Town of Amherst public meetings in 2023

Regular Council

The Amherst Council will review requests for decisions regarding a water utility dump truck purchase and Nature Challenge Fund land acquisition. The agenda also includes the appointment of a Development Officer and amendments to committee terms of reference.

• Nature Challenge Fund land acquisition
• Water Utility dump truck purchase
• Appointment of Development Officer
• Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee terms of reference amendments

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss several council direction requests, including amendments to the substance use policy and a review of the PACE program. The meeting also features a presentation from the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association.

• Water utility dump truck purchase
• Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program review
• Substance Use Policy amendments
• Appointment of Development Officer Torben Laux
• Transient Automobile Vendors Bylaw review

Special Council

The Town of Amherst Council will meet to discuss a request for decision regarding the Municipal Capital Growth Program. This item involves an infrastructure funding application for Fawthrop.

• Municipal Capital Growth Program Funding Application - Fawthrop

Special Council

The Town of Amherst Council is holding a special meeting to conduct an appeal hearing regarding a taxi license. Following the staff presentation and appellant presentation, the council will set a meeting date to render a decision.

• Taxi License Appeal - Kyle Chiasson

Police Commission

The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will discuss the 2024-2025 capital budget. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the purchase of an armoured vehicle from GardaWorld.

• 2024-2025 Capital Budget
• Purchase of an armoured vehicle from GardaWorld
• Staff updates
• Chief's Report

Regular Council

The Amherst Council will consider several requests for decisions, including development agreements for 105 South Albion Street and Russell Street. The agenda also includes second readings for companion animal by-law amendments and first readings for local improvement by-law amendments. Additionally, the council will review capital budget amendments and the appointment of an auditor.

• Second reading of 105 South Albion Street Development Agreement
• Second reading of Companion Animal By-law Amendments
• Local Improvement By-law Amendment first reading
• Capital Budget Amendments review
• Community Support Grant Application for Amherst Community Christmas Dinner

Public Hearing

The Town of Amherst is holding a public hearing regarding a development agreement for 105 South Albion Street. The meeting includes a staff report and opportunities for council and public comments.

• 105 South Albion Street Development Agreement

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will review the second quarter financial report and capital budget year-to-date. The meeting also includes the appointment of the municipal auditor for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

• Appointment of Municipal Auditor for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
• Second Quarter Financial Report review
• Capital Budget Year-to-Date report review
• Approval of September 20, 2023 minutes

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review several council direction requests and information items. Discussions include budget amendments, policy updates, and various community presentations.

• Capital Budget Amendments
• Amherst Youth Town Council Policy Amendments
• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee Terms of Reference Amendments
• Community Support Grant Application for Amherst Community Christmas Dinner
• APD Armoured Vehicle - Gardaworld MOU

Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee

The Accessibility Committee will review a presentation from the Community Health Board. The meeting includes discussions regarding accessible language guidelines, the Annual Accessibility Report, and the Playground Committee Term of Reference.

• Presentation by Colleen Dowe from the Community Health Board
• Discussion on accessible language
• Review of the Annual Accessibility Report
• Discussion on Playground Committee Term of Reference

North Tyndal Wellfield Advisory Committee

The committee will elect its leadership and review its Terms of Reference. Agenda items also include discussions on the North Tyndal Wellfield Management Plan, distribution system updates, and Challenge Fund properties including an Irving land trade.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Review of Committee Terms of Reference
• Discussion of North Tyndal Wellfield Management Plan
• Distribution System Update
• Review of Challenge Fund properties and Irving land trade

Regular Council

The Amherst Council meeting includes the election of a Deputy Mayor and various committee appointments. The agenda also features first readings for a development agreement at 105 South Albion Street and companion animal bylaw amendments. Additionally, council will consider grant requests and policy changes regarding community support and waste collection.

• Election of Deputy Mayor
• 105 South Albion Street Development Agreement first reading
• Companion Animal Bylaw Amendments first reading
• Creative Pathways Society Community Support Grant request
• Lighting retrofits for municipal buildings

Committee of the Whole

The Amherst Committee of the Whole is reviewing several policy updates, including amendments to the Companion Animal Bylaw and Community Support Grants Policy. Members will also discuss a community support grant request for the Creative Pathways Society and potential playground accessibility improvements. Additionally, various departmental monthly reports will be presented.

• First reading of Companion Animal Bylaw amendments
• Amendments to the Community Support Grants Policy
• Creative Pathways Society community support grant request
• Review of Employment Equity Policy
• Discussion of Solid Waste Special Collection Policy

Police Commission

The provided document contains only procedural software information and no meeting details. There are no specific topics, discussions, or decisions listed for the Town of Amherst Police Commission.

Special Council

The provided text consists only of procedural software interface elements and boilerplate information. No specific topics, motions, or decisions are documented in this record.

Committee of the Whole

The provided text for the Town of Amherst Committee of the Whole meeting contains only procedural boilerplate. No specific topics, discussions, or decisions are recorded in this document.

Planning Advisory Committee

The Planning Advisory Committee is reviewing a staff report and application briefing regarding 105 South Albion Street. The meeting also includes updates on demolitions and public participation opportunity summaries.

• 105 South Albion Street staff report and application briefing
• Public Participation Opportunity Summary - June 21, 2023
• Public Participation Opportunity Summary - October 4, 2023
• Demolitions Update

Public Participation Opportunity

The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity. The meeting includes a staff report or presentation concerning 105 South Albion Street.

• Staff report/presentation for 105 South Albion Street

Special Council

This special council meeting contains procedural items. The agenda includes a request for decision regarding the meeting dates for October 2023.

• Request for decision on October 2023 meeting dates

Committee of the Whole

The provided text contains only procedural boilerplate and software interface elements. There are no specific topics, discussions, or decisions recorded in this document.

Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee

The Inclusion Diversity & Equity Committee will review several internal town policies, including the Diversity Strategy and employee leave policies. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a public apology for the RCMP in Bristol and updates on community events.

• Public apology regarding RCMP - Bristol
• Review of internal policies (Diversity Strategy, Leave, and Technology Usage)
• 2nd Construction Battalion Memorial update
• Acadian Festival update
• Museum Community Support Grant Application update

Regular Council

The Town of Amherst Council will consider several second reading requests for development agreements. The meeting also includes reviews of audited financial statements, budget adjustments, and community support grants.

• 106 Church Street Development Agreement Second Reading
• Electric Street Development Agreement Second Reading
• Lot 22-2 Prince Arthur Street Development Agreement Second Reading
• Audited Consolidated Financial Statements review
• Adjustment to Capital Budget Funding

Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee

The committee will review several presentations regarding youth resilience, substance use, and the strategic plan. Discussions also include food security topics and a count of rural homelessness in Cumberland County.

• Youth Resilience presentation by Hallie Tattrie
• Food Security and Mount Allison discussion
• Food Security Summit update
• IOAD Substance Use presentation by Landry
• Rural Homelessness in Cumberland County Service Based Count

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will review the 2023 audit findings report and management letter. The committee is scheduled to receive audited consolidated financial statements for acceptance. The agenda also includes reviews of the first quarter financial report and capital budget actuals-to-date.

• Presentation of Audit Findings Report
• Presentation of Auditor's Management Letter
• Review of Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
• Recommendation to accept Town financial statements
• First Quarter Financial Report review

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several council direction requests, including updates to the mobile vending bylaw and salary administration policy. Discussions will also cover community support grants and year-end capital financing adjustments. The meeting includes presentations on social enterprise networks and various departmental reports.

• Mobile Vending Bylaw review
• Salary Administration Policy amendments for minimum wage revisions
• Community Support Grants applications and policy updates
• Year-end operational reserve transfer for solid waste deficit
• Presentation by 'In the Works' social enterprise network

Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee

The Accessibility Committee is reviewing several items related to town accessibility. Discussion topics include accessible playground reports, a built environment accessibility standard, and an update on stadium accessibility.

• Accessible Playgrounds report
• Public review of Proposed Built Environment Accessibility Standard Phase 2
• Stadium Accessibility Update
• Communication Disabilities Access Canada Training

Special Council

The Town of Amherst Special Council meeting on July 26, 2023, will consider three requests for decision: paving LaPlanche Street, acquiring land for the North Tyndal Wellfield (PID 25098898) using a Challenge Fund, and funding for the Cumberland County Museum through a Community Support Grant. These are the only substantive items on the agenda.

• LaPlanche Street Paving — request for decision
• Wellfield Land Purchase — Challenge Fund for North Tyndal Wellfield PID 25098898
• Museum Funding — Community Support Grant for Cumberland County Museum

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will meet to approve the agenda and prior minutes, elect a vice chair, and discuss the audit plan communication letter from Costin-Fury. They will also review the fourth quarter financial report for the period ending March 31, 2023.

• Election of vice chair
• Review of audit plan communication letter from Costin-Fury
• Review of fourth quarter financial report (ended March 31, 2023)

The Audit Committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from March 7, 2023. The committee appointed Robb Small as Vice Chair for the 2023 calendar year. Members received an audit engagement presentation and a fourth quarter report.

• Approved July 18, 2023 agenda
• Approved March 7, 2023 meeting minutes
• Appointed Robb Small as Vice Chair for 2023

Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee

The Inclusion Diversity & Equity Committee will consider a Community Support Grant application from the Cumberland County Museum. The agenda includes a territorial acknowledgement, approval of the agenda, and adjournment.

• Community Support Grant application from Cumberland County Museum

The Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee reviewed a grant application from the Cumberland County Museum and Archives for an Oral History of the Cumberland region. The committee voted not to recommend support for the $9,891.55 funding request.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Denied recommendation to fund $9,891.55 grant for Cumberland County Museum and Archives Oral History project

Public Hearing

The Town of Amherst is holding a public hearing to consider three properties: 106 Church Street, 22-2 Prince Arthur Street, and Electric Street. Council will hear staff reports and public comments before making decisions.

• 106 Church Street — staff report and public comment
• 22-2 Prince Arthur Street — staff report and public comment
• Electric Street — staff report and public comment

Special Council

This special council meeting will consider four requests for decision: lighting at Robbs Baseball Complex, a funding request from the Cumberland YMCA, a business connector agreement, and a donation for the Afghanistan Memorial. The meeting is scheduled for 12:00-12:30 PM on July 5, 2023.

• Robbs Complex Lighting - Chambers
• Cumberland YMCA Funding Request - Fawthrop
• Cumberland Business Connector Agreement - Landry
• Afghanistan Memorial Donation - Emery

Planning Advisory Committee

The Planning Advisory Committee will consider a development application for 105 South Albion Street, including a staff report and draft decision. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and a public participation summary.

• Development application at 105 South Albion Street
• Public participation summary with emails of concern from residents
• Approval of minutes from June 5, 2023 meeting

The Planning Advisory Committee recommended that Council enter into a development agreement for 105 South Albion Street. The proposed project includes 20 three-bedroom townhouses and two 4-storey apartment buildings with 64 units.

• Recommended Council enter into Development Agreement for 105 South Albion Street (Carried)
• Approved July 4, 2023 agenda (Carried)
• Approved June 5, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)

Regular Council

The Town of Amherst Regular Council meeting on June 26, 2023, includes first readings for development agreements on Electric Street, 106 Church Street, Lot 22-2 Prince Arthur Street, and a land use bylaw amendment for drive-throughs in the core area. Council will also hold second readings for bylaws amending the Fires and Burning of Materials Bylaw and the Taxi Bylaw. Other items include a land transfer with Nature Conservancy Canada, a new Street Banner Policy, and appointments to the Amherst Youth Town Council.

• First reading of development agreements for Electric Street, 106 Church Street, and Lot 22-2 Prince Arthur Street
• First reading of a Municipal Planning Strategy / Land Use Bylaw amendment for drive-throughs in the Core Area District
• Second reading of a bylaw to amend the Fires and Burning of Materials Bylaw
• Second reading of a bylaw to amend the Taxi Bylaw
• Nature Conservancy Canada land transfer

Public Participation Opportunity

The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity meeting to hear from residents regarding a specific property at 105 South Albion Street. The agenda includes a staff report and a public comment period on this item.

• Public hearing on 105 South Albion Street
• Staff report on 105 South Albion Street

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is discussing several council direction requests, including strategic plans for the Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee and the Intermunicipal Advisory Committee to Reduce Poverty, community support grants, and policies on culverts, street breaking, and street banners. They will also receive information items on minimum standards for residential occupancies, dangerous and unsightly premises, and various monthly reports. The meeting includes an in-camera session for personnel, property, security, and contract matters.

• Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee Strategic Plan
• Intermunicipal Advisory Committee to Reduce Poverty Strategic Plan
• Community Support Grants
• Culvert Policy and Street Breaking Policy
• Christie Foundation Donation for Amherst Little League baseball facility

Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee

The Accessibility Committee will elect a chair and vice chair, approve past minutes, and welcome two new members. Discussion items include operational upgrades for accessible parks, an Afghanistan memorial, and a youth innovation funding opportunity.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Operational Upgrades on Accessible Parks
• Afghanistan Memorial discussion
• Enabling Accessibility Fund Youth Innovation Component

The committee approved requests for staff reports on making one town park fully accessible and addressing non-visible disabilities at town events. Members also requested a presentation on the wood carpet installed at Beacon Street Park.

• Elected Councillor Dale Fawthrop as Chair and Deputy Mayor Leon Landry as Vice Chair
• Approved agenda and November 9, 2022 minutes
• Approved request for CAO to direct staff to report on non-visible disability for town events
• Approved request for CAO report on requirements to make one park truly accessible, suggesting Amherst Lions Park first with community consultation
• Approved request for Operations staff presentation on Beacon Street Park wood carpet
• Recommended forwarding the Enabling Accessibility Fund Youth Program to the Amherst Youth Town Council

Planning Advisory Committee

The Planning Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve development agreements for four properties: 106 Church Street, 55 Victoria Street East, 22-2 Prince Arthur Street, and Electric Street. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and a public participation opportunity summary.

• Development agreement for 106 Church Street
• Development agreement for 55 Victoria Street East
• Development agreement for 22-2 Prince Arthur Street
• Development agreement for Electric Street
• Public Participation Opportunity Summary

The Planning Advisory Committee recommended that Council approve development agreements for two apartment buildings and a clay studio. The committee recommended against amending the Land Use Bylaw for a driveway installation at 55 Victoria Street East.

• Recommended Council enter Development Agreement for clay studio at 106 Church Street (Motion Carried)
• Recommended Council not amend Land Use Bylaw for driveway at 55 Victoria Street East (Motion Carried)
• Recommended Council enter Development Agreement for 24-unit apartment at 22-2 Prince Arthur Street (Motion Carried)
• Recommended Council enter Development Agreement for 24-unit apartment at Electric Street (Motion Carried)

Planning Advisory Committee

The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive items for discussion or decision.

Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee

The Inclusion Diversity & Equity Committee will meet to discuss updates to its strategic plan, review survey feedback, and plan several upcoming events including Ancestral Drive celebrations, African Nova Scotian flag initiatives, Mawio'mi events, and Emancipation Day. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes and discussion items only; no formal decisions are listed.

• Strategic Plan Update
• Survey Results from Inclusion Diversity and Equity Questionnaire
• Planning of Ancestral Drive Event Celebrations
• African Nova Scotian Flag discussion
• Mawio'mi event on June 16, 2023 and flag raising on June 21, 2023

The committee approved forwarding the updated Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan to the Committee of the Whole for June 19, 2023. Members also set dates for upcoming multicultural and community celebrations.

• Approved forwarding the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan to Committee of the Whole on June 19, 2023
• Scheduled Ancestral Drive Multicultural Event Celebrations for June 24, 2023, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Agreed to use the Pan-African flag (traditional flag) for Emancipation Day and other occasions
• Approved agenda for June 1, 2023 meeting
• Approved minutes from March 2, 2023 meeting

Police Commission

The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will receive a presentation on a surveillance camera registry from Det/Cst Jeff Goodwin. The board will also discuss Police Week and review the Chief's Report. Several items will be discussed in camera, including approval of minutes and matters related to public security and contract negotiations.

• Surveillance Camera Registry Presentation by Det/Cst Jeff Goodwin
• Discussion of Police Week
• Chief's Report for May 30, 2023
• In camera items under MGA 22(2)(h) for public security (three items)
• In camera items under MGA 22(2)(e) for contract negotiations (two items)

Public Participation Opportunity

The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity on May 24, 2023, to discuss four properties: 106 Church Street, 55 Church Street, 22 Prince Arthur Street, and Electric Street. The agenda includes staff reports and public input for each location.

• 106 Church Street
• 55 Church Street
• 22-2 Prince Arthur Street
• Electric Street

Regular Council

The Town of Amherst Council is reviewing several requests for decision including bylaw amendments and property agreements. The agenda includes discussions on community grants, land memorandums, and staff salary adjustments.

• Maintenance of Grass Bylaw amendments (Second Reading)
• Fires and Burning of Materials Bylaw amendments (First Reading)
• Taxi Bylaw amendments (First Reading)
• 155 East Victoria Street Development Agreement (First Reading)
• Blaine Street purchase and sale agreement

Planning Advisory Committee

The Planning Advisory Committee is meeting to consider a development agreement application for 155 East Victoria Street. The agenda includes staff reports and analysis on the proposal. No other substantive items are listed.

• Discussion of development agreement application for 155 East Victoria Street
• Review of staff report and revised analysis for the property

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss a range of council direction requests, including reviews of the fires and burning of materials bylaw and the taxi bylaw, as well as amendments to policies on territorial acknowledgement, expense reimbursement, and council conference attendance. The committee will also consider repealing the ballfield user policy, an MOU for Afghanistan Memorial Park land, and requests to present from Impact Canada and Kathy Morash. Numerous monthly departmental reports and information items are on the agenda, followed by an in-camera session for personnel, property, and contract matters.

• Review of Bylaw C-07 Fires and Burning of Materials
• Taxi Bylaw review with inspection checklist
• Territorial Acknowledgement Policy amendment
• Expense Reimbursement Policy amendments
• Afghanistan Memorial Park Land MOU

Planning Advisory Committee

The Planning Advisory Committee will consider a development agreement for 155 East Victoria Street, elect a chair and vice-chair, and receive a verbal update on demolition orders. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a territorial acknowledgement.

• Staff report and proposal analysis for a development agreement at 155 East Victoria Street
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the committee
• Verbal update on demolition orders
• Approval of minutes from March 6, 2023

Police Commission

The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners is holding a regular meeting with routine items including approval of minutes, a verbal update on strategic planning, and the chief's report. The agenda also includes in-camera sessions for public security and contract negotiations, which are closed to the public.

• Swearing in of citizen appointee Angela Ryan Bourgeois
• Verbal update on strategic planning
• Chief's report (April 25, 2023)
• In-camera item under MGA 22(2)(h) for public security
• In-camera item under MGA 22(2)(e) for contract negotiations

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to review and discuss Community Support Grants for 2023-24, including a navigation guide, grant requests with scoring, and the related policy. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the item appears to be for discussion only. The meeting also includes a call to order, territorial acknowledgement, and adjournment.

• Community Support Grants 2023 Navigation guide
• 2023-24 Community Support Grant Requests with scoring
• File 1 Grants 2023-24
• File 2 Grants 2023-24
• 72000-08 Community Support Grants Policy

Regular Council

Amherst Town Council is meeting to decide on the 2023-24 operating and capital budgets, including setting the general tax rate, area rates, sanitary sewer rates, and other utility charges. They will also consider a general borrowing resolution and several bylaw and policy changes, including rezoning and development agreements for specific properties. The agenda includes many items for second reading of bylaws and appointments to committees.

• Second reading of rezoning for 36/38 Beacon Street
• Second reading of development agreements for 52 Hickman Street and 9 North Adelaide Street
• Second reading of Local Improvement Bylaw, Wastewater Discharge Bylaw, and Mobile Vending Bylaw
• First reading of Maintenance of Grass Bylaw
• Resolutions for 2023-24 tax rates, sewer rates, and water utility operating budget

Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee

The Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss a universal lunch program and a round table discussion on the PRAC Strategy Working Group and action items. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes and welcoming new members. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Discussion of Universal Lunch Program
• Round Table Discussion on PRAC Strategy Working Group and Action Items
• Approval of minutes from March 16, 2023
• Welcome of new citizen representatives Melissa Johnson, Lynne Welton, and Carrigan Guthro

The committee reviewed a federal Universal Lunch Program pilot and discussed strategies for food security, housing, and youth outreach. Staff proposed creating working groups for these three pillars to coordinate resources and actions.

• Approved the April 20, 2023 meeting agenda
• Approved the March 16, 2023 meeting minutes

Committee of the Whole

The Town of Amherst Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and provide direction on a range of items, including capital budget carry-overs and amendments, a taxi bylaw review, and several policy amendments. The committee will also receive presentations from the Royal Canadian Legion and the Cumberland Business Connector, and hear monthly reports from various departments. The meeting includes an in-camera session for personnel, property, and contract matters.

• Taxi bylaw review and draft amendments
• Capital budget carry-overs and amendments for 2023-24
• Wellfield variable frequency drives
• Capital paving 2023
• Underground fuel storage tanks

Public Hearing

This agenda for the Town of Amherst, NS public hearing on 2023-04-12 contains no substantive items — only placeholder text and embedded content markers from the eSCRIBE software. No decisions, proposals, or discussion topics are listed.

General Operating Budget

The Town of Amherst is holding a meeting to review the 2023-24 General Operating Budget. The agenda includes information items on tax rates, assessments, and reserves, as well as detailed budgets for departments such as police, fire, and operations. Several requests for decision (RFDs) are also on the agenda, covering topics like staffing, software, and infrastructure.

• RFD for Major Crime Unit / Crime Prevention Staffing operational budget
• RFD for Customer Notification System Software
• RFD for Debenture Balloon Payment for recreation facilities
• RFD for Asphalt Patching
• RFD for Student Wage Increases and Youth Free Ice Time

Special Council

This special council meeting has two requests for decision: ratification of the CUPE Local 1233 collective agreement and dissolution of the Cumberland Joint Services Management Authority (CJSMA). Council will vote on both items.

• CUPE Local 1233 collective agreement ratification
• CJSMA dissolution resolution

Police Commission

The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will discuss and potentially approve the 2023-24 operational budget for the Amherst Police Department, including a memorandum on MCU resources. The board will also receive the Chief's Report and discuss strategic planning. A closed session is scheduled under MGA 22(2)(h) for public security matters.

• Review of 2023-24 Operational Budget for Amherst Police Department
• Memorandum on MCU Resources 2023-2024 approval
• Strategic planning discussion
• Chief's Report for March 28, 2023
• In camera session under MGA 22(2)(h) for public security

Regular Council

The Town of Amherst Regular Council meeting on March 27, 2023, includes 25 requests for decision covering development agreements, rezoning, bylaw amendments, policy updates, and committee appointments. Council will also receive reports from internal and external committees. The agenda is substantive with multiple items for discussion and potential action.

• Second reading of development agreements for 3,4,5,7 Robie Street and 264 Church Street
• First reading of development agreements for 52 Hickman Street and 9 North Adelaide Street
• First reading of rezoning for 36/38 Beacon Street
• First reading of Local Improvement Bylaw and Wastewater Discharge Bylaw D-3
• Review of Mobile Vendors on Streets and Sidewalks Bylaw C-10

Public Hearing

The Town of Amherst is holding a public hearing to consider two property-related items: 3,4,5,7 Robie Street and 264 Church Street. The agenda includes staff reports, council questions, and public comments for each item. No decisions are listed on the agenda; it is a hearing for input.

• Public hearing for 3,4,5,7 Robie Street
• Public hearing for 264 Church Street
• Staff reports attached for both properties

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing proposed amendments to several bylaws and policies, including local improvement, wastewater discharge, commercial development support, and mobile vending. They will also consider a presentation from the Lillian Albon Animal Shelter and a request for Mitacs funding. The agenda includes numerous policy updates and monthly departmental reports.

• Presentation and proposal from Lillian Albon Animal Shelter
• Proposed amendments to Local Improvement Bylaw D-02 and Wastewater Discharge Bylaw D-03
• Review of Commercial Development Support Bylaw P-09 and Mobile Vendors on Streets and Sidewalks Bylaw C-10
• Request for Mitacs funding for a project titled 'Pathways to resiliency'
• In-camera sessions under MGA 22(2)(c) for personnel matters and MGA 22(2)(a) for property matters

Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee

The Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the intermunicipal strategic plan, a subcommittee working group, and the frequency of future meetings. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and a community representatives update.

• Discussion of the Intermunicipal Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee Strategic Plan
• Discussion of a subcommittee working group and meeting frequency
• Community representatives update
• Approval of minutes from February 23, 2023 and March 6, 2023 special meeting

The Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee approved a strategic plan to be forwarded to the Town of Oxford, County of Cumberland, and Town of Amherst councils. The committee also voted to create a subcommittee and move to quarterly meetings.

• Approved Intermunicipal Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee Strategic Plan
• Approved creation of a Subcommittee
• Approved reducing meeting frequency to quarterly
• Approved agenda for March 16, 2023
• Approved minutes from February 23, 2023
• Approved minutes from Special Meeting on March 6, 2023

Audit Committee

The Town of Amherst Audit Committee is meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, review the third quarter financial report and capital budget actuals, discuss municipal financial condition indicators, and consider a draft policy on inventory control of non-capital equipment. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and an in-camera session.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Third Quarter Financial Report (as of Dec 31, 2022)
• Capital Budget Actuals-to-Date (as of Feb 28, 2023)
• Municipal Profile and FCI Results 2020/21
• Draft Policy: Inventory Control of Non-Capital Equipment

The Audit Committee appointed Mayor Kogon as Chair and deferred the election of a Vice Chair. The committee also moved a draft policy on inventory control of non-capital equipment to the next Committee of the Whole meeting.

• Appointed Mayor Kogon as Chair of the Audit Committee for 2023
• Deferred election of Vice Chair until the next meeting
• Approved the March 7, 2023 agenda
• Approved the November 8, 2022 meeting minutes
• Moved Inventory Control of Non-Capital Equipment Draft Policy to the next Committee of the Whole Meeting

Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee

The Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee is meeting virtually to discuss a single item: Mitacs funding, with a memo attached. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the item appears to be for discussion only.

• Discussion of Mitacs funding
• Attachment: 2023-03-06 Bristol PRAC memoHailietattriemitacsresearch.pdf

The meeting minutes for March 6, 2023, contain no record of motions, discussions, or decisions. The document lists attendees and staff present but provides no details on agenda items or outcomes.

Planning Advisory Committee

The Planning Advisory Committee is meeting to review three development-related applications: a development agreement for 9 North Adelaide Street, a rezoning for 36/38 Beacon Street, and a development agreement for 52 Hickman Street. They will also receive an update on dangerous/unsightly premises and a presentation from Upland Planning + Design on the draft Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB). The agenda includes approval of previous minutes and public participation minutes.

• Development agreement application for 9 North Adelaide Street
• Rezoning application for 36/38 Beacon Street
• Development agreement application for 52 Hickman Street
• Dangerous/Unsightly Premises Administrator update
• Upland Planning + Design presentation on draft MPS and LUB

The Planning Advisory Committee recommended that Council approve a unit increase at 9 North Adelaide Street and a garden suite at 52 Hickman Street. The committee also recommended rezoning 36/38 Beacon Street from General Residential to Open Space for the Amherst Little League Baseball Club.

• Recommended approval of Development Agreement for 9 North Adelaide Street to increase units from 6 to 8 (Motion Carried)
• Recommended rezoning of 36/38 Beacon Street from General Density Residential to Open Space (Motion Carried)
• Recommended approval of Development Agreement for a garden suite at 52 Hickman Street (Motion Carried)
• Approved agenda for March 6, 2023 (Motion Carried)
• Approved minutes from February 6, 2023 (Motion Carried)

Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee

The Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including a flag policy, a book called Breaking Robert's Rules, Ancestral Drive, social media posts, and something called Reconciliaction. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Discussion of Flag Policy with attachments on flag raising ceremonies amendment
• Discussion of Breaking Robert's Rules
• Discussion of Ancestral Drive
• Discussion of Social Media Posts
• Discussion of Reconciliaction

The Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee amended the Town's flag policy to remove automatic flag raisings for Acadian Day and Indigenous Peoples Day. The committee also discussed meeting procedures, street name celebrations, and social media accessibility.

• Approved amended agenda (Motion Carried)
• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes (Motion Carried)
• Amended flag policy to require formal requests for all flag raisings, including Acadian Day and Indigenous Peoples Day (Motion Carried)
• Set next meeting date for March 21, 2023

Public Participation Opportunity

The Town of Amherst is holding a Public Participation Opportunity meeting on March 1, 2023, from 5:00-6:00 PM in Council Chambers at Town Hall. The agenda includes public participation opportunities for three properties: 52 Hickman Street, 9 North Adelaide Street, and 36 and 38 Beacon Street. Staff reports and presentations are scheduled for each property before the public input portion.

• Public participation opportunity for 52 Hickman Street
• Public participation opportunity for 9 North Adelaide Street
• Public participation opportunity for 36 and 38 Beacon Street
• Staff reports/presentations for each of the three properties

Regular Council

Town of Amherst council will hold first readings on development agreements for properties on Robie, Church, and East Victoria streets, and consider approval of the 2023-24 water and general capital budget. The agenda also includes several policy repeals and amendments, property transactions, and a swearing-in ceremony. Committee reports from internal and external bodies will be received.

• First reading of development agreement for 3,4,5,7 Robie Street
• First reading of development agreement for 264 Church Street
• First reading of development agreement for 155 East Victoria Street
• Approval of 2023-24 capital budget (water and general)
• Transfer of ownership of 8/10 Prince Arthur Street and purchase/sale agreement for 8 Lower LaPlanche Street

Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee

The Town of Amherst's Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee is meeting to hear presentations from two organizations, review a proposed co-funding arrangement, and discuss the 2023 Summit for Strength. The committee will also approve minutes from its January 19, 2023 meeting. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation by Ericka Caissie-Stone on 'In The Works' including budget and funding proposal
• Presentation by Hailie Tattrie on a Mitacs research project
• Discussion of 2023 Summit for Strength in Bristol
• Round table discussion on co-funding for the Mitacs application

The committee heard presentations from In the Works regarding a 16-week recovery program for youth and Mitacs regarding a youth resiliency research project. A decision on funding for the Mitacs project was deferred to staff for further financial clarification.

• Approved agenda for February 23, 2023 meeting
• Approved minutes from January 19, 2023 meeting
• Deferred decision on Mitacs 'Pathways to Resiliency' funding to staff for cost clarification

Capital Budget

The Town of Amherst's Capital Budget meeting on February 22, 2023, will review the proposed 2023-24 capital budget, including carry-over projects from 2022-23 and deferred or removed projects. The agenda covers funding requests for water infrastructure, equipment, buildings, streets, fire, police, recreation, and multi-year capital plans. It also includes discussions on rating factors for infrastructure projects and relevant policies.

• 2023-24 Capital Budget and carry-over projects from 2022-23
• Water: McCully Street Booster Station upgrades, wellfield engineering design, fire hydrant replacement, water meter replacement
• Equipment: Sidewalk snow plow and blower, service truck
• Fire: Replacement of bunker gear, wildland coveralls, extrication tools, breathing air refilling stations, entrance doors, lighting
• Police: Body armour, audio voice recording system, carbine and containment equipment

Committee of the Whole

The Town of Amherst Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several policy reviews, including community support grants, the Community Arts Council Committee, COVID-19 property tax financing, and the Downtown Business Advisory Committee. They will also hear presentations, consider requests to present, and receive monthly reports from various departments. The meeting includes an in-camera session for contract negotiations, labor relations, and property matters.

• Community Support Grants Policy review
• Community Arts Council Committee Policy repeal
• COVID-19 Property Tax Financing Program Policy review
• Downtown Business Advisory Committee Policy review
• Recognition of Local Businesses discussion

Public Hearing

The Town of Amherst is holding a public hearing to consider the transfer of ownership of the property at 8/10 Prince Arthur Street. The agenda includes a staff presentation, council questions, and public comments, with no written submissions received. This is a single-item hearing focused on this property transfer.

• Public hearing on transfer of ownership of 8/10 Prince Arthur Street
• Staff presentation on the transfer
• Public comments invited
• No written submissions received

Planning Advisory Committee

The Planning Advisory Committee is reviewing three development agreement applications: a non-conforming use change at 3, 4, 5, 7 Robie Street, a care facility at 264 Church Street, and a development at 155 East Victoria Street. The committee will also approve the agenda and minutes from the November 7, 2022 meeting. No final decisions are made at this meeting; it is a discussion and recommendation stage.

• 3, 4, 5, 7 Robie Street development agreement for non-conforming use change
• 264 Church Street development agreement for a care facility
• 155 East Victoria Street development application with public opposition letters
• Approval of minutes from November 7, 2022

The Planning Advisory Committee recommended that Council enter into development agreements for properties on Robie Street and Church Street. The committee recommended that Council not enter into the development agreement for 155 East Victoria Street.

• Recommended Council enter into Development Agreement for 3, 4, 5, 7 Robie Street (Motion Carried)
• Recommended Council enter into Development Agreement for 264 Church Street (Motion Carried)
• Recommended Council not enter into Development Agreement for 155 East Victoria Street (Motion Carried)
• Approved agenda for February 6, 2023 meeting (Motion Carried)
• Approved minutes from November 7, 2022 meeting (Motion Carried)

Police Commission

The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners is meeting to handle routine business: approving minutes, electing a chair and vice chair, and discussing a strategic planning session. They will review the 2023-2024 capital budget and related five-year plan, receive the chief's report, present long service medals, and consider a promotion. The meeting also includes several in-camera items under provincial legislation covering public security, personnel, and labour relations.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Capital Budget 2023-2024 and 5-year plan review
• Long Service Medals presentation
• Promotion of Tom Wood to Corporal
• In-camera items under MGA 22(2)(h), (c), (d)

Regular Council

Town of Amherst council is meeting to consider several requests for decision, including an accessibility strategy, a solid waste collection RFP, policy updates, a housing investment policy, and property matters. Committee reports from internal and external bodies will also be received.

• Accessibility Strategy
• Solid Waste Collection RFP
• Signing Authority Policy revision
• User Fee Policy amendments
• Housing Investment Policy

Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee

The Town of Amherst Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, welcome a new citizen representative, and discuss several reports. Discussion items include barriers to youth, a report to council, updates on Tamarack and Mitacs, a housing forum report, and the committee's strategic priorities and action plan.

• Round table discussion on Barriers to Youth
• Report to Town of Amherst Council from December 19, 2022
• Tamarack update and Mitacs meeting update
• Housing forum final report and Cumberland Committee report
• Strategic Priorities and Action Plan discussion

The committee held a round-table discussion on youth engagement, housing urgency, and transportation barriers. Members reviewed reports on the Tamarack Institute and a previous Housing Forum. No new policies were voted on or enacted.

• Approved agenda (Motion Carried)
• Approved December 15, 2022 minutes (Motion Carried)
• Agreed to invite Haillie Tattrie to the February 16 meeting to discuss the Pathways to Resiliency and Cumberland County Youth Resiliency proposal

Public Participation Opportunity

The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity regarding several properties. The meeting includes staff reports and presentations concerning 3, 4, 5, 7 Robie Street; 264 Church Street; and 155 East Victoria Street.

• Staff reports for 3, 4, 5, 7 Robie Street
• Staff reports for 264 Church Street
• Staff reports and a public presentation for 155 East Victoria Street

Committee of the Whole

The Town of Amherst Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several council direction requests, including awarding a solid waste collection contract, reviewing the snow removal and discharge of firearms bylaws, and updating policies on signing authority and banking. They will also receive monthly reports from various departments and hold an in-camera session for property and contract matters.

• Solid Waste Collection RFP award
• Snow Removal Bylaw review
• Discharge of Firearms Bylaw review
• Signing Authority Policy revision
• Banking Policy revision