St. Andrews Town Council convened for the second half of its June 3rd regular meeting on June 10, 2024 (You can watch the first half here), navigating through a packed agenda that covered a variety of community issues ranging from infrastructure improvements to local events and new initiatives.  The session commenced with a formality—the reopening of the June 3rd meeting. 

Infrastructure Improvements

One of the major highlights was the approval of an encroachment agreement for the William on Water Restaurant and Bar, which includes enhancements to their deck on town property. Council emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility, leading to an annual review clause to assess the usage of the deck space.

Subsequently, the council approved another encroachment agreement for King Street Pizza to construct an accessible ramp. While initially, there was a debate on waiving the encroachment fee, the council unanimously agreed to support the business by waiving the $100 fee, recognizing the importance of accessibility improvements.

Financial Matters

Council reviewed and approved the town's 2023 consolidated financial statements. Despite a brief discussion on the presentation format and the terminology used, the statements were given the green light.

Market Wharf and Safety Concerns

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions about the Market Wharf and the Market Square design. The council debated the aesthetics and safety of installing a galvanized handrail versus a wooden one. A majority favoured wood to maintain the traditional look of the wharf, which aligns with the heritage aesthetics of St. Andrews.

Traffic and Parking Regulations

Council approved amendments to the vehicular bylaw to address safety concerns at the intersection of Augustus Street and Water Street by removing the east and west four-way stop signs. Additionally, new no-parking zones were established along Princess Royal Street and Pagan Street to improve traffic flow and safety near the boat launch.

Community Events and Support

In a move to support local events, the council approved the St. Andrews Brewing Company's request to use Market Square for their annual Oktoberfest celebrations. The town will provide essential amenities such as picnic tables, garbage cans, and access to town washrooms, ensuring the event's success.

Heritage Committee Communication Plan

Council reviewed a comprehensive communication plan from the Heritage Committee, which aims to engage the community in discussions about a proposed heritage bylaw. The plan includes public consultation sessions, TV interviews, a dedicated website, and one-on-one interviews with affected homeowners. The council expressed satisfaction with the thoroughness of the plan, emphasizing the need for transparent and inclusive community engagement.

Ride-Share Pilot Project

A proposal from PEI-based ride-share company, Kari, led to extensive discussions. The company sought $18,000 in funding to launch an 18-week pilot project in St. Andrews. Concerns were raised about the cost, the reliance on mobile apps for booking, and the affordability for seniors. Council decided to table the motion, requesting a detailed breakdown of the project’s costs and potential impact before making a final decision.

Support for First Nations

The council deliberated on a request from the Passamaquoddy Requisition Group to waive wharf berthage fees for two vessels. After robust discussion, including concerns about the financial implications and the availability of wharf space, the council approved the waiver on the condition that the group covers the cost of electricity for charging their battery-powered vessel.

Closing

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session.