Kingston facing manpower, money challenges

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

For at least the time being, the Kingston Village Commission will function without a full complement of elected officials.

Dale Clarke joined three incumbent commissioners at the May 21 village commission meeting, assuming responsibility for the village’s recreation portfolio. Steve Nickerson and David Lowe, both heading into year two of a three-year term, were elected village chairman and vice chairman, respectively. Lowe will retain the waste water portfolio and picked up public works. Muriel Craig will continue to focus on tourism and downtown development in the village.

There was no decision made about filling the fifth commission seat. Acting village clerk Bill MacKinnon noted there is no urgency to do so, given the fact “there is no governance model requiring a fifth commissioner.”

Under the Municipal Government Act, the village commission must be comprised of at least three - and not more than five - elected representatives.

Nickerson said commissioners would give their revised workloads a try before making any further decision about filling the vacant seat.

Noise by-law revisited

The commission would not reverse its April decision against establishing a noise by-law in the village, despite a repeated request to do so from a village resident.

All commissioners agreed, without a by-law officer to enforce any regulation, “it wouldn’t be worth the paper it is written on.”

Craig noted the village is not in a financial position to hire or contract out by-law services, adding the commission may be able to respond more positively to the request if and when the County of Kings moves ahead with a potential plan to fund a by-law enforcement position.

Summer job funding down

Less than anticipated government funding for summer tourism positions means the village will have to spend $3,500 to hire an additional staff person for the visitor information centre (VIC).

In previous years, federal and provincial grants have provided funds for 2.5 full time positions. This year, the federal employment program will only cover the costs of one full time employee. Destination South West Nova Scotia is providing limited funding for staff positions.

Calling the grant application process “a mess,” Craig said the village has no choice but to dip into a reserve fund to ensure proper coverage at the VIC. Hours at the facility may have to be adjusted to accommodate fewer employees on staff.