Cost of running Town Hall up $250,000 in Witless Bay

By Mark Squibb
December 8, 2023 Edition

The cost to keep the Town Hall up and running in Witless Bay has increased over $250,000 according to figures contained in council’s budget for 2024.

Compared to Budget 2023, monies allocated for local government have increased to $704,886 from $450,320.

The total spent on salaries is projected to increase from $188,254 this past year to $251,600, next year. The payroll burden, which includes the Town’s share of Canada Pension Plan contributions, employment insurance fees, and payroll taxes, has increased from $16,358 to $55,854. Employee benefits are going up from the $2,000 budgeted this past year to $18,375, while professional development and training costs will rise from $6,000 in 2023 to $37,200. Costs for professional services, which include consultant fees and legal fees, is forecast to go up from $54,500 this year to $72,000 in next year.

Across the board there are some variations expected between the two budget years.

The Town is anticipating about $79,000 more in tax revenue this year, and council is also working with a $71,700 surplus from last year.

The protective services budget is down to $189,940 from $294,888, while transportation services is down to $189,940 from $294,888. Environmental health services, which includes garbage collection, is forecast to go down to $151,000 from the $205,750 allocated this year. Recreation spending will drop to $57,500 from the $91,900 set aside last year.

The planning and development budget meanwhile is up to $46,000 from $37,500.

The budget and 2024 tax structure sees the residential and commercial mil rate held at 5 and 10 mils respectively.

Shrek Christmas float by Mobile Central High School

Mobile Central High School treated residents of Witless Bay and beyond to a Christmas float of a different kind in last weekend’s Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade through Witless Bay. Members of the student council thought it a grand idea to ‘Shrek the Halls’ this year in tribute to the animated movie Shrek.  Ogres, Humpty Dumpty, gingerbread men, the Three Blind mice, the Big Bad Wolf, a prince or two, and other fairytale creatures from the popular film franchise joined Santa Claus to wish residents their best. A number of Skilled Trades students helped make the float, and school principal Gary Petten said students were over the moon when they learned they had received the first-place float award for their festive and creative float, which was complete with a medieval castle. Petten said the Shrek theme allowed students to play a variety of different characters you don’t often see at Christmas time, and the students are considering a similar idea for next year’s float. In the back row, from left are Gary Petten, Denver Petten, Matthew Hayward, Kelton Power, Dominick Lundrigan, Charlene Power, James Sullivan, Jane O'Driscoll, Aiden O'Brien, Ava Power, Rowan Power, Cole Sullivan, and Bella Carter.  In the front, from left, are Cathy Puddister Madeline Sharpe, Owen Petten, Nathan White, Abbi Sullivan, Liam Kielly, and Zoey Dowden. Besides those who rode the float, a number of Mobile students marched in the parade. Look for more pictures from the parade in next week’s Christmas edition of the Irish Loop Post. Submitted photo

Provincial money helping to marry Mount Pearl’s old W&S lines with Northlands

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
December 1, 2023 Edition

The City of Mount Pearl has received $6.5 million dollars from the provincial government for municipal infrastructure improvements.

In addition to water and sewer upgrades to Holden Street and Ingerman Street, more than $3.6 million will be spent on a new community center, which will replace Park Place.

Minister of Transportation John Abbott and City and provincial officials made an appearance at the Soccer Hut on Arena Road Wednesday to announce the money, which is part of the City’s 2023-2026 multi-year capital works funding from the Province.

“These types of investments not only benefit the city, the town, or community’s sense of belonging and well being, but also generate employment opportunities and economic benefits,” Abbott said.

Larger municipalities can avail of three-year blocks of funding as part of the program, which is designed to support planning and scheduling of work for major infrastructure projects.

“All of us depend on the infrastructure that surrounds us,” Abbot said. “We want good roads to drive on, clean and safe drinking water, and structures, buildings and facilities that support our community activities.”

Mayor Dave Aker said the City is taking steps to match up Mount Pearl’s old water and sewer pipes with the new infrastructure expected to come with the eventual development of approximately 1,800 homes in the Northlands area located north of Topsail road.

“This infrastructure is not integral for us to move into those new lands and develop it, but we don’t want to be connecting new infrastructure to old,” he said. “It’s due for a replacement and this will help with growth of the city to come.”

MHA Lucy Stoyles touted the benefits of new community centre for the city’s seniors, who she said are reluctant to use the current facility because of its age.

“Most of the seniors won’t get in that elevator because they’re afraid it’s going to break down,” said Stoyles.

The Grinch at Mount Pearl Lions Club Food Drive

Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
December 1, 2023 Edition

The Grinch poses mischievously with friends Sandra Millmore and Dion Cantwell outside Wal-Mart during the Mount Pearl Lions Club Food Drive Fill the Truck Challenge last weekend. Aside from Wal-Mart, shoppers also found trucks parked outside Sobeys, Dominion, and Coleman's. The Lions Club thanked those who donated food, including a gentleman who donated an entire cart full of groceries. Grinch spokesperson Bonnie Evely said she was just happy to put smiles on children's faces. Chad Feehan photo

Tear it down, says the inspector

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
December 1, 2023 Edition

The owner of a dilapidated house on Bannister Street has been served a demolition order by the City of Mount Pearl.

A number of notices have been left at the dwelling since 2019 ordering the owner to fix its problems, which as of January of this year included interior water damage, compromised interior walls, a structurally compromised chimney and exterior walls, crumbling foundation, broken windows, rot, mold, and a hole in the roof.

Residents in the area have complained about the consistent presence of rodents around the home.

An inspector with the St. John’s Regional Fire Department deemed the property a fire hazard, and at risk of spreading fire to other homes. Because of this, the inspector recommended the property be demolished.

The property owner has been ordered to demolish the building within 30 days of the date of the order, but has been unresponsive by telephone since September 21 of this year.

If the property owner fails to demolish the home, the City will do so while charging all associated costs to the owner as a civil debt.

According to City law, the owner or any interested person has the right to appeal demolition orders for a fee of $200.

The motion to issue the order was passed by City council unanimously.

The City of Mount Pearl has been trying to get the owner of this property to make repairs since 2019. Chad Feehan photo.

Winter parking ban takes effect next Friday

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 24, 2023 Edition

It’s that time of year again: Mount Pearl’s winter parking restrictions come into effect December 1 and will remain in place until the last day of March, 2024.
Between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m., vehicles are prohibited from parking on City-owned streets and land. Parking in those areas during and for 12 hours after a storm is also prohibited.
The penalty for infringing on either of those restrictions is $75, but drivers are also at risk of having their vehicles towed.
During last week’s council meeting, Mayor Dave Aker noted there have been suggestions to implement restrictions following the first occurrence of snow, but allowed the December 1 date has “stood the test of time.”
Councillor Jim Locke agreed the consistency of a regular date, based on weather patterns and historical data, has proven beneficial.
“The whole intent of this is to expedite and ensure safe snow clearing operations on our city streets,” he said.
Director of Public Works Glen Dollimont pointed out that snow has already started to fall, and the parking restriction also benefits operations such as street salting.
“It makes a difference when everything is out of the way; we can do our job quicker, easier, and safer,” he said.
Councillor Chelsea Lane also agreed with keeping the date as it is.
“I think it’s better to be proactive than reactive,” she said. “I think there’s no reason to change things when things are working well right now.”
In addition to parking restrictions, the City can fine you $50 to $100 for shoveling, plowing, and blowing snow from driveways and parking lots onto roadways, sidewalks, and carriageways.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Christmas Blessings Market

Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 24, 2023 Edition

As busy as they may be, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus found the time to stop by the Christmas Blessings Market at the Salvation Army Mount Pearl Citadel last Saturday. Lilly White and her parents Vera and Steve White were one of the last families to get a photo with the big man before he went on his way again. Chad Feehan photo

‘Candy Packing’ night at Park Place

November 24, 2023 Edition

The Mount Pearl Lions Club with the help of other volunteers, and the Scouts held a ‘Candy Packing’ night at Park Place last Saturday. Some 3,500 bags were prepared for giveaways at the annual Lions Club Santa Claus Parade set for Saturday, December 2. Local musician Alex Taylor entertained the volunteers while they worked, a couple of whom even took advantage of the music to have a dance during a break in the packing. Volunteers were also rounded up by local MHAs Lucy Stoyles and Paul Lane, making for some 50 people participating overall. Lions Club spokesman Gerald Coombs expressed thanks to all the businesses and individuals who donated candy for the parade and to everyone who helped get the bags ready. Among those preparing the goody bags, were, from left: Kaila Harnum, Robyn Kenny, John Oates, MHA Paul Lane, Kimberley Cox-Kielly, and Sean Keats. Some 35,000 candies were used with leftovers going to local groups that serve children and families.

Soccer Association takes time to acknowledge top performers

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 24, 2023 Edition

The Mount Pearl Soccer Association (MPSA) has named the top performers in the organization over the past year.

Last week, the club announced that Harrison Luff is the recipient of the Neil Bodman Male Athlete of the Year Award. Luffman played a great season under Coach Rudy Norman on the Boys Under 15 Premiere Youth League (PYL) team.
Bella Norman took home the Dave LeGrow Female Athlete of the Year Award after playing an outstanding season with the Girls Under 12 PYL team.
Jeremy Brake was awarded the Senior Male Athlete of the Year Award. The association recognized Brake for being an important part of this year's Challenge Cup team.
Maggie Pottle is this year’s Senior Female Player of the Year due to her skill exhibited on the Hickman Motors Ladies Intermediate team.
The Coach of the Year was a dual-win this year, going to Nazri Buang and Colin Andrews. They had a busy year leading their Boys Under 11 team to a very successful season, according to the association.
The Hickman Motors Ladies Intermediate team came out on top with the Team of the Year Award. They took first place in Ladies Intermediate Tier 2 and were the top scoring team in both Tier 1 and Tier 2.
The President’s Award was given to the MPSA Director of Officials Shannon Tobin. Tobin leads and mentors a large group of youth officials and was always eager to help out on top of scheduling referees for over 600 games this past summer.
Lilly Tobin was named Official of the Year. Tobin spent a deal great of time on the field this summer for the Club League and Metro League, in addition to helping with other leagues.
This year’s Recognition Award was given to Karen Brake. She is described by the organization as a passionate volunteer who worked the gate in rain or shine, traveled to Burin with the team, and was always willing to help.
Marsha Ransome is the Volunteer of the Year Award winner. Ransome is a soccer mom, board member, team manager, and is always helping out in the background.
Neil McLeod took home the Alumni of the Year Award. McLeod has been an MPSA volunteer for over 50 years, filling the roles of player, coach, official, board member, and supporter in many other ways.

City has to tighten insurance policy for bookings at public facilities

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 24, 2023 Edition

Booking time at City facilities in Mount Pearl will now require adherence to insurance regulations.
At last week’s city council meeting, councillor Mark Rice detailed information that was reviewed during an October meeting of the corporate services and public works committee.
Due to changes with the City’s insurance underwriter, third parties renting City facilities for their own purposes are now required to provide a copy of their commercial general liability, and request the City be named as an additional insured party. Those unable to provide that documentation or who don’t have such insurance can request coverage under the City’s policy.
If alcohol is served at a City facility, renters must provide proof of responsible training in order to maintain coverage.
Mayor Dave Aker welcomed the change, calling it “the prudent thing to do.”
The change to the City’s insurance policy has been in effect since July.