Amherst considering new flag protocol
A new flag protocol policy is being suggested for the Town of Amherst.
Staff, at council’s March 19 committee-of-the-whole session, recommended sending a new flag protocol policy to council’s March 26 meeting for approval.
The new policy outlines how flags will be flown when displayed at town events or on flag poles owned by the town.
As an example, it says when a Canadian flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, it should be placed on a flag pole to the left from the point of view of the audience.
It also notes that when flying with two other flags, the Canadian flag shall be displayed in the centre.
The policy also indicates when flags will be flown at half-staff and for how long. It also includes a list of those for whom the flag will be flown at half-staff. It further notes the flag will be flown at half-mast yearly on April 28 in recognition of the Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace, Nov. 11 for Remembrance Day and Dec. 6 for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Staff noted the policy is in line with established flag etiquette as defined by the federal government.
The committee of the whole approved sending the proposed flag protocol to its March 26 meeting for approval.
Deer warning sign on Lord Amherst Drive not warranted
Amherst Police Chief Ian Naylor, the town’s traffic authority, informed council that he would not recommend the installation of a deer warning sign on Lord Amherst Drive.
Naylor said his decision was reached after he consulted with the provincial Transportation and Natural Resources departments and examining the motor vehicle collisions on Lord Amherst Drive that showed deer were not involved in any collision on the road.
Work continues on update of North Tyndal Wellfield protection plan
Staff informed the committee of the whole that a draft update of the North Tyndal Wellfield source water protection plan has been presented to the North Tyndal Wellfield Advisory committee, which is recommending the draft be sent to Amherst and Cumberland County councils for approval.
However, before that is done, the plan is to hold a public information session in order to obtain the public’s input into the document. No date has been set for the information session, but it is anticipated the updated plan will be presented to the two councils in April.
Town approaches Tesla
Staff informed the committee of the whole that they have followed council’s instruction and contacted Tesla regarding the installation of a Tesla rapid charging station in Amherst.
A reply from Tesla indicated the company has received the town’s inquiry and if it meets Tesla’s hosting requirements, the company will be in touch with more information.
Acadian monument update
Staff reported during the committee of the whole that they have contacted the Acadian Federation of Nova Scotia, as directed by council, seeking further input and information with respect to the installation of an Acadian monument in the town.
The federation, however, indicated the town should contact Parks Canada because the town’s initiative, which they support, does not fall within their mandate. Staff indicated they have contacted Parks Canada and are hoping the federal agency will be able to offer guidance.
Amendments to inter-municipal emergency services agreement recommended
Town staff recommended the committee of the whole send amendments to the inter-municipal emergency services agreement the town has with other municipalities in Cumberland County to council’s March 26 meeting.
Staff noted the agreement to provide mutual aid and emergency management services was established in 2013 when the towns of Springhill and Parrsboro existed.
Those two towns are now part of Cumberland County, resulting in the need an amendment that establishes a new governance model that would see Cumberland County with three voting members, Amherst two and Oxford one.
Another amendment amends the costs sharing formula as it relates to the Regional Emergency Management Organization, which would see Cumberland County increase its share of operational costs due to the fact Springhill and Parrsboro are now part of the county.
The amendments are recommended by the Regional Emergency Management Organization Advisory Committee and would go into effect on June 1 if they are approved by Amherst, Oxford and Cumberland County councils.
The amendments have no financial implications for the town.
The committee of the whole approved sending the amendments to council’s March 26 meeting for approval.
