Mount Pearl CAO Dana Spurrell calling it a day

Outgoing Mount Pearl CAO Dana Spurrell during her four-year tenure at City Hall guided the City through a workplace harassment investigation, the pandemic, a union strike, and, more recently, the city-wide fear caused by random, violent attacks allegedly committedly by a group of Mount Pearl youths. Members of council praised her for her calm demeanor in the face of challenges. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

Cool, calm and collected.

Those were some of the words used by Mount Pearl councillors to describe outgoing Mount Pearl Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Dana Spurrell, and given some of the municipal quandaries Spurrell has had to lead the City through during her four years tenure, they were good qualities to possess for someone in her position.

Spurrell was hired in January of 2021, seven months after former CAO Steve Kent quit his position after having been suspended due to allegations of workplace bullying. Kent quit the position before council had cast an official vote on whether to fire him outright. Shortly after, councillors Andrea Power and Andrew Ledwell were dismissed from council for allegedly communicating with Kent inappropriately during the imbroglio.

On top of all that, the province entered it’s second COVD-19 lockdown on February 12 — Spurrell’s first week in office.

In 2022 Spurrell had to lead the City through a workplace strike that lasted nearly two months and occasionally turned ugly, with accusations of wrongdoing flying from all sides. And in the final weeks before her departure, the City has been rocked by a number of random, violent acts allegedly committed by youths that have left members of the community on edge.

“Talk about a baptism by fire,” said councillor Jim Locke. “Your tenure at the City was bookended by challenges… you have faced challenges, no doubt, but you always handled it with calm and poise.”

Locke said that Spurrell’s calmness in the face of adversity was a superpower, and that the City staff blossomed under her leadership. He wished her all the best with her future endeavours.

Deputy Mayor Nicole Kiely, who was elected to council in September 2021, said Spurrell made her feel welcome at the municipal table.

“You have led by example, and I know, for one, that I am a better councillor because of your guidance and leadership,” said Kieley.

Mayor Dave Aker said Spurrell was the perfect person to lead the City the last four years.

“Your leadership was second to none,” said Aker, who added that anybody on staff would back up his claim.

After a round of accolades and well wishes from council, Spurrell herself took a few minutes to address council and staff.

“If nicer words are ever said about me, it’ll probably be when I’m dead, so thank you all,” quipped Spurrell. “Councillor Locke caused me to reflect a little bit. My first day, I had a cell phone, with no contacts, and I was home at my dining room table in the middle of a shut down. And maybe that was a sign, because if nothing else I’ve been steeped in crisis management.”

Spurrell said that as a work family, City staff and council have experienced weddings and funerals and births and deaths together over the last four years, and through it all have carried on the work of the City. She called it a privilege to lead the City these last four years, and expressed her thanks to staff and council both.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to position the City for growth and change,” said Spurrell.

She added that her massage therapist might disagree with council’s assessment of Spurrell as calm and collected.

T’Railway lighting and lighted crossing highlight Mount Pearl budget

Mount Pearl councillor Chelsea Lane brought forth the City’s 2025 budget last week, balanced at $58 million. Residents will see no increases to either residential or commercial mil rates.

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl City council has approved a balanced budget of $58,858,583 that will see no increases to the residential or commercial mil rate, which stay at 7.7 and 12.4 mils respectively.

Water fees and waste disposal fees will also be held steady.

“As financial stewards, we must balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s aspirations,” said councillor Chelsea Lane, who brought forward the budget. “Rising costs, aging infrastructure, and growing demands for services present challenges —but they also offer opportunities. Opportunities to invest wisely, innovate boldly, and build a Mount Pearl that thrives.”

The budget greenlights a number of big-ticket infrastructure projects for 2025. Some $700,000 has been allocated to replace the Glencoe Drive culvert, $185,000 to modernize plant operations at the Glacier arena, and $100,000 to upgrade the lighting system at the Summit Centre. Additionally, the City has budgeted $2 million for fleet renewal, including the purchase of another ice resurfacer for the Glacier, two new garbage trucks, and a rear loader. The City is also increasing the road maintenance budget by 20 percent, committing $1.075 million to essential tasks such as crack sealing, asphalt repair, and line painting, and has committed to the purchase of a new bus.

The City has earmarked $187,000 for community groups such as the Seniors Independence Group and Association for the Arts, $120,000 to construct an accessible boardroom at City Hall, and $140,000 to upgrade flooring and add new equipment racks at the Glacier area.

Those who enjoy hiking the T’railway will be happy to hear $250,000 has been earmarked to light the City’s portion of the trail. Council has also committed $250,000 to improving the T’railway crossing at Commonwealth Avenue. That item in particular elicited a cheer from councillor Bill Antle, who has long campaigned for a light activated crosswalk at that particular section of trail.

The City has also budgeted $200,000 to it’s Urban Forestry Plan in a bid to preserve some of the City’s natural green spaces.

Heading into 2025, businesses can still avail of incentive programs such as the scaled taxation program, which will be expanded to attract businesses in the energy and technology sectors, façade improvement program, and energy efficiency grant program.

Following a number of random assaults committed by youths in recent weeks, Lane pointed out the City has budgeted $735,000 for municipal enforcement, some $29,508 of which has been earmarked for traffic calming devices, compared to last year’s budget of $695,646.

The City has also committed to the continuing development of the land north of Topsail Road, which will include the construction of a new water tower to support residential and commercial growth.

The City anticipates taking in $18.8 million in residential property taxes, roughly 32 percent of the City’s projected income. Business and utility taxes will account for 22 precent of the City’s budgeted income, and commercial property taxes will account for about 16 percent.

Transportation and Technical services, which include snow and ice control, fleet management, roads, traffic lights, and public transit, accounts for the City’s single largest expenditure, budgeted at $12.9 million. Some $1.2 million of that is earmarked for administration.

General government, which includes salaries and operations at City Hall, accounts for about 18 percent of the City’s total expenditures, or about $10.7 million.

Smiles for Food Bank contributors

Members of the Mount Pearl Lions Club were out and about at supermarkets and stores November 30 collecting donations for the city’s two St. Vincent de Paul food banks and the Salvation Army food bank. Club treasurer and Past President Gerald Coombs, left, and past treasurer Sean Keats, right, had a grateful word and warm smiles for all contributors. Craig Westcott photo

City approves land swap with humanitarian group

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl and the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of Habitat for Humanity this November agreed to a land swap that should prove beneficial to both parties.

“The land exchange is intended to provide mutual benefits, enabling both the city and Habitat NL to acquire parcels that are better aligned with their respective needs,” said councillor Chelsea Lane. “For Habitat NL, this exchange would enable the development of a much-needed multi-unit housing project while the City would be able to construct a bulb (a wider turn area) in the Croucher Avenue location, eliminating a safety risk during the operation of heavy city equipment. The Committee discussed and agreed in principle to support the City proceeding with an exchange of land between the City and Habitat for Humanity.”

The committee had recommended that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be signed, which was approved by council during last week public meeting.

“I think this is great news,” said councillor Bill Antle. “Habitat NL have been asking us for a piece of land for I don’t know how long. Since I’ve been on council, they’ve been trying to find a piece of land, and we finally got this to work, and it’s to the benefit of both of us. Down on Croucher Crescent, it’s hard for the snowplows and garbage trucks to make that turn down there. And up on Glendale Avenue, that’s a fine piece of land that the City owns, so this is great. We’re looking for new housing within the City so this is good news all around.”

Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley voiced her support of the motion as well.

“When we talk about the larger picture, when we talk about a safer, violence-free community, these are the type of organizations, these are the type of initiatives, that support that,” said Kieley, who said financial stress and desperation can breed violence and crime.

Council delegates more power to staff

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council recently approved a new delegation of authority that could see some developments contrary to City rules cleaned up quicker.

The move allows council to delegate authority to staff to administer orders to “pull down, remove, stop construction, fill in or destroy” a building or development that has fallen contrary to the City’s regulations.

Previously, the regulation required that a cleanup order be passed through a number of committee meetings before being presented to council for a public vote. The new delegated authority will allow the director to issue the order directly once non-compliance is identified by staff.

“I’m glad this is coming forward and I certainly support the recommendation,” said councillor Mark Rice. “We have a lot of areas in the city that are starting to get run down and dilapidated, so I’m glad this is coming forward. At least we have some autonomy and authority to move forward and make some decisions on behalf of the City.”

Councillor Bill Antle, who made the motion on behalf of the engineering committee, said he believed it was a great idea.

The motion passed unanimously.

Remembrance Day fundraisers

Alex Taylor, 16, of Mount Pearl has been volunteering with the Poppy Campaign in honour of his great grandfather Victor Taylor and other family members since he was 10 years old. Taylor, a talented musician, has also written a number of songs about Remembrance Day. Volunteering with Taylor is dad Dave Taylor. Submitted photo

'We'll put it to good use'

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl City council last week presented a cheque to local food banks thanks to donations raised during the second annual Haunting of Power’s Pond.

The $11,745 cheque will be split evenly among the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s food bank at St. Peters, its food bank at Mary Queen of the World, and The Salvation Army. Each food bank will receive $3,915, in addition to food donations.

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Newfoundland and Labrador President Sandra Milmore spoke on behalf of a number of food bank representatives who attended the presentation.

“We are very grateful for this money,” said Milmore. “We will put it to good use, I guarantee you. Our numbers are increasing… We’re doing the best to help the needy in our city, and we take great pride in doing so. So, again, thank you for this donation. We will put it to good use, we promise.”

Members of council applauded City staff and volunteers for their dedication to the event.

Councillor Isabelle Fry, meanwhile, encouraged residents to take advantage of the food bank if necessary.

“There is no shame, if you need to, to reach out and contact a food bank,” said Fry. “That’s what it’s there for. Everyone needs help from time to time. It’s hard to make that first phone call, but if you need it, that’s what it’s there for.”

Bob Lovett of the St. Mary Queen of the World food bank encouraged folks to consider donating cash to food banks, explaining that food banks stretch their dollars by buying products in bulk when they’re on sale.

The City estimates some 28,000 people braved the spooky Power’s Pond trail, which was open to residents this past October.

Members of council presented a cheque to local food bank representatives during last week’s public council meeting, representing monies raised during the second annual Haunting of Powers Pond Halloween spooktacular. From left are recreation director Jason Collins, councillor Jim Locke, councillor Chelsea Lane, Sandra Milmore, Mayor Dave Aker, Linda Vincent, Bob Lovett, councillor Bill Antle, and councillor Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo

Community centre "off to a little bit of slow start" but still on schedule

By Mark Squibb

While construction of a new community centre poised to replace the aging Park Place facility has gotten off to a slow start, the contractor should hit all the construction milestones right on schedule, said Mount Pearl’s Director of Planning, Engineering and Development, Scott Batt.

Mayor Dave Aker broached the subject during the October 29 public council meeting. Aker said it appears that things are off to a slow start, but noted the steel has been ordered, the foundation has been poured, and the design is underway. He then asked Batt for further clarification.

“As you said, they’re off to a little bit of a slow start, but things have picked up substantially,” said Batt. “The foundation has been poured, and there are a couple sets to be poured next week. Excavation is complete for the building, we’re anticipating final design drawings in the next couple of weeks, and all the critical milestones are on course, so congrats to the team for helping keep that on track. It’s good news going forward.”

The contract for the centre, valued at $15.5 million, was awarded to JMJ Holdings Ltd., earlier this year, and a groundbreaking event was held in July at the Team Gushue Sports Complex, the site of the new facility. It will boast a splash pad and ice rink combination surface, and a multi-purpose space complete with stage and retractable bleachers.

“I think it’s important for our residents to know where we stand with this,” said Aker. “There’s a lot of money being spent over there, and it’s important that we do it right, and I think the schedule is top of mind for not just us, but our residents, especially next year with the Canada Games starting to take over some of that parking area.”

Council approved the building permit for the centre’s splash pad and ice surface during the October 29 meeting, and construction is expected to be completed by early 2026.

Hefty consulting contract necessary to move on Northlands, says Council

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council has taken a major step in the future development of the land north of Topsail Road,

Councillor Bill Antle advised his council colleagues October 29 that staff have received two proposals from engineering companies seeking to act as consultants for the City, or in the new bureaucratic parlance, provide “Owners Advisor Services” for the North of Topsail Road project.

After reviewing the proposals, staff recommended that council award the contract to Altus Group.

“Altus’ team will provide services in areas such as project management, business consultation, legal, architecture, surveying, cost estimating, risk management, civil and geotechnical engineering, inspection and commissioning, landscape architecture, environmental, and planning,” said Antle. “Services will be billed on an as-needed basis up to the agreed limit. The Altus Team will act on the City’s behalf to facilitate development of lands north of Topsail Road —everything say from behind Avalon Ford and on the other side of Wyatt Boulevard.”

Altus proposed to provide its services for a three-year period, but staff will review the proposal at the end of the first year to determine if it will be extended, Antle said.

Staff recommended council contract Altus Group to a maximum limit of $862,143, HST included, for one year.

“This is a huge amount of money,” admitted councillor Jim Locke. “But this is a significant development in the City of Mount Pearl… This is the last vacant area to this scale that we can develop, and I’m glad that councillor Antle outlined all the professional services that are enrolled in this particular contract. There’s a lot of expertise required here. And as good as our staff are, we don’t have all the in-house expertise necessary to organise and plan something of this scale. So, I just wanted to highlight that while it’s a lot of money, there’s a lot of services for that money, and I’m hoping this development is going to be unique, it’s going to be a destination.”

Councillor Mark Rice also expressed support for the contract.

“There are so many parts of this puzzle that need to come together to make this work,” said Rice. “And getting a group that has expertise in all these areas is so important to us. Like councillor Locke mentioned, we don’t have all the expertise at the City, and we’re maxed out with staff in certain areas, but having this group come on board now, and getting us going in the right direction and supporting us and having a team approach is very important.”

Mayor Dave Aker noted that while the City has excellent engineering, planning, and finance staff, the scope of the project, which includes the planning of a water tower, is beyond the capability of City staff alone.

“We need to calculate for a variety of developers and a variety of landowners, and it’s important that the City recover it’s cost at the end of the day though a system of levies, and I think the Altus Group will be playing a major role, especially in the business development side,” said Aker. “The business model will be key to moving this forward.”

Director of Corporate Services Cassie Rideout said staff have been meeting with Altus Group, and that a return of investment for the City has been a high priority in the discussions.

“We’ve started that work with Altus already, and we understand the importance of being transparent with developers and being able to say, ‘Look, this is going to be the levy that we recover for the build of this long-term project,’” said Rideout. “We’re building, almost, a small community within our community.”

Councill Antle had the final say before the matter went to a vote.

“I sometimes hear people say, ‘How does Mount Pearl grow? What’s next?’ And Northlands is it. North of Topsail Road is where we are,” said Antle, who added the motion to award the contract is the culmination of several years work in preparing the area for development.

The area may accommodate upwards of 2,000 homes, and council hopes much of the $862,000 will be recouped through levies on their development.

The motion passed unanimously.

Huskies win Darryl Reid Memorial Tournament

The Mount Pearl Senior High Huskies edged the host Queen Elizabeth Pioneers in the championship game to win the 39th Annual Darryl Reid Memorial Tournament last weekend at the CBS Arena in Kelligrews. The members of the winning squad include, starting in the back row, from left: Gary Hayes, Mick Cutler, Marcus Wolfe, Thomas Hoddinott, Kethan Hooper, Jacob Coish, Ryan Burridge, Zach Earle, Noah Seymour, Ben Macdonald, AJ Simmonds, Denver Lacey, Grayden Bath, Ethan Collins, Cole Sweeney, Logan Power, Chris Druken, and Matthew Earle. In the front, from left, are: Kelley Button, Gavin Penney, Collin Silver, Riley Fahey, Kyle Button, Jordy Flynn, Ethan Jones, Mason Gaulton, and Matthew Bastow. Photo by Nathan Edwards