Committee recommends maintaining current size of council
Amherst town council’s committee of the whole is recommending the status quo of six councillors elected at large be maintained.
The recommendation, made at the May 16, 2022, committee of the whole meeting, noted the fact little has changed in terms of population or town boundaries that would indicate changing the size of the council.
The committee also approved placing their recommendation on council’s May 24, 2022, meeting.
If approved by council, the recommendation will be sent to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, which has the final say on whether the recommendation is approved. As part of its review, the board will hold a public hearing before rendering a decision.
Amendment to bylaw
The committee is also recommending the council hold first reading of a proposed amendment to the Bylaw Respecting the Board of Police Commissioners for the Town of Amherst when it meets on May 24, 2022.
The proposed amendment will insert a statement in the membership section of the bylaw that states Amherst is an inclusive and equitable organization that values inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, including the Amherst Board of Police Commissioners.
The police commission is also recommending the approval of the amendment.
Other recommendations
The committee is also recommending council approve the signing of a new Northern Region Intermunicipal Sold Waste agreement when it meets on May 24. The only change in the document is the removal of references to the Cumberland Joint Services Management Authority.
In addition, the committee is recommending that council approve the terms of reference for a Community Centre Steering Committee and the appointment of a council representative on that committee.
The steering committee membership will have representatives from the town and the Municipality of Cumberland and will enable an open line of communication for the project now that a feasibility study into a new community centre is underway.
Directions to staff
Staff were directed by the committee to investigate the use and cost of installing yellow crosswalk signs at crosswalks throughout the town and to report their findings at the June committee of the whole meeting.
The committee also directed staff to write the Education Department to express concerns about the poor condition of the parking lot at E.B. Chandler Junior High School and requesting an update on when the lot will be repaired.
