Minutes Village of Westport Commission
Tuesday November 7th, 2023
1. Call to Order:6:29pm
2. Additions to the Agenda:None
3. Adoption of Agenda:Shelley Motioned to adopt. Trevor 2nd. Motion Carried.
4. Minutes of Tuesday October 10th, 2023:
Gordie Motioned to adopt. Shelley 2nd. Motion Carried.
5. Monthly Financial Statement:
a. September Financials Gordie Motioned to adopt. Trevor 2nd. Motion Carried.
b. October Financials Gordie Motioned to adopt. Trevor 2nd. Motion Carried.
6. Old Business:
a. Asset Retirement Obligations Assessment: No update. Once we have spoken with Grant Thornton rep we will discuss how we would like to proceed.
b. Comm Hall doors and locks repairs/replacement: Still waiting on Sou West to update the door locks.
c. Island Medical Services: Gordie advised the ambulances have been around at the Islands Medical Center. Will continue to monitor for now to see how often an ambulance is available.
d. Veterans Signs:Members of the community opted to have a banner produced for three different Veterans for this Remembrance Day. The Village is having one produced recognizing Louise Graham Garron and hope to have it available before Remembrance day. We will need to arrange the installation of the brackets and hanging of the banners. This will make a total of five new banners.
e. Audit Committee Meeting and training:Date is still pending meeting with the auditor tentatively planned for later this month.
f. Hall Rentals:The Super Seniors is requesting a reduced rate for hall rentals and have put forth examples of fundraising that is beneficial for the Village. The Commissioners have agreed to review the situation and will provide a decision at the next scheduled meeting. The reason for change to rental fees was to simplify, and in some cases reduce, the charges in order to help offset costs of running the Village buildings and ensure viability for future use. Exceptions to the fees will be made on bookings for fundraising events/functions by groups or individuals that directly benefit the Village of Westport. Bookings need to be made at least 48 hours in advance, if the space is available, and must be paid in advance of use. In the recent update to fees rates were differentiated for Winter months due to increased electricity and heating costs. The “Winter” months were not specified. It was decided Winter months would include December through March.
g. Electrical work Rec hall & Community Hall:Gordie said Darren Vantassel should be coming some time in the next week or so to look at the work needed.
h. AGM scheduling:Due to the significant backlog caused by the required ARO inspections and reports there have been, and continue to be, significant delays in AGM’s. It was hoped we would have our AGM later this month but due to scheduling conflicts it will be December 5th. Date will be posted on the Village website as well as at the local store and Post Office.
i. New Fire Truck:Gordie advised the truck is in the Trucking Companies garage and hopefully will be inspected in the next week or so.
j. Ceiling Fans Rec Hall:Darren Vantassel should be installing before year end.
k. Rec Hall Heater:Gordie advised the heater and two valves should be replaced Tuesday November 14th.
l. New Clerk:There were minimal inquiries but we did have a good candidate who will be offered the position.
m. Rec Hall Dehumidifier:Gordie has been looking into options. There was no response from Weirs but Home Hardware does have an air exchanger suitable to the size of the hall. The cost is $1500.00. Gordie Motioned to purchase/install the air exchanger. Shelley 2nd. Motion Carried.
7. New Business:
- Ambulance Purchase-The Village has been looking into the possible purchase of an old ambulance in Yarmouth. Jill Balser and David Tudor are helping to look into possible funding or grants (possibly up to 50%) we may be eligible for. The current ambulance service will be monitored for the next month or so to see what happens.
- GIC Maturation-Our $10,000.00 GIC matures on December 31st. Due to some repairs that are needed it was discussed that the funds should be transferred to the Village account to assist with the costs. Gordie Motioned. Shelley 2nd. Motion carried.
- Life Rings on wharves-It was brought up that it’s not clear if there are life rings on the upper and lower wharves. Shelley and Gordie will check into and if there are none we will look into options for getting some. Gordie advised he could check with Cooks if needed. Small craft could be contacted. Possibly the Department of Public Works (ferries). Village would be willing to look at purchasing one if needed.
8. Next Village Meeting Tuesday March 5th, 2024
9. From the Floor
-Amy Tudor asked if the washing machine & hospital bed could be moved from the Rec Hall. It was discussed that the bed could probably be moved to the stage in the community hall for now. Gordie was unsure about where the washer could be placed but will consider some options.
-Pat Moore gave a thank you card with a donation for the use of the medical equipment following her surgery.
-Amy Tudor recommended a levy on whale watch passengers of $1/each to increase Village Revenue.
10. Adjournment 8:37pm