The regular meeting of the Miramichi River Valley Council met in the Council Chambers at 18:00hrs, February 11, 2025, with Mayor Russell presiding.

BRING MEETING TO ORDER:

The mayor called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: All in attendance. 

GUESTS: No Guests

APPROVAL OF AGENDA                 

It was moved by Councillor M. Vickers & seconded by Councillor S. Vickers to approve agenda as circulated. MOTION CARRIED.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No conflicts declared.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

It was moved by Councillor S. Vickers, seconded by Councillor Brennan to adopt the minutes, as circulated, of the Regular Council meeting January 7, 2025.  MOTION CARRIED

It was moved by Councillor M. Vickers, seconded by Councillor S. Vickers to adopt the minutes, as circulated, of the Special Council meeting January 21, 2025.  MOTION CARRIED

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

NIL

CORRESPONDENCE

Council has received all correspondence either through email or hard copy in their mailboxes.

BILLS & ACCOUNTS

Moved by Councillor M. Vickers, seconded by Councillor Brennan that the bills in the amount of $24,034.43 for the month of January be paid. MOTION CARRIED

COMMITTEE REPORTS: REPORTS ARE ATTACHED

BY-LAWS: Councillor M. Vickers had nothing to report.

RCMP: Councillor M. Vickers reported that Jason LeBlanc stated that security clearance was required from all individuals entering the RCMP office in Sunny Corner to give estimates on repairing flooring and for those who are in the building cleaning, etc.

EMO:  Councillor S. Vickers had nothing to report.

ANIMAL CONTROL: Mayor Russell had nothing to report.  No report submitted by the Animal Control Officer.

MEDIA:  Councillor Morgan Vickers had nothing to report.

RECREATION: Councillor Brennan reported that Family Day is on February 17.  There will be free skate in Renous from 3-5, a jumping castle from 2-4.  Blackville rink will have free skate from 3-5 and Sunny Corner will have free skate from 3-5.  The Renous Quarryville Fire Department will be hosting a bbq from 4-6.  Cake has been ordered for each event.  The Renous rink is up and running.

AMBULANCE NB:  Councillor Gillespie spoke on slow response times with the ambulances our area.  Blackville fire department was dispatched to a call due to no ambulance coverage in our area and were not equipped to handle to call.  This continues to be on ongoing issue.

TOURISM:  Councillor Brennan reported that she is working with Leslie on having links on our website and social media sites.

A meeting will be held with Shawn McCarthy to discuss plans for the Whooper skits that will be happening this summer at the municipal park in Blackville.

CANADA DAY:  Councillor Brennan reported that she is working on plans for Canada Day. 

WELLNESS:  Councillor Brennan reported that renovations will be happening at the Blackville Health Centre in 2025.  The space will be upgraded to hopefully offer more medical services.  Jennifer Curtis is the new individual assigned to clinics in our area.  She is replacing Charlotte Landry.

The chef’s program will take place beginning on March 11.   This will be a 12-week program for the grade six students.

The Alzheimer Society has a presentation available, looking at booking Karlee Russell for this.

The Community Garden group will start meeting again soon.

BEAUTIFICATION: Councillor Sharon Vickers had nothing to report.

ENVIRONMENTAL:  Councillor M. Vickers reported that she has reached out to Devon Matchett to let him know she is now the contact person for environmental.

PARK: Councillor Brennan had nothing to report.

UNSIGHTLY PREMISES: Councillor Gillespie reported that the process in having 3 Oxford Lane cleaned up is ongoing.

FINANCE: Mayor Russell reported that the treasurer, Jennifer McLaughlin is to present a monthly financial report. 

BUILDINGS: Councillor Sharon Vickers reported that an invoice has been sent to the Snow Goer’s for the two bays they are using in the old fire hall in Renous.  Darcy Colepaugh reached out and wants to renovate the building, so they are able to drive through.  It was suggested that he discuss with Dana and Matthew.

The thrift store ladies made donations to Ground Search & Rescue and the Blackville Recreation Council.

WASTEWATER SYSTEM: Councillor Sharon Vickers reported that there are no issues with the lagoon and regular testing is being done and levels are normal. 

PUBLIC WORKS: Mayor Russell had nothing to report.

Regional Service Commission: Mayor Russell reported that he attended the following:

• Jan 13, GMSC Community Development Meeting.
• Jan 23, GMSC Eco / Dev Meeting.
• Jan 24, GMSC Mayors Breakfast meeting in Doaktown.
• Jan 29, GMSC board meeting.

All Agendas and minutes are forwarded to Council as they are received.

Publicity & Promotion:  Mayor Russell reported that all promotional postings are on social media or sent out by email.

He attended the following events during the month. 

Other meetings.

• Jan 7, MRV Council Meeting.
• Jan 8, MRV Office, Snowmobile club Rental Meeting.
• Jan 10, MRV office, Meeting with NB Housing, Scan.
• Jan 14, MRV Office, Fire service meeting.
• Jan 18, Lois Grady 99^th Birthday.
• Jan 21, MRV Office- Animal control meeting.
• Jan 21, MRV Office, NBEMO Meeting.
• Jan 22, CBDC Meeting.
• Jan 23, Atlantic Prison Meeting.
• Jan 23, GMCC Gala at Rodd.
• Jan 28, MRV Office,

FIRE SERVICES:  Director of Fire Services, Dwain Hallihan reported that he has met with all three fire departments to review the policy. All members have now signed off on the policy.  Mike Jardine has sent in his resignation letter as fire chief of the Sunny Corner fire department.  Restructuring of the Sunny Corner Fire Department was discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:

(10.1) Policy for Fire Departments

The policy has now been presented to the fire departments and signed off by members.

(10.2) Tom Donovan Arena Invoice

Moved by Councillor Brennan, seconded by Councillor Gillespie to pay the invoice from Toromont Cimco in the amount of $80,250 (HST included) for the PVC Brine Header Replacement with the condition that any grant money received by the Renous arena for this repair be given back to the municipality of the Miramichi River Valley.  MOTION CARRIED.

Moved by Councillor M. Vickers to adjourn the meeting at 19:25.