, 2009 Meeting
Mayor Losier was unable to attend the meeting for medical reasons and Deputy Mayor Tammy Archer chaired the session. An unusually large crowd attended to hear the presentation of the Proposed Municipal Plan.
Representatives of ADI Ltd. began the presentation by outlining the community consultation process undertaken to date. A number of issues came out of that, both positive and negative. People surveyed said they liked the sense of community found in Grand Bay-Westfield, the friendliness of neighbours, recreational opportunities and the safety and quietness of the community. But at the same time they said we lacked stores, restaurants and facilities for youth. Some were fearful of development and saw it as a threat to the way of life here. The consultants draft plan identifies the Route 7 interchange and new collector road as key to development in the town. They’re also proposing the introduction of a new Mixed Land Use designation and planning for sewer extensions and a future municipal water system. The plan supports a regional transit system and the protection of wetlands. They also outlined a need for more affordable housing and seniors housing and youth programs. Managed municipal garbage collection is also something they said should be looked into. A full copy of the draft plan is available in the town office and should also be available on the town website. The public has 30 days to review the plan and make written comments on it in advance of Council’s February 16th meeting.
Council approved the payment of bills totaling $178,808.15. The town manager reported that as of the end of the year there was still $12,195.14 owing on sewerage bills.
Councilor Brenda Murphy reported the town has made a three year commitment to support the Comex bus service. That means the town agrees to cover all operational costs associated with the Comex service that are not covered by fares. Councilor Diane McGowan reported the town has installed the community’s first automated defibrillator at the Brundage Point River Centre. Deputy Mayor Tammy Archer said bike lanes won’t be built through town, at least right now, because of the requirement to have lanes on both sides of the road and the lack of space on the roadway to provide for that. Councilor Murphy hinted a major waterfront event is being planned for the town this summer. Details will be announced at a later date.
Corporal Rob Landry of the Westfield RCMP presented the crime statistics for the month of December, 2009.
Criminal Code
Theft – 6
Drugs – 1
Harassing Phone Calls – 2
Assault – 2
Impaired – 3
Break & Enter – 1
Property Damage – 2
Other Criminal Code Offenses – 2
Municipal By-Laws
Noise – 1
Provincial Statutes
Motor Vehicle Act Traffic Tickets – 43
Motor Vehicle Act Traffic Warnings – 66
Collisions – 3
Other Moving Traffic – 6
Other Provincial Statutes – 12
Other
Criminal Record Checks – 32
False 911/False Alarms – 7
Suspicious Person or Vehicle – 3
Assist to General Public – 5
Fingerprints – 2
Assistance to Other Agencies – 1
Property Check – 2
Items Lost or Found – 2
STEP Programs – 11
