Town of St. George Regular Monthly Council Meeting: July 13, 2020

A Regular Council Meeting was held on July 13th in St.George at 7:00 pm for their monthly reports. The St. George Fire department stated that there were 5 fire reports made within the last month, all of which have occurred outside of town. There was 1 call for mutual aid, 1 for water rescue, 2 for grass and bush fires, and 1 for alarm activation. There was an additional training session held at the Day Adventure Centre related to water rescue. 

Alex Henderson was present on behalf of the SW NB Service Commission to provide the Building and Planning report which stated that 6 building permits had been issued along with 6 development permits. No new sub-division applications have been made this year, but that there have been two lots made and one parcel.

Acting Mayor Avery followed up by providing the General Government/Personal report providing all of the new and ongoing projects that are happening in St. George. Although the majority of the projects were related to maintenance and upkeep of the town, some of the attention had been redirected back to projects that were forced to be put on hold due to the pandemic. The projects mentioned include: the isolation of canals, brush cutting and cleaning of the beach, buoy maintenance, sponsorship for the splash pad, potential bench installment,  Main street paving (mid-august), the creation of Simpson Court Trail and, after some delay, the construction of the animal shelter which has been approved for August. Additionally, the board for St. Marks Cemetary has gone forth with their reface project with tombstones and overall maintenance. 

Acting Mayor Avery proceeded to address the issue relating to the 21 properties that have outstanding water bills dating back to 2018. These bills total up to $24,648. Due to the pandemic, these services are unable to be taken away, but as soon as the rule is lifted, either the bills will be collected or the water will be shut off completely. 
With the current COVID-19 status in the Atlantic provinces, CAO Jason Gaudet states that government buildings and businesses are now open to the public with the exception of having access to public restrooms on J.O. Spinney Street. Gaudet still strongly encourages individuals to follow all safety procedures which will additionally be posted amongst storefronts. 

Councillor Murray added that the community garden has some remaining planters that are available and that there is access to many different options regarding what can be planted or brought in. Murray encourages those who may be interested to participate and use some of the space while there is still room available. 
An order has been made for the construction stabilization of the northern slope on route 172 (L’Etete road). There were no mathematical errors in the tender solutions, as well as all appropriate tender security measures were taken. This project totals roughly $529,000 excluding HST. This project was funded by the Province of NB public transportation.

 
Additionally, there has been an amendment to the 2019-2023 Gas Tax Fund plan to redirect the project focus. Whereas previously it was directed towards the new pavement, it is now directed towards the town’s waterlines from Main St. and Clint Street.