The proposed new library dominated the agenda during the Region of Queens last council meeting.<\/p>\n
As previously reported here, council voted to rescind their approval to build a new library at a site in Queens Crossing. They\u2019ve asked for studies to determine the cost to instead build either directly beside or attached to Queens Place Emera Centre.<\/p>\n
The March 14 meeting began with a presentation from Queens Care Building Society updating their progress on the new long-term care home to be built at Queens Crossing. The group is currently awaiting design approval before they can formally buy the land from Region of Queens.<\/p>\n
Next, council gave second reading to a Tax Exemption bylaw to support some non-profit organizations by allowing them to forgo paying their municipal property taxes. Council passed the motion to give up $241,000 in revenue for the Region of Queens.<\/p>\n
They also approved the naming of a new road off Shore Road in Western Head as Serenity Now Lane. Council then rescinded library approval before awarding a community grant of $2,800 to this station, QCCR to update some broadcasting equipment. Approval was granted to conduct an HVAC investigation at the Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre.<\/p>\n
Council agreed to provide $10,975 to DUMAC Energy to complete a comprehensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assessment to determine the needs and find solutions to the heating and cooling systems in the building which houses the Astor Theatre.<\/p>\n
During the discussion portion of the meeting council talked about creating a tiered support system for low-income property tax relief. Anyone with an annual household income up to $20,000 will receive $400 in relief, from there up to $25,000 will get $350 and between $25,000 and $30,000 will enjoy $300 in property tax relief. Council will vote on that proposal in an upcoming meeting.<\/p>\n
Added discussion items included how to reduce the amount the Region\u2019s fire services are paying for insurance.<\/p>\n
Council decided they will go with a lower cost insurance provider and pay the higher deductible for any of the five departments as there have been very few claims.<\/p>\n
The next council meeting will be held Tuesday March 28 in council chambers beginning at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n