Minutes of the Westport Village Commission

Tuesday March 4th, 2025
  1. Call to Order:6:30pm
  2. Attendees:Mike McKinnell (chair), Gordie O’Neill (commissioner), Shelley Lonergan
    (vice chair), Angela Lonergan (clerk)
  3. Additions to the Agenda:none
  4. Adoption of Agenda:Shelley motioned to adopt; Mike seconded. Motion carried.
  5. Minutes:
    a. February Mike motioned to adopt; Shelley seconded. Motion carried.
  6. Monthly Financial Statement
    a. February Mike motioned to adopt; Gordie seconded. Motion carried.
  7. Old Business:
    a. Community Hall doors and locks/repairs/ replacement:Gordie advised they were scheduled to come this week.
    b. Life Rings on Wharves:Mike advised he would take care of placing the rings.
    c. Job Opportunities:There was one applicant for the snow/grass/garbage maintenance position. The commissioners will discuss with the applicant and update at the next meeting. There has been some interest in the position of commissioner from multiple individuals. The commissioners will continue to discuss with any interested parties.
    d. Road Repairs:Gordie advised Todd Amero is going to get him the road work plan for the current year.Gordie is going to reach out to Terry about plows & the roads.
    e. Hall rental rates, deposits, check in/out process, and special rates:Mike advised Freeport Village has kindly let us use their Rental form as a basis for our own rentals. There is a good outline but a decision will need to be made on a few details including rates.
    f. Community Hall shut down January to March:Mike advised that there may be a third party device that could be used to turn the heat down on the thermostat. The heat pump cannot be adjusted to a low enough temperature as is. He will look into this. For next year the best option may be to turn the heat completely off and winterize the pipes.
    g. Rec Hall double door leak:Gordie advised he has not heard from Mackie Amero so he has reached out to Acadien Gutters.
    h. Library gutter cleaning/covers:Gordie advised he has also reached out to Acadien Gutters regarding the library gutters.Mike advised he would check out the Library gutters. It was discussed that Annapolis Home Hardware may rent a lift so we can take care of the cleaning rather than hiring out. Jimmy Outhouse advised he could look into this.
    i. Clerk position and duties: Interest in the position was received from two candidates. The commissioners feel it would be best if we could split the position into two separate roles of clerk and treasurer. The applicants will be contacted to see if they are still interested and willing to take on the role as clerk only. Decision will be announced at the next meeting.
    j. Recreation auxiliary multipurpose court creation:Angela advised she did receive some feedback regarding insurance. Hypothetically the cost would be around $680/year plus coverage for any equipment/liability as needed. Jessica Titus advised they have been looking into a 4ft fence through Eastern Fencing. The quote for the fence including 2 wheelchair accessible entrances came in at $7,200. Angela advised she would check with the insurance representative regarding any possible height requirements for the fencing. Kristina Inrig advised the plan for court is to be 70 x 50 feet with a budget of $45,000. They are applying for grants from the Municipality (hopefully $10,000), Canada Post ($5000), and a Community Recreation grant ($8000). The official launch is planned for March 15th at the Recreation Auxiliary potluck.A show of support from the Village was requested. Angela advised she would share to the facebook page and Village website. Jessica Titus advised they have been reaching out to contractors but Spectacle Lake Construction is apparently retiring/closing and they have not yet received a response from Aberdeen Contracting or Tyler & Daniel Comeau. Kristina Inrig wanted to know if the Village will agree to grant applications in the Village name. Mike advised that no funding can be requested under the Village until the “Code of Conduct” has been filed-which should be approved at next Village meeting. Make also advised he would like a feasibility plan outlining; Proof of financial ability, Insurance coverage, Maintenance plan, court specifics, Community feedback, and first stage planning. Gordie recommended reaching out to Cooke’s Aquaculture for possible funding and Shelley suggested trying local businesses as well.
    k. 2025-2026 Budget meeting:Reviewed. To be approved April 1st 2025.
    l. Code of Conduct:Mike advised he is looking into the possibility of using the Digby Municipality Investigator rather than retaining our own. He will keep us updated.
    m. Equity and Anti-Racism plan:Mike advised that the Municipality will be sending us a template tomorrow for us to approve so we can be included under their plan.
  8. New Business:
    a. Brier Island Foundation-Kristina Inrig presented information on the new foundation. She advised their first meeting would be next week. Their purpose is to benefit the community and existing groups.They have multiple projects in mind including partnering with the Recreation Auxiliary on the multipurpose court, trails, a World Heritage area, an Interpretive center, and meeting with Sail2.There was a question from the audience as to whether there would be any paid positions with the Foundation. Christina advised not at this time but there may be grants available for a big initiative so there could be an opportunity in future.
    b. Printer-Angela advised she has spoken with Scott from Cassa regarding the printer rental and contract end date. Scott advised we could keep the printer at the end of the contract for no charge.
    c. Ferry Service-Shelley advised she has heard the Petite Princess is going for a retrofit, the Spray is coming to Westport, and the Margarets Justice going to Petite Passage.It is questionable if it will return because the captains do not have the required training. It has been heard that some staff are going to refuse to work on the Spray. Jimmy Outhouse advised he heard the Casey is supposed to go to the shipyard to have updates that the Federal Government wants
    done.Question from Kristina Inrig-What has the Commission done about this?Mike advised the Manager of the ferries has been previously contacted. Our MLA and Chris D’Entrement have also been made aware. Question from the
    floor-Should we start a petition? It was discussed that a petition helps to get attention but does not necessarily effect change.We could book an emergency meeting and have a petition ready to sign including a list of usage (work, school, medical appointments, groceries, fuel trucks, ambulance, Medical First Responders for Freeport, etc) It was suggested letter writing would be a good option. A good plan would be to have a meeting/Town Hall with representatives like Jill Balser and Peter Scherer. Jimmy Outhouse said he could reach out to Jill Balser regarding possible dates and Gordie advised he could reach out to Peter Scherer based on Jill’s availability. The possibility of a planning grant may be available to track why the ferry is used.
    d. Firehall Entity-Gordie advised he spoke with Bruce Snell who is part of Digby dispatch with the Fire Department. The municipality has some funds available for assistance with insurance coverage, upgrading vehicles, etc. The question is should we look at how the fire department can become its own entity to be eligible? The only other Village where the Fire Department is part of the Village itself is Weymouth. Tiverton and Freeport are separate with the Villages providing some funding to keep them going.
    e. Refund from Municipality for insurance on Firehall and Trucks-Gordie will follow up and Angela will forward documents outlining Insurance costs when the documents come in.
  9. Next Village Meeting Tuesday April 1st, 2025 Community Hall
  10. Adjournment:9:47pm