By Craig Westcott/March 31, 2023
Bay Bulls council is moving to speed up part of the development process by handing over its authority for the issuance of demolition permits to Town staff.
Councillor Corey Roynane made the motion to devolve that responsibility, which was seconded by councillor Shannon O’Driscoll.
Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien asked whether council will still be informed when the permits are issued.
Town Manager Jennifer Aspell said the permits will be included for council’s review in the monthly permit report.
“It’s really just an effort not to hang people up,” she explained. “Demolition is usually the first step in the process for a development. So, if we can get demolition permits out the door quickly, the individual can get their application (to build) tabled (before council earlier) if they want to do a development.”
Roynane said he thinks it’s a good idea as it will speed up the process for residents.
In other council news:
Council has denied a request to waive interest on a tax account.
“I’m going to motion to deny waiving that interest,” said councillor O’Driscoll, “due to the fact it has been outstanding for a while with no effort to make payment on this account.”
Deputy Mayor O’Brien seconded the motion.
“I think it should be noted that there has been no cooperation from the individual to make a tax payment plan,” said O’Brien.
Town Manager Aspell pointed out the Town does offer a number of options for people who are struggling to pay their municipal taxes. “The interest relief one is one that we’ve had great success with over the last few years,” she added. “So, we do work with account holders quite frequently.”
In other tax related news, Gully Designs, which was located at 151 Southside Road, has been removed from the business tax rolls effective January 2023.
Deputy Mayor O’Brien made the motion to remove the business and to provide remission of $450 for the company’s 2023 taxes.
Councillor O’Driscoll seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
And in the monthly report on the Bay Bulls to Bauline Athletic association, Mayor O’Driscoll noted the organization’s after school program had to be discontinued.
“But moving along for the month of April and into Easter, they are opening up for the Easter Camp,” said O’Driscoll. “That’s a positive event there.”
The BBBAA’s indoor soccer program is also continuing, he noted.
