Fire truck fundraising, May meeting changes among items discussed
Hartland Town Council met on March 24 to review a range of municipal and community items. Mayor Tracey Demerchant opened the meeting, attended by council and department heads.
From the treasury
Treasurer Tina Pelkey told council that as the provincial fiscal year ends, staff have been updating the town’s grant records. She specified that $90,000 for the pavilion park project and $15,000 for the water and wastewater system study (which includes an incomplete well casing assessment) have been requested to be carried forward into 2026.
Pelkey told council that the town’s auditor had recently been in Hartland, and staff are hoping to have the year-end audit ready for council review in April. Pelkey also noted it is normal for the town to show a deficit at this point in the year and said there was “no cause for alarm at this point.”
Council also heard that the town completed a $40,000 transfer from reserves to cover additional expenses related to work at town hall, the community room, and the library. Pelkey said the town has applied for external funding to reimburse these project costs, but has not yet received any funds.
Pelkey noted $50,000 in donations for the new fire truck, with a reserve transfer for the chassis. Donations are still being accepted, and the municipality can issue tax receipts for contributions to the fire department.
Council was updated on the town’s 125th anniversary funding. Pelkey detailed that $35,000 has been received, with another $17,800 anticipated in April. This brings the total expected funding for the anniversary to $52,800.
News from public works
Acting director of public works Jed Giberson reported using 271 tonnes of salt this winter, at a cost of $41,000 to the town.
“It’s a bit abnormal,” he said. “We had the freezing rain events before and after Christmas that really drove that high.”
Giberson assured the council that the department remains within budget.
The second shipment of parts for the flashing crosswalk signs planned for the Hawthorne and Rockland intersection has arrived, Giberson confirmed. He said staff hope to have them installed around the first week of April, after the solar system is prepared.
“We had a hat-trick,” Giberson said, reporting that the town dealt with three water breaks in three weeks on Rockland Road. He said all were repaired without boil-water orders and that repairs were made using repair sleeves.
Council also heard the town’s 2007 International truck and 2016 Dodge were sold at auction. Giberson said the Dodge sold for more than expected, while the International sold for less after it failed to start in the cold.
“We got a little less on that one than we planned.”
Giberson also reported a rear-end seal issue on the town’s 1992 payload truck. He said staff discovered additional wear while looking into the repair and are now deciding how to proceed.
Hartland recreation
- Recreation currently shows about $17,000 in revenue as of this reporting period. Staff noted that these figures may appear lower at the start of the season because not all payments have been received or fully processed.
- The recreation department reported six bookings for the community room during the month and noted that a new boxing class has started in the fitness room.
- Staff also highlighted continued partnership with Nursing Home Without Walls at Day and Ross Community Centre. Current programs include walk-and-talk sessions, brain games, and senior cards.
- An Easter egg hunt is planned for April 4 from 10 a.m. to noon.
- A May basket-making clinic is also expected to open for registration.
- Indoor pickleball is finished for the season and will move outdoors until the end of May.
- Ball hockey will begin once the ice is out, with ball hockey provincials scheduled for June 5 and 7.
Communications and development notes
“As you may know, there is a municipal election coming up,” Director of Communications and Development Michelle Derrah said lightheartedly to council.
Derrah said the town is encouraging residents to run in the upcoming election. Information is being shared through Facebook, the town website and Elections New Brunswick.
The Hartland Helpers’ next free community supper will be held at the New Brunswick Bible Institute at 5 p.m. Derrah noted transportation will be offered for anyone in need.
New Brunswick has announced that its equalized payment plan has been extended to include businesses and apartment owners.
“There is no admin fee,” explained Derrah. “The bill is divided into 12 equal payments and automatically withdrawn from your bank account.”
Derrah reported that two building and development permits were issued in February, totalling $190,000 in construction value. She added that the year-to-date construction value is $389,034.
Council also heard that documents for the waterfront boat launch are expected to be finalized before the end of March. Once that is finished, the town will be able to decide whether to go to tender, request for proposals, or quote, depending on the final estimated cost.
Derrah also updated the council on the proposed deck expansion at the visitor information centre. She said contractors are being contacted for pricing, and the goal is to have the work completed by the end of May.
From the fire hall
The Hartland Fire Department reported 11 calls in February. Those included two alarms, two motor vehicle accidents, one structure fire, one near-miss structure fire, three off-road calls, and one medical assist.
The department also completed scheduled training on Feb. 28 using a house made available for that purpose. Members from the Glassville Fire Department also joined the session.
Councillor Walton asked how the department chooses houses for training burns. Fire Chief Philip Brown replied that residents can contact the department if they wish to have a structure removed.
“We come in,” said the Chief, “to see whether it’s safe to do it. We do it as often as we can. The more the better.”
Brown also explained the department’s off-road rescue calls. He said the department uses its side-by-side with tracks when emergency crews are unable to leave the roadway.
Administration outlines procurement and records work
“It was a busy month,” said CAO Julie Stockford as she reported on administration issues.
Stockford said the procurement of the floating dock and gangway was a key file this period. She said the administration managed a formal grievance, issued written responses, obtained consultant records, and completed an internal review to document and defend the process.
Stockford reported that the administration addressed unauthorized electrical work at the Day and Ross Community Centre. She said direction focused on safety, liability, insurance, and proper approval.
Proposed animal control bylaw plan proceeds
Council gave second reading to a new, consolidated animal control bylaw.
The bylaw would combine and replace older bylaws on impounded cattle and responsible dog ownership into a single updated animal control bylaw.
“The new bylaw extends coverage beyond dogs to include all animals, including livestock and poultry,” explained Mayor DeMerchant. “It improves clarity, consistency and administrative flexibility while maintaining public safety and responsible ownership standards already in place.”
Upcoming election causes council meeting changes
Council approved the cancellation of the regular May 12 meeting due to the municipal election and the timing of the recount.
The council also approved a ceremonial swearing-in and orientation session for the new council on May 26 at 6:30 p.m. The session will not include regular council business.
The next council sessions will take place on April 14 and 28 at the town hall. As always, the public is invited to attend.
