The regular meeting of the Miramichi River Valley Council met in the Council Chambers at 18:00hrs, June 10, 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:

Jayde Beaudet did not address council. She said that she was advised by her legal counsel.

Dean Allison addressed council in regard to an emergency measures plan and an evacuation order.  He was advised that we have met with the Regional Emergency Management team on two occasions this year and our plan is nearly complete.

Patricia Underhill had a list of questions regarding the community garden and how the council is working on the food security crisis she feels our community has. Her list of questions was given to the clerk, and we will respond to her.

David Donahue came to speak on rumours circulating in the community.  He was upset that the Community Garden Facebook group was slandering him and wanted to address that issue and suggest that meeting face to face to discuss issues would be more professional.  He explained that a meeting was held with council over a year ago to discuss development behind the community centre, but nothing has transpired since then.  He was approached by social development to build houses and currently has six houses being built in Blackville.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA                 

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

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Councillor Brennan declared a conflict of interest on agenda item number (10.1) Street Sweeping.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

It was moved by Councillor Hare, seconded by Councillor Croft to adopt the minutes, as circulated, of the Regular Council meeting May 6, 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 Croft, seconded by Councillor S. Vickers that the bills in the amount of $74,709.79 for the month of May be paid. MOTION CARRIED

COMMITTEEREPORTS: REPORTS ARE ATTACHED

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

RCMP: Councillor M. Vickers had nothing to report.

EMO:  Councillor Croft had nothing to report.

ANIMAL CONTROL: Councillor Paula Hare submitted April and May reports provided by Animal Control Officer.

MEDIA:  Councillor Morgan Vickers reported that she gave a statement to Nathan Delong in regard to the community garden.

RECREATION: Councillor Brennan gives a huge thank you to Shirley Underhill for donating his time and equipment in digging the sewer line at the ball field for the new washrooms.  He is always very helpful in any project for the kids in our community.  Also a thank you to Allan Furlong for his hard work on this project as well.  He fixed the canteen area and a shelter was built. 

New lights have been installed and a league started June 3.

The Thomas Dunn tournament is June 27-28.

Blackville Days are July 24-27. 

Whooper play will have a run through on June 28 with council and staff. 

Sunny Corner has Chase the Ace on sale.  The tickets will be for sale at the tourism building in Blackville after June 23.  Sunny Corner Days will be held July 10-12.

Renous Days will be held Aug 11-15.  They have 7 weddings to cater to between now and November as well as Christmas parties and dinners. 

Darts have now ended for the season.

They are looking at starting a senior’s event once a month.

AMBULANCE NB:  Councillor Gillespie reported that the RRU has moved to Miramichi.  There is a concern that it will become a float.  Whenever a truck has a lone medic, it will be paired up with that medic.  It is not meant to be used this way as the employee is hired fulltime.  Miramichi River Valley was told when the RRU was moved to Miramichi, Blackville ambulance would be in the Blackville base more.

TOURISM:  Councillor Brennan reported that the new webpage for tourism will be soon coming.  It will feature a new business each week.

CANADA DAY:  Councillor Brennan reported that the parade route will be changed this year due to road closure in Gray Rapids.  Traffic is usually rerouted through here but due to planned closure this isn’t possible.  We need to keep Route 8 closed for as little time as possible. 

WELLNESS:  Councillor Brennan reported that a meeting will be held with Jennifer Curtis on June 18 to address concerns and complaints brought forward on a constant basis.  Some of the issues are long wait times and no one answering the phone to make appointments, etc.

Markets will start on June 14 and go until September 20.

Old fashioned Christmas events are being planned as well.

UMNB:  Councillor Brennan reported that she will attend a webinar on Thursday with Horizon.  Transformative Change: “Enhancing Primary Care for New Brunswickers”.

BEAUTIFICATION: Councillor Sharon Vickers reported that people have been asking if we could put benches in a few places in the village for people to stop, rest and talk. We would have to price something made of cement that couldn’t be moved easily. 

ENVIRONMENTAL:  Councillor Paula Hare reported that there were no issues.

PARK: Councillor Brennan reported that the park looks amazing.  Big thank you to the men working in the park.  The playground equipment, benches, trash cans, and dog stops have all been installed.  The splash pad is open and being used.  We need to order signs for kids playing, speed and Whooper Experience.

UNSIGHTLY PREMISES: Councillor Gillespie reported that she has been in contact with the Bylaw Enforcement officer and we do not need an engineer to inspect barn in Derby as it has collapsed.  This will be discussed under new business.

STREETLIGHTS:  Councillor Gillespie reported that a meeting will be held in the fall regarding streetlights in Derby.

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

BUILDINGS: Councillor Sharon Vickers had nothing to report.

WASTEWATER SYSTEM: Councillor Sharon Vickers reported that there was a problem with the sewer line on Station Street. Had to call Robinson‘s to come and remove blockage. David asked Avery to put his camera through the line to see what was wrong. There is a low spot in the line under the street that is causing all this problem at the Irving.  This will have to be dug up and replaced. 

(David suggested that we buy our own camera. It would cost about $2000, but we would not have to rely on somebody else to check underground) 

Maritime Fence came to look at the ice damage at the lagoon and he is getting back to me with the price to fix and replace it. He is also going to give us a price on putting second gate on the backside as requested by the fire department. 

The lagoon also needs work on the upper right-hand side to stop the serious erosion that is happening. It has receded about 200 feet David reported. Tina has made a request to the environment to see how this needs to be done.

The department of environment also advised us that David Donahue has to take online training to keep up to date on the technicality of running the lagoon and he is willing to do this. 

PUBLIC WORKS:  Mayor Russell reported he will be having a meeting with Councillor Croft to bring him up to date on the issues he has been working on in regards to public works.  Mayor Russell reported that he is waiting on quotes from North Shore Construction and Vye’s Construction on some of these issues.

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

• May 13, Rural plan Meeting, NBCC.
• May 28, GMSC Northshore Military Museum Meeting.
• May 28, GMSC Board meeting.
• May 28, GMSC Ec/Dev Meeting.
• May 29, PRAC 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. 

• May 6, DTI Meeting Darren Matchett & Brock Curtis. 
• May 6, MRV Council Meeting.
• May 7, Active Solutions Meeting.
• May 7, Heath Steel Mines Meeting.
• May 10, Pro Built Homes Grand Opening.
• May 13, Meeting with Mark Luciak.
• May 14, MRV Office Rural Plan.
• May 15, Derby Lights Meeting In Millerton.
• May 17, RQFD Breakfast.
• May 20, GMSC Population Growth Meeting.
• May 21, CBDC Meeting.
• May 23-25 NBAFC Convention, Moncton.
• May 27, MRV Office, Fire service meeting.
• May 27, MRV Office Meeting.

FIRE SERVICES:  Director of Fire Services, Dwain Hallihan reported that he attended an awards banquet last week.  It was well attended.  He attended the NBAFC conference in Moncton.  There were some good presentations and information.  It was nice to see the mayor in attendance. 

Training continues and is also well attended. 

Blackville is looking at purchasing a rescue boat.  Training will need to be given on this.

Spoke with John Glidden in regard to the closing on Wildcat Brook. If this happens, we will need to consider putting a fire truck on the other side of the bridge.

NEW BUSINESS:

Councillor Brennan removed herself from the meeting as she declared a conflict of interest on the Sweeping of Streets.

(10.1) Sweeping of Streets

Moved by Councillor M. Vickers, seconded by Councillor Hare to accept the bid from 685794 NB Inc. in the amount of $4200 plus HST to sweep the streets in Blackville with the condition that the equipment used vacuums the dirt up and not just push it to the side.  MOTION CARRIED.

Councillor Brennan rejoined the meeting.

(10.2) Procedural Bylaw

Discussion held on the procedural bylaw.  No amendments will be made at this time.

(10.3) Sewer Line Issues

Quotes will be requested to have the sewer line repaired on Station Street.

(10.4) Unsightly Property Oxford Lane

Moved by Councillor M. Vickers, seconded by Councillor Gillespie to apply for a demolition permit for 3 Oxford Lane and get quotes from contractors to demolish the structure and haul away.  MOTION CARRIED.

(10.5) Unsightly Property Derby

Moved by Councillor Gillespie, seconded by Councillor Brennan to have the bylaw enforcement officer proceed with the clean-up of the collapsed barn located at 3995 Route 108 in Upper Derby.  MOTION CARRIED.

(10.6) Signage at Park

Moved by Councillor Brennan, seconded by Councillor S. Vickers to approve ordering kids playing signs, speed limit signs of 15 km, walking trail signage, washroom signage and entertainment in progress signs for the municipal park. MOTION CARRIED.

Moved by Councillor Brennan to adjourn the meeting at 19:15.