How many councillors for Hantsport? How the town can save money. And more.

Hantsport must determine how many councillors it needs, Mayor Rob Zwicker announced at the March town council meeting. This was in the Boundary Review which the NS government sent out recently to all municipalities. Several years ago the town reviewed the same issue and held a public meeting. Do citizens want to maintain the status quo of 6 councillors or reduce the number? Council will make the final decision, according to CAO Rob Frost. He will compile a list of information showing how many councillors towns have which are similar in size to Hantsport. He will turn this list over to a committee of the committee of the whole.

CAO Frost stated the town can save money in the following areas:

1. Information Technology: The town can save $15,000 by reducing IT to a single day of service each week. This is all the town needs and can afford. It will continue its partnership with Windsor.
2. Planning services: Greg Cook can continue to do major planning for the town. For minor planning, the town now has an understanding with Wolfville for the services of a planner at the cost of $50 an hour.
3. By laws: Wolfville has hired a 2nd by law officer and reduced its police force. Hantsport can share that officer. Cost is $400 a year. Major concerns: unsightly premises, dog by laws, and parking.
4. Tourism: the town office can serve as the tourist bureau. And the town can partner with Windsor and West Hants in Avon branding.

Rumour: Toxic waste will not be stored in the Fundy Gypsum shed.

Deputy Mayor Harold Bulger asked the town to give $500  to the Hantsport Homecoming Concert. CAO  Frost stated that the time and resources which the town will give to the concert will come to more than $500.

Easter Egg Hunt - April 12 - 1 to 3 PM -0 HMCC grounds

Chris Cuvillier - Hantsport's Volunteer of the year. See blog post Fri. Feb. 28 for details.

Council is considering a system of flags for pedestrians to use a crosswalk. Port Williams is using this. The town will need 30 or 36 flags at a cost of $6 a flag. The CAO will investigate cheaper options.