Council approves closure of arena project steering committee
The town council approved shutting down the steering committee for the now-completed Day & Ross Community Centre.
Coun. Lee Patterson said only minor details remain to be completed, which staff can take the lead on.
The approved motion added that council recognizes the “months of dedicated service” from the members in bringing the project to fruition.
Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant also praised the work of the committee.
“I don’t think we’ll ever really understand the amount of time and effort that went into that [project], so we are very grateful, very grateful for each member of that committee.”
Clerk Michelle Derrah said a letter of thanks had been given to the committee members.
Coun. Wayne Britton expressed the desire for council to do more to recognize the work Murray Dickinson and Kent Kuhn put into the arena project.
Town pursuing WAWA permit necessary for waterfront project
Derrah said the town received word from ACOA that a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration (WAWA) permit must be obtained before a funding application can be considered. The clerk noted funding applications had been sent to ACOA and the Regional Development Corporation on Nov. 13, 2024.
Derrah added there could be engineering planning and costs in obtaining the WAWA permit that RDC offered assistance with. Derrah noted the Glenn Group gave an estimated cost of $37,000 to $50,000.
Derrah said Dan Glenn of the Glenn Group has been in talks with the Department of Environment and Local Government, and he indicated there’s a chance the permit cost could end up at around $5,000.
Council approved a motion to move forward with the engineering planning and costs to obtain a WAWA permit up to $50,000.
Council approves street lights for Alwright Court
Hartland council approved five street lights on Alwright Court during a regular council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Mayor DeMerchant said the cost per year for five street lights would be $972.45.
Derrah explained that a request had come to council to add street lights on Alwright Court, as the street is dark after the Irving gas station closes at 11 p.m.
Derrah said the council should add a “whereas statement” to avoid precedent and open the town to requests to do the same for other town streets.
Following the discussion, the council settled on adding, “whereas significant commercial development is taking place on Alwright Court, which will increase Hartland’s annual property tax revenue.
Public Works Director Jed Giberson told the council the 10 current street light poles go from the stop sign at the entrance to Alwright Court and extend to a development that will house Hartland Agromart upon completion.
Council approves grant applications for string quartet fundraiser, glow skate
Hartland council approved a municipal grant of $500 to support the Saint John String Quartet. Derrah said the request came from Peter Hyslop, requesting support for the Saint John String Quartet to come to Hartland from Feb. 28 and March 1.
Derrah said the quartet will spend Feb. 28 with Hartland Community School students, with a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The following day, the quartet will perform for kids at the Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library, with proceeds going to the HCS Fine Arts program.
Council also approved a grant for Hartland Helpers to put on a glow skate at the Day & Ross Community Centre on March 1 during the usual public skate at 6:45 p.m. The group also requested support from the town by waiving the rental fee.
Council approved a motion to approve the grant along with in-kind support through a free rental.
Town approves signage for farm market, funding for seating at waterfront park
Hartland council approved a motion to install signs for the Hartland Farmers Market in the downtown area and purchase and supply up to $2,000 in material for the Hartland Community School to construct up to four picnic tables and benches.
Hartland Clerk Michelle Derrah said Emily Nigro had made a presentation to council at the January 14 meeting asking staff to install signs she would provide, as well as provide additional seating with picnic tables and benches at the pavilion park site on Main Street.
The motion has the signs installed at the pavilion and the Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library.
Coun. Sam Walton noted the picnic tables and benches would be good for the school’s carpentry class.
Street light request at town intersection tabled
Council put aside a street light request for the intersection of Glass Road and Rockland Road until more conversation and research can be done.
Mayor DeMerchant said NB Power had determined a light could be installed on an existing hydro pole, with a cost of $194.49 per year.
Coun. Sam Walton said the person who made the request was concerned as “he has had people come down the hill, go through the stop sign, and end up in his yard.”
Walton said there could be other options, such as improved signage. He suggested further discussion at the town’s February Finance and Infrastructure meeting.
