Update includes briefing with Director of Facilities and operations
Hartland Council received an update on the town’s new community complex during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Chief Administrative Officer Rob Webber gave an estimated opening date of November.
Webber told the River Valley Sun that the town is undergoing a series of inspections before the opening.
“We’re trying to line up the fire pump inspection, the fire marshal inspection, electrical inspection, the finishing stages we are trying to get sign off and approval,” said Webber.
He said there are still certain things that need to be completed, such as installing an elevator and seating.
One of the biggest tasks highlighted during the meeting was installing ice in the rink. Webber told the council that the fresh concrete can’t go from current temperatures to sub-zero temperatures with ice, requiring a slower process.
“We will start to run the plant, get the concrete cold… I think the actual filling of the rink is pretty quick,” said Webber. “Once you have the concrete at the right temperature it’s only a few days to get it filled and frozen.”
Webber told the council that several pieces of equipment would be needed, such as a scrubber to clean the walking track, which he said would cost $5,000 to $7,500.
He said they are currently $350,000 in debt, which is “mainly earmarked for work” outside the complex. Webber added that the town could go to several places for help with the added costs, from several grants it has received to reserves and baseline funding.
Webber, along with Director of Facilities and Operations John Nigro and Public Works Manager Jed Giberson, highlighted a few changes to the complex. One such change is that a front room initially meant for recreation department members is now being turned into a changing room for patrons.
Another addition is a small receptionist space in the lobby. Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant noted these are good changes that “make sense.”
On staffing, Webber said the town will likely need to hire part-time staff, such as students, to supplement current staff and keep the walking track open during the week and weekends.
Webber stressed the need for staff to have “proper Hartland-branded attire” so patrons can recognize workers.
Webber said a soft public opening will be in 2024, followed by a formal grand opening with donors, dignitaries, and town officials in 2025, possibly in the spring.
Coun. Wayne Britton told the council that Murray Dickinson and Kent Kuhn need to be acknowledged for helping the project become a reality.
“Those are the two [people] that kept this [project] going for 22 years,” said Britton.
Treasurer Tina Pelkey said Dickinson and Kuhn are on the special friends list and will receive recognition.
Exterior masonry work and increased use of gallery space focus for Hartland library
Jeffrey Jones, library manager at the Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library, gave a presentation on the library’s past year and goals for 2025.
Going over priorities for 2025, Jones said they want to see increased use of the gallery space for community presentations and events. Other goals include improvements to the building, a doorbell for the elevator, painting the children’s section, and masonry work to the exterior.
Jones also stressed support for the New Brunswick Public Library Service strategic plan, which “has a particular emphasis on diversity inclusion over the next three years.”
He said this includes more off-site programs and outreach events.
“We’re ramping up our work with the school this coming year,” said Jones. “We continue to do an outreach program with the local daycare. We’re trying to have more for seniors, for newcomers, and homeschoolers. We are continuing to try to find ways to be a resource, especially to those who are in need in the community.”
Jones gave an overview of the last year, saying the percentage of items borrowed from the library increased by 18 percent.
“The fact is people are using our resources more and we find that very encouraging,” said Jones.
He noted that eclipse glasses worn before the complete solar eclipse brought traffic to the library, while the Canada volunteer tax program helped low-income families in the area.
Jones noted a celebration for the library’s 40th anniversary will be held on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m.
Council looks to address new concerns for lowered speed limit
In the wake of the council’s decision to lower the speed limit on a dangerous turn on Rockland Road, Coun. Lee Patterson raised concerns he received from local farm and construction operators.
Patterson shared their concerns about loaded trucks being rear-ended when downshifting to meet the 50 km/hour lowered speed limit.
Patterson said he received a suggestion to have a sign noting lower speed limits during school bus loading times.
Giberson said the town could install a slow vehicle sign and monitor to see how traffic responds.
Council approves wind farm FAQ for town website
Hartland council approved a motion to add a new FAQ (frequently asked questions) section to the town’s website about the upcoming JD Irving Ltd. Brighton Mountain Wind Farm project.
Webber said staff put the FAQ together, covering information on the project, the process being followed, and general information on wind energy.
Explaining his research, Webber said he footnoted information from JD Irving Ltd., the provincial website, and his own research from credible web sources after receiving advice from a Dalhousie scientist. He also referenced material from a Health Canada wind study.
Coun. Jason Smith asked if the FAQ would include what the town has done for consultation on the project to date. Webber said a list of what JD Irving, Ltd. has done for public consultation is included.
