LIVERPOOL - From telecommunications towers to dealing with a Port Medway unsightly property, the Region of Queens discussed a number of issues at its Sept. 26 meeting. Here’s a quick look at the issues:
Unsightly
Included in the agenda under dangerous or unsightly premises was a property at 1056 Long Cove Rd. in Port Medway. Information about the property in the agenda package says it’s “in a state of disrepair. The structure(s) are dangerous and pose an immediate threat to public safety.”
The recommendation asks council to declare the property as dangerous and unsightly as defined in the Municipal Government Act of Nova Scotia.
Council was also asked to serve the order on the owners of the property, requiring that, within seven days of the date of the service of the order, the following work be carried out:
• Demolition of wooden-framed structure and attached apartment unit
• Demolition of two outbuildings
• Leveling of properties
• Removal of wharf decking
• Removal of wooden supports attached to piles if required above the high water mark
• Removal of all solid waste items such as creosote timbers, piles of remnant lumber, plastics, lobster traps, and other miscellaneous items surrounding the dwellings
• Source-separation of construction and demolition materials and delivery to Region of Queens landfill
The report also recommends that if the owner fails to comply with the order, the administrator may carry out the requirements and all expenses the region incurs become the owner’s responsibility.
Telecommunications tower
There was a recommendation that council give notice of its intention to enter into a development agreement to allow for a new telecommunication tower on the property identified as PID# 70113584 off Medway River Road in Greenfield.
The report also recommended that a public hearing be scheduled for Oct. 24 in the council chambers at 8:45 a.m.
The report’s background says the planning department received an application for a development agreement to put up a new telecommunication tower. Eastlink, the applicant, intends to lease a portion of the subject property from the landowner for this development, which is intended to improve internet service to surrounding area residents, businesses and public safety organizations.
Veteran parking
There was a recommendation that council give a second reading for a revision to a parking meter bylaw.
The report discussion says staff has investigated the viability of providing free parking at municipal parking meters for those displaying veteran parking plates.
The Region of Queens Municipality owns and operates 56 parking meters in Liverpool.
The discussion says the financial implication to the bylaw revision is nominal so staff recommended going ahead with a revision.
Staff has also been informally asked to look at how to exempt the six metered spots in front of the post office from the Christmas season free parking clause. This request was made to keep parking turn over in the six spots during the Christmas season.
Councillors were told that implementing the exclusion from the exemption would be challenging so staff did not recommend the amendment. Council decided to move forward with the request, with the other meters having signs that indicated complimentary parking, except for the six meters by the post office.
Job description amendments
There was a recommendation that council approve the revised job descriptions for the executive secretary and secretary/receptionist for the finance department.
The discussion says both job descriptions have minor revisions requiring approval. The pay band/salary scale for each position remains the same, so there are no financial implications.
The original executive secretary job description from 2003 required minor additions to reflect the administrative support to EMO, Bylaw Services and Building Inspection Services.
The original secretary/receptionist – finance department job description from 2007 require minor revisions to reflect the current duties.
Former Mount Pleasant School property
There was a recommendation that council declare 109 College St. in Liverpool surplus to municipal requirements; provide notice to lease tenants that the property is to be vacated no later than June 30, 2019; direct staff to work with tenants to find alternative location options, including other municipal facilities; and direct staff to assess the costs and value of demolition of the property in advance of disposition.
