Fundy Gypsum Update. Future of school. And more from Council meeting.

FUNDY GYPSUM UPDATE
CAO Rob Frost announced at the monthly meeting of town council that the town's lawyer is scheduled to meet with Fundy Gypsum.  CAO Rob wants a long term agreement in which the company would continue to pay taxes but less then they have been paying. It all depends on the assessment which is due later in December.

DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Harold Bulger reminded council of the letter sent from Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development minister Karen Casey discussing school closure and asking for municipal input. He urged council to respond. Contracts with P3 schools are up for renewal in 2016. Harold assumed the leases will increase. Part of the Liberals' mandate is to review closures. He asked, "Is Hantsport School on the block?"  The process for closing schools will begin in the summer of 2014.  Perhapss closure is not necessary if other uses can be found for schools.

WINTER CARNIVAL
Anyone wishing the help with the Winter carnival Jan.31 - Feb.2 is asked to contact councillor Paul Morton. Residents from Windsor Forks to Avonport are invited to volunteer and to enjoy the event.

SIP & CHAT
Mayor Rob Zwicker stated that the monthly Sip & Chats were not well attended and should be discontinued. But deputy mayor Harold Bulger and councillor Margot Bureau disagreed. One of the problems may have been changing places and times. Council will continue the informal meetings in January, February, and March on the 3rd Saturday from 9 - 10 AM at the town hall.

ASSISTANCE FOR PHILIPPINES
Paul also suggested that the town contribute to that country's disaster relief program. Any amount given will be tripled in the next few days. Council agreed to donate $200.

RINK ON TENNIS COURT
Liner will be placed on the tennis court surface to protect it from its use as a rink.