Municipal leaders discuss town finances, pool leak, and bridge anniversary
Mayor Tracey DeMerchant called the meeting to order on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the Waterville Community Hall, thanking the host facility. “It’s always a pleasure to get out and visit the different facilities in our community,” she said, referring to the council’s recent endeavour, taking the show on the road and out to the communities.
Town finances show $70K improvement
Treasurer Tina Pelkey reported that as of August, the municipality had made a $70,000 inroad into its deficit position. Revenue included $24,000 from the sale of a backhoe and a Proceeds of Crime grant. Part of the gain was timing.
“We actually made the motion in September to move the $20,000 from the backhoe into a reserve, so that will come back out for sure,” Pelkey explained. Recreation revenues added another $3,400 from Fun Park, while expense savings totalled about $49,000.
Pelkey said the first draft of the 2026 budget would be presented to the Finance and Infrastructure Committee the day after the meeting, with a full council review scheduled for mid-October, when assessment numbers are released.
Water and sewer holding steady
On the utility side, Pelkey reported that water and sewer remain in surplus, though about $100,000 in expenses are expected before year-end.
Budgeted reserve transfers have already been made for the utility fund.
“If September continues positive, I think it is important we start looking at some of those budgeted reserve transfers we really need for capital projects coming down the pipeline in the next two to three years,” she said.
Milling and paving begin on 105
Acting Director of Public Works Jed Giberson told the council crews would be on site this week to begin milling on Route 105.
“We’re hoping it’s a two, two and a half day project and then paving to commence as soon as we’re done,” he said.
Library windows get fresh paint
Hartland Councillor Julie Craig and residents had pushed for action on the library’s aging windows. Giberson confirmed that John and Betty Lou Craig organized the repairs and repainting, while town staff handled the cleanup.
“They painted all the windows, and the doors as well. It looks very good,” he said. Library staff were pleased with the refresh.
Pool leak investigations continue
At the Day & Ross Community Centre, staff drained and cleaned the pool, which had made headlines earlier due to its closure after a water leak was discovered that was causing the pool to lose three inches of water per day.
The two main lines are being pressure-tested. Giberson said a Grand Falls company may be able to reline the pipes.
“They can put a new liner inside the pipe that’s there. That way we wouldn’t have to jackhammer the pool floor up,” he told the council.
Items from communications
Communications and Development Director Michelle Derrah highlighted a strong response to social media posts about a juvenile bald eagle near the covered bridge. One photo showed the bird perched at a picnic table behind CKS.
Derrah also promoted the Urban-Rural Rides program, noting there is only one registered driver in the Hartland area.
“If people are looking to volunteer, that’s a great way to help out,” she said.
Derrah also told the council that Covered Bridge Potato Chips will not be rebuilding the plant in Waterville, following its devastating fire in 2024. The company plans instead to develop a gift shop and tourist centre at the site.
Council begins plans to celebrate Covered Bridge’s 125th anniversary
Council passed a motion to apply for $20,500 from the provincial Commemorations and Celebrations program to mark the 125th anniversary of the Hartland Covered Bridge in 2026.
The overall budget is $89,700, with $8,500 to be covered by the town. Events will include fireworks, children’s activities, and an art installation at the library.
“It’s just nice to know that we live in that sort of community,” Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve noted, referring to residents’ past support for significant events.
Solar crosswalk beacon planned
Hartland Council also backed a Proceeds of Crime funding request for $9,582 to install a solar rapid-flashing crosswalk beacon on Rockland Road near the Central Carleton Nursing Home. Support letters came from the RCMP, the school, and the nursing home itself.
Recreation notes
Recreation Coordinators Dana Stokoe and Sean Sullivan reported success with summer programming. The Spud Cup raised $2,200, and Adam Chamberlain of Chamberlain Wealth Management made a $7,500 donation.
On Oct. 25, a Haunted Trail will be available, and ice bookings are already more than half full. The canteen, while slow over the summer, has been supported by local businesses. “They make a mighty fine burger,” said Councillor Wayne Britton.
Solid waste overhaul coming
Hartland Treasurer Pelkey outlined provincial mandates requiring the collection of organics by 2028-29. The Western NB Service Commission is preparing for weekly garbage collection, increased recycling, and the introduction of new rolling bins.
The changes could cost Hartland approximately $90,000 more annually by 2026, plus $25,000 per year for five years, starting in 2027.
Deputy Mayor Fairgrieve was blunt.
“If your taxes are going up (one of the reasons) is waste management, forced on us by the province,” he said.
“When they’re the only show in town,” said Councillor Jason Smith, “I find it aggravating sometimes to just accept what they say. They don’t have a lot of pressure to do better.”
Despite concerns, the council approved moving to 52 garbage pickups and 12 recycling pickups a year, in line with the commission’s request.
Next meetings
The council has scheduled its next meetings for October 14 and October 28 at 6:30 p.m. As part of their commitment to bring council to the community, the meetings may be held at the nursing home. Members joked about whether there would be a Halloween theme.
“I’ve been dressed up for 80 years,” quipped Councillor George Boone.
