Kings 2050 Completion in February 2017

Your county's Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw will not be approved during this sitting of council.

It's been a long journey, marked by controversy with other municipal units, resignations by senior planning staff (who played a key role in consultations and the drafting of the original document), deep dissatisfaction voiced by the Kings County Federation of Agriculture after a sneak preview of a new draft's contents, and a letter of concern from the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Delays are often frustrating. And the 2050 work aimed at replacing the current MPS/LUB with a regional planning document has been several years in the making. 

However, "a thing worth doing is worth doing well". From my perspective the current documents provide stronger protection of our agricultural land and economy that the draft currently before us so I'm happy to see it remain until a council can put stronger, not weaker, legislation in place. Slowing the process will allow the public to be able to : "read, discuss, and communicate with council our opinions on their contents," to quote Allan Melvin, President of the Kings County Federation of Agriculture.

The proposed timeline has just been released. And motions aimed at having discussions behind closed doors between staff and council have been amended to include the full participation of the public. 

The latest draft maps are coming in a week or two (early June) and a final reading by the next sitting group of councillors is slated for February 2017. Meanwhile, you can have your say at various times in the proposed schedule. It's important that you do.

Calling Municipal Candidates October 15, 2016

We are still waiting for a decision from Nova Scotia Utilities and Review Board on the number and boundaries of districts that the County of Kings will have in this fall's election. Meanwhile, local citizens, including me are thinking about whether or not they will be a candidate. To date, only one councillor has formally declared he will be a candidate for a district. Peter Muttart is the first declared candidate for Mayor.  

I've been your district councillor for almost 4-years. In 2012, I ran because I believed it was crucial to have new ideas and more decision-making skills in council chambers. I hadn't previously imagined a stint for me “in politics”. I have been told several times that I will never be a politician. With all that could imply, I think that's a compliment.

But, a conscious decision to not re-offer is a key way to encourage others to step forward. I am willing to discuss the responsibilities of the councillor job with anyone who:

• can offer a sound set of skills.
• would consider becoming a hard-working councillor.
• recognizes the need for bold actions in Kings County to protect the economy of our agricultural base.
• Understands the role of small, sustainable businesses in growing jobs and keeping young families here.

My perspective in 2012, after watching county council for several years was that more hard-working people, willing to put their shoulder to the wheel, were needed. That is still my position. We don't need “seat-holders” ready to “hang in” for yet another term, we need hard-workers, with the time and commitment to serve their communities.

I entered council chambers in 2012 after a hard won battle against a family that had represented District 3 for more than 20-years and took a seat among councillors who had returned to add 4-more years to their 22-years plus as councillors.

In 2016, it is even more evident that new ideas and more diversity on our council is needed. I ask myself, “Why would I run for one of only 8 or 9 council seats?” 

I truly value the experiences I've had working with community groups and individuals to help create a better Kings County with some improvement of service for every part of the county. There have been many frustrations in chambers trying to ensure fair decisions, more efficient services, and an equitable distribution of resources. There is much more to do. The need for a different approach than “horse-trading” among the “good ole girls and boys” is key to arriving at better decisions and a more effective local government.

“Hey there, younger generation, is some-one ready to run?”

There is a lot of cynicism about the political process. My time behind closed doors, and even in open chambers leads me to believe the public's cynicism is well-earned. It is up to those choosing to run for office to commit to better ways. 

Peter Muttart, as the first declared candidate for Mayor of Kings County, has been a sitting councillor since only last fall. I believe he has the leadership and mediation skills required to ensure council and staff provide a higher standard of service. If a great set of councillors join him in chambers I believe much can be done, and relatively quickly, to improve “county politics”.

If I run for a second term it will be for one more term only. If returned, that would be a total of eight years. Long enough, in my opinion, to bring the best you have to offer. 

Whether in council chambers or not for the next 4-years, I am hoping for a wind to blow away the old dysfunctional ways of doing business this council has long been famous for. An elected Mayor, a collaborative, forward thinking and fair-minded set of councillors can make Kings County all it can and should be.

In a chat with Peter Muttart last week I learned that people are approaching him to ask about the kind of council that is possible. He is happy to discuss this with potential candidates and can be reached at 902.670.6429.

Those contemplating a run for council can find a Municipal Elections Handbook and a Candidate's Guide to Municipal Elections on line.

Please do not hesitate to give me a call at 902.670.2949 if you have any questions or wish to get together to talk about a run for municipal council.

Seeking a Mayor with Gusto and Smarts

While we are still waiting to learn about the number of councillors that will run in the 2016 election, it's now official that Kings County residents will elect a Mayor. This will end a 137-years history of Wardens having leadership responsibility for our rural municipality. 

Residents in large numbers recognized that the election of a Mayor held the promise of greatly improved governance and increased opportunities when hundreds were polled on the topic last fall. 

I think we are all very aware that those things that place all of our futures at some risk must be addressed sooner rather than later. Top of my hit list is our ageing population and a sluggish economy. These two problems are inter-related. 

I hope prospective Mayors for the county will bring strong platforms forward (and also insist that the required “bling” will be modest and locally produced).

Residents are now set to mark two ballots, and I fully support that.

But should we be marking two ballots?

1. A vote for a district councillor
2. A vote for a Mayor.

Or should we be marking three ballots? I would like to add a plebiscite question and seek a yes or no answer. Something like: 

3. Do you support conducting a study to determine if a regional government would serve residents more effectively and efficiently than four sets of governments?

The county currently has three town councils, and a county council. The goal is cooperation on development and other initiatives. But that isn't always the result as each government vies to increase development and tax revenues.

Ivany says: “It's now or never” and that municipal government must be streamlined. Let's get out there and get ourselves a Mayor with the gusto and smarts to help us find solutions together.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have questions or concerns. 902.670.2949.

Province to Decide if District 3 will be Split in Three

There will be less councillors and rearranged districts when this year's county election is held on October 15. That's for sure because the public has clearly stated a strong preference for fewer councillors. The independent consultant hired to determine the most appropriate number came to the conclusion that a reduction from 11 to 9 was the most appropriate way forward.

How many districts and where the boundaries will be drawn will be decided by the Utilities and Review Board. A date for a public hearing is yet to be set. The Board will either approve the boundaries applied for or it can rule that the independent consultant's recommendation is upheld, or it could rule that a different number of councillors or a different set of boundaries is more appropriate.

Ironically, council never did get to vote for the boundaries and number of districts recommended by the independent consultant we hired! Instead council, in a 6 to 5 split vote, approved boundaries put forward by the CAO MacEwan under the direction of Deputy Warden Hirtle.

If council's recommendation is accepted by the UARB your current district (i.e., District 3 --- 2007-2016) will be split in three. Below are the maps and a short description of the changes.

Centreville and District, Halls Harbour, and Gibson Woods will be joined to a new District 1 that encompasses Canning and a North East Kings expanded to the west.

Aldershot will be split. The east portion will be joined to the Village of Port Williams and the western portion of the Village of New Minas in a new District 2.

Aldershot's west portion, along with Meadowview will be joined to a new District 3 that crosses the Cornwallis River and expands into Coldbrook.The reproduction of the maps above is less than great! Copies of the maps for all districts have been left at the Centreville Community Hall and the Meadowview Community Hall. You may also request to see these maps during regular business hours by contacting the County of Kings at 902.690.6275.

In my respectful opinion, the boundaries that have been submitted for this reduction to eight districts are the very definition of a higgledy–piggledy mess.

They do little to keep communities of interest intact. They even jump from the north to the south side of the Cornwallis River.

I hope further examination by the Utility and Review Board will lead to adjustments rather than approval. The hearing will be a public one and the opinions of members of the public are welcomed by Elaine Wagner, Chief Clerk of the Board at 1.855.442.4448 or Elaine.wagner@novascotia.ca

As always, please do not hesitate to be in touch with me if there is anything you wish to say or discuss. I can be reached by email or phone.

902.670.2949 

paulineraven@gmail.com

Application Filed at UARB to reduce from 11 to 8 the number of Kings County councillors

The Municipality of the County of Kings filed its application with the Utility and Review Board on February 12, 2016. The application reduces the number of councillors from eleven to eight. The application also amends the boundaries of polling districts. 

As I see it, the amendment of the boundaries is confusing and the method employed to decide boundaries is unwarranted. There is the perception that boundary choices were made to favour some of the current councillors while disadvantaging others as the county looks to the municipal election of October 2016. 

Documents and files related to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board's upcoming hearing can be found by searching Case Number M07312. The title for the case is:

MB-16-01: Municipality of the County of Kings - reduce the number of councillors and polling districts

Files/Documents

Questions about the process can be posed to:

Elaine Wagner

Chief Clerk of the Board

Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board

1601 Lr. Water Street, Suite 300

PO Box 1692, Postal Unit “M”

Halifax, NS  B3J 3S3

Telephone:  (902)424-4448

Toll Free:  1-855-442-4448

Email:  Elaine.wagner@novascotia.ca

Update on Airport Motions

I voted yes to the business case study but qualified that the business case made by MMM would not have warranted investment without the subsequent work by Paul Easson and the Freedom Aviation Society.

Three other motions (investment related) were adjusted prior to the meeting. The solo motion presented ws a long one but fundamentally dealt with the $1.147 Million grant to Freedom Aviation Society to establish civilian airport activities at Greenwood.

I put an amendment on the floor to the motion that added:

"Based on an estimated grant to FAS of $1.147 Million that council immediately enter into negotiations with Minister Furey, Minister Brison, and MP Colin Fraser to have a portion of the risks associated with this investment underwritten."

The ammendment passed but with Brothers, Hirtle and Lloyd speaking vehemently against and urging a "no vote".

Councillor Winsor spoke in favour of the project but voted no. His position was based on a need to see the governance structure outlined first and his view that council needed to be represented on the airport's board. Hi arguments were very valid and my preference would have been to see these details some time ago. However, I feel these matters will be dealt with soon.

Councillor MacQuarrie had indicated on Tuesday that she would likely attend the Friday Special Council meeting, noting that she would work to readjust some other appointments and urging council to not consider other dates/times. However, she did not attend. Therefore, no assumptions should be made about her feelings on this matter based on the voting details above.

That's the news from council. There were very few individuals in attendance beyond Paul Easson and a few other Kings County residents (aviatiors and Mr. Goldie who operated the flight school at Waterville).

No one made any public comments besides Paul Easson who spoke in strong support. In other words, any alternate public view was absent in chambers.

The municipal airport will officially close on March 31, 2016. I look forward to an update from Michelin regarding its planned expansion prior to that date.

Four Airport Motions Before Council Today

The closure of the Waterville Municipal Airport to make room for an impending Michelin expansion has been a painful process replete with unexpected twists. I am getting ready for a 10AM special council meeting.

I'm looking for some guarantee for the taxpayers' funds at today's council meeting. A commitment by council to work on that could be the defining factor for me as I vote on motions 2-4 today, . 

The four motions to be debated between 10 AM and 1PM are:

1. Council approves and accepts the Business Case Study and the 10 Year Business Plan [for general aviation activities at 14-Wing Greenwood] as prepared and submitted by MMM Group Limited.
2. Council confirms that it will make a decision on funding within one (1) month following receipt of the detailed cost estimates for the necessary and reasonable capital infrastructure required for the operation of a Civilian Airport Facility at CFB Greenwood and the 10 Year Business Plan.
3. Council confirms that, regardless of the amount requested, it will not commit to an amount of funding greater than the proceeds from the sale of the lands to Michelin less certain costs and expenses (as approved by Council). 
4. Council approves a grant to Freedom Aviation Society for the necessary and reasonable capital infrastructure required for and related to the planned Civilian Air Facility as referenced in the General Aviation Business Case and Governance Study prepared by MMM Group Limited in an amount not to exceed $1,147,400 with the total amount of the grant to be confirmed through the tendering/construction process and in order to facilitate payment of the grant and confirm amounts to be paid, Freedom Aviation Society shall be required to submit invoices to the CAO and, following submission of the invoices, the CAO shall arrange for grant funds to be paid to Freedom Aviation Society and, following receipt of the grant funds, Freedom Aviation Society shall provide the CAO with proof of payment of said invoices.

[The total amount expected from the sale of the lands to Michelin is $1.88 million. The total of all of expenses related to the closure of Waterville and holdbacks for lease payments is $732,600. The balance is to be awarded to Freedom Aviation Society... $1,147,400]