Mixed agenda for one of last meetings before election
Hartland council moved through a mixed agenda on April 14, dealing with provincial road plans, health-care advocacy, year-end bookkeeping and another piece of the town’s waterfront work, while also looking ahead to the May 11 election and the end of the current council term.
Province flags Hugh John Flemming Bridge repairs
Council received the province’s latest Road Ahead information and heard that the Hugh John Flemming Bridge is now slated for repairs rather than full replacement.
CAO Julie Stockford said the work is expected to focus on supports beneath the arches. The bridge is not expected to close outright, though Hartland could see lane reductions once construction begins. Stockford said the town has asked for another meeting with the province before work starts, so residents and the council can receive clearer timelines and traffic information.
Council was also told the province’s online system now lets residents search road work by area.
Hospital concerns go back for another answer
A provincial reply to Hartland’s concerns about local services at Upper River Valley Hospital did not satisfy the council.
The letter largely pointed the town toward Horizon for more information, and the council agreed to revisit the matter.
Stockford was asked to contact the person named in the response and bring back what she could learn for a future meeting.
Volunteer night earns praise
Mayor Tracey DeMerchant used her report to praise the town’s April 9 volunteer recognition evening, calling it a strong event that honoured community groups and Hartland’s fire department.
She singled out the long service of local firefighters and thanked staff for the work behind the evening, joking that some hidden talents had surfaced in the building of the balloon arch.
Election questions and newsletter reach raised
With the May 11 election approaching, DeMerchant said at least one resident had asked where they should vote and why households in some outlying areas do not receive the town newsletter.
Michelle Derrah, director of communications and development, said about 1,650 newsletters are distributed through Hartland, Route 1 and Route 2, while other areas are left off the regular mailing list as a cost-saving measure. Residents who want a mailed copy can contact the town office and be added individually. Printed copies are also available at the town office, the Day & Ross Community Centre and the library.
Council agreed that residents with voting questions should be directed to Elections New Brunswick rather than rely on candidates’ informal guidance.
Sign vandalism brings a bill for taxpayers
DeMerchant also raised the defacing of a sign in the Cloverdale area. She said public works was able to remove the paint quickly, but noted that vandalism of that kind still costs the municipality money.
Her message was plain enough: if residents are unhappy about something, the town hall is easier to approach than a spray can.
Deputy mayor points to health recruitment, roads
Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve reported on a recent health-care meeting involving Horizon representatives and regional officials, then added a useful note from Plaster Rock, where the municipality has invested in recruiting a nurse practitioner and a family physician.
He also urged the council to bring forward road concerns ahead of an April 16 meeting with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure district supervisor, saying the town no longer has the same level of direct access it once had with previous departmental staff.
Reserve transfer avoids borrowing
Treasurer Tina Pelkey told council that the town’s auditor is recommending a $45,000 transfer from the general operating reserve fund to the general operating fund to address the unfunded local share of a 2025 capital project.
Pelkey said Hartland had once expected it might need to borrow that money, but now will not have to. The result, she said, should leave the town with an operating surplus of roughly $15,000, keeping the books close to last year’s position and helping avoid tax swings.
Council approved the transfer and was told the borrowing authority tied to that amount will now be removed from the town’s debt program.
Visitor centre deck contract awarded after budget questions
Council also awarded the Hartland Visitor Information Centre deck upgrade contract to Peak Construction for $113,434.52 plus HST.
The project includes deck expansion work and replacement of existing decking and railing. Council heard the recommended price came in above the engineer’s estimate but remained within contingency.
Council also heard that some boards had already been lifted for inspection, and the underlying structure appeared serviceable, though more issues could still surface once the full surface comes off.
