The regular meeting of the Miramichi River Valley Council met in the Council Chambers at 19:00hrs January 11, 2023 with Mayor Russell presiding.

BRING MEETING TO ORDER:

The Mayor brought the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

GUESTS:

APPROVAL OF AGENDA                 

It was moved by Councillor Hallihan & seconded by Councillor Brennan to approve agenda as circulated. MOTION CARRIED.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

It was moved by Councillor Sharon Vickers, seconded by Councillor Sheasgreen to adopt the minutes, as circulated, of the Regular Council meeting December 8, 2022.  MOTION CARRIED

It was moved by Councillor Brennan, seconded by Councillor Gillespie to adopt the minutes, as circulated, of the Special Council meeting January 3, 2023.  MOTION CARRIED

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

NIL

ATTENDANCE

All in attendance.  Councillor Sheasgreen attended via video call.

CORRESPONDENCE

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

BILLS & ACCOUNTS

Moved by Councillor A. Brennan second by Councillor Sharon Vickers that the bills in the amount of $17,949.92 be paid. MOTION CARRIED.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: ALL REPORTS ARE ATTACHED

FIRE DEPARTMENT: Fire Chief Christopher Sturgeon gave fire report for December 2022.  Total manpower available (18), Call responded to within village during month (1), call outside village (4), training session held (2); New Equipment, NIL; Equipment not in use, NIL.

WELLNESS: Councillor Brennan reported that the Wellness group hasn’t met since COVID but are going to start up again with the chef’s program.  It had a great response in the past and it’s good to be involved in the school.

BEAUTIFICATION: Councillor A. Brennan reported that the wreaths have been taken down.

BUILDINGS: Councillor A. Brennan reported that the heat in the GED room was not working. It has been temporarily fixed and a part has been ordered. Crandall has been contacted about a leak at the firehall.

SEWER:  Councillor A. Brennan reported that there were no issues last month.

PARK:  Councillor Brennan reported that the committee is looking at changing out the existing poles with solar lights.  It would be great to add lights so people could use the park in the winter for snowshoeing. 

TOURISM:  Councillor Brennan reported that a meeting was held with Robert Fawcett from Irving Oil to show him the project at the tourism office.  Irving donated enough pine boards to complete the outside and finish the interior of the building.  Progress on the building is coming along well.

NEW BUSINESS:

(9.1) Deputy Mayor Election

Councillor Sheasgreen nominated Councillor Morgan Vickers. Councillor Sharon Vickers nominated Councillor Brennan.

• Councillor Dwain Hallihan voted Councillor Vickers.
• Councillor Morgan Vickers voted Councillor Vickers.
• Councillor Jeff Sheasgreen voted Councillor Vickers.
• Councillor Sharon Vickers voted Councillor Brennan.
• Councillor Darlene Gillespie voted Councillor Brennan.
• Councillor Amanda Brennan voted Councillor Brennan.

Mayor Russell broke the tie vote by voting Councillor Morgan Vickers for Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Morgan Vickers has been appointed the position of Deputy Mayor.

(9.2) Economic Development / Tourism Discussion

A discussion was held on the economic development/tourism agreement the RSC made with the city of Miramichi.  Council would like a break down on the amount of funding the city puts into this and if this is the best option for our area.

(9.3) Committees

Mayor Russell appointed committees to council.

Moved by Councillor Brennan to adjourn the meeting at 20:10 hours.