Town of Parsons Pond P.O. Box 39, Parsons Pond,  NL  A0K 3Z0 Telephone:  (709)243-2564    Fax:  (709)243-2254 Brenda Biggin, Mayor  /  Robin Payne, Deputy-Mayor  /  Blanche Thornhill, Town Clerk/Manager Wayne Bennett, Regional Maintenance  /  Corey Ward, Part-time Maintenance Mike Verge, Fire Chief  /  Angela Thornhill, Recreation/ Ambulance Committee Adelaide Shears & Mae Coles

December Newsletter 2015

Water Reservoir

There are people entering the road to the water reservoir on 4 wheelers and other types of bikes. There is mud entering the water from the bikes having the road spun up. If you have any concerns for family or friends that use and drink this water on a daily basis maybe you should find an alternative route to ride those bikes. This is the town’s property and if anyone knows who is using this road to the water reservoir please contact the town council office. This is a very serious concern.

Christmas Office Hours

The Town Council wants to wish everyone in our town, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

During the holidays the Town Office will be closed from December 23^rd, 2015 to January 4^th   2016. 

Please try and take care of any business you have with the council before the office closes.  The Town Councilors and Staff will only be available in case of an emergency.

Parade and Christmas Tree

The annual Santa Claus Parade is Saturday, December 19^th, 2015.  The Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. from the Community Centre; we ask that all floats be there for 12:30 p.m.  The Christmas Tree will follow the Parade.  Santa Claus will be riding in the Fire Brigade Float again this year.

We would love for everyone to come out and participate again this year.

For further information please contact:

Mike Verge, Fire Chief  243-2560                        Boyce Decker, Deputy Chief 243-7293                      Stan Patey, Treasurer     243-2382                        Town Office                          243 2564                                                          

Safety Tips for Christmas

Here are a few helpful tips to help make our holidays a safe and happy one:

1.       When buying a real tree, check to see that it is fresh.  Water tree daily.  Make sure the tree is well secured in a sturdy stand. Place tree away from any source of heat.

2.       When decorating your home, only use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside. 

  Check all light and plug-ins to ensure they are working properly.

Fire Brigade Tickets

The winners of the tickets sold by the Fire Brigade were:

1^st Prize 11x14 Picture                   Sharon Ball

2^nd Prize Christmas Stocking        Simone Stone

3^rd Prize Tree Skirt, Table Runner, Coasters, & Apron                                                                                                                                   Della Blanchard

4^th Prize  Christmas Swag            Harmony Decker

The Fire Brigade wants to thank everyone who bought tickets and the people and organization that donated these items.               

Snow Clearing Regulations

(a)    During the period of December 1 to May 31 it is illegal to park any vehicle on a street or highway under the jurisdiction of the Town Council of Parsons Pond, between the hours of 12 midnight and 8:00 a.m.

(b)   It is illegal to throw, push or otherwise deposit snow or any other material onto any street or highway (which would also include all street reservation and ditch areas).

Violators may be ticketed for each occurrence.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.  These regulations are in place for everyone’s safety.

Budget with Revenue/Expenditures for 2016

The Town has taken steps to provide a balanced budget for 2016. Below is a breakdown of revenue and expenditures

Revenue:

Water/Sewer/Property/Business $201,842.69

Sales of Goods and Services $ 700.00

Other Revenue $35,000.00       

Government Transfers $125,994.86                                         

Total Revenue $363,537.55                    

Expenditures

General Government $ 139,152.72

Protective Services   $ 40,051.75

Transportation Services $ 90,424.50

Environmental Health                     $ 48,195.89

Fiscal Services               $ 45,712.69

Total Expenditures:     $ 363,537.55 

Garbage Collection

Council wants to inform residents Christmas Week garbage collection will be on the following days:

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Waste Management Site will be closed on the following days:

Friday, December 25, 2015

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Friday, January 1, 2016

Town of Parsons Pond P.O. Box 39, Parsons Pond,  NL  A0K 3Z0 Telephone:  (709)243-2564    Fax:  (709)243-2254 Brenda Biggin, Mayor  /  Robin Payne, Deputy-Mayor  /  Blanche Thornhill, Town Clerk/Manager Wayne Bennett, Maintenance  /  Arch Payne, Part-time Maintenance Mike Verge, Fire Chief  /  Angela Thornhill, Recreation/ Ambulance Committee Adelaide Shears & Mae Coles

November  Newsletter 2015

Remembrance Day Service

Wednesday, November 11^th, 2015 there will be a service held for Remembrance Day.  It will be at the Community Center starting at 10:30 a.m., and then proceeded to the Anglican Cemetery for remainder of the service. The Mayor will lay a wreath in tribute.  May we never take for granted what these people do for us.   Following the service there will be finger foods at the Community Center sponsored by the Town Council.

Municipal Taxes

We would like to thank those of you that have made an effort to pay your taxes.  For those of you that still owe taxes please make an effort to get your taxes paid. The deadline for unpaid taxes were October 31 2015. 

Community Enhancement Project

The Community Enhancement project is started again this year. Any Senior or persons with disability, there will be workers available to assist in daily chores.

Boil Water Advisory

The boil water advisory was lifted as of Friday October 30^th, 2015.  We would like to thank you for your understanding during this time.

Wreath Project

 

This will be the third year of the handmade holiday wreath project. If anyone is interested in this project or buying a wreath, please contact the Town Council Office.

Garbage

There have been reports there are garbage being dumped in the pit at the Subdivision. This is unacceptable and if anyone know who is disposing of this garbage, please contact the Town Council Office. The Long Range Waste Site is ope  Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 A.M- 3:00 P.M.

Town of Parsons Pond P.O. Box 39, Parsons Pond,  NL  A0K 3Z0 Telephone:  (709)243-2564    Fax:  (709)243-2254 Brenda Biggin, Mayor  /  Robin Payne, Deputy-Mayor  /  Blanche Thornhill, Town Clerk/Manager Wayne Bennett, Maintenance  /  Arch Payne, Part-time Maintenance Mike Verge, Fire Chief  /  Angela Thornhill, Recreation/ Adelaide Shears & Mae Coles Ambulance Committee

October  Newsletter 2015

Fire Prevention Week

This is Fire Prevention Week Please check all smoke detectors and fire alarms to make sure they are working proper; keep your chimney clean to prevent creosote buildup. Always change your furnace filters on a regular basis.

Long Range Waste Site

The Long Range Waste Site is opened from Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Anyone that need to dispose of any garbage can do so on these days.

Emergency Preparedness

We would like to remind the residents of Parsons Pond to be prepared for adverse weather.  Here are a few simple tips to help you prepare for this time of year:

·         Watch for warnings and advisories

·         Follow local weather forecasts

·         Prepare and maintain an emergency kit-be ready to cope on your own for at least 72 hours

·         Develop an emergency plan, remember the specific requirements of pets or any person in your household with a medical condition, mobility issues, or other specific needs

·         Be aware of all local emergency numbers

·         Understand your insurance policy

·         Ensure sump pumps are in working order

·         Keep all household drains free from debris

·         Secure patio furniture, yard tools, or playground equipment, and remove dead trees and branches which may be affected by heavy winds

·         Consider installing a hard-lined phone in your residence as cordless phones will not work in a power outage

·         Do not touch or attempt to move downed power lines; advise your utility provider immediately instead

·         If you become aware of flooding on streets or observe areas where culvers are blocked, contact municipal officials to advise them of the situation as soon as possible.More details on personal preparedness can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/fe or at www.getprepared.ca. 

Municipal Taxes

The deadline for all past and current taxes to be paid in full is October 30^th. For residents that are in arrears, your water will be cut by the end of the day on October 30^th, and will not be turned back on until all taxes are paid in full. There will be an additional $100.00 charge to have your water turned back on. Please avoid extra cost. If you are paying basic rate for your property plus water and sewer the cost per week is $13.27 and if it is basic property and water the cost per week is $9.62. If water has to be cut and it will, think about when the tap is turned on to do dishes, laundry, shower, to get a drink or maybe flush the toilet and there is no water. Everyone that has a car, truck, atv, or snowmobile if it is financed you pay more than the weekly cost for the necessities of life.

Election Day

The advanced voting poll is opened Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday October 9-12 from 12 noon to 8:00 P.M. for people that cannot be home for voting day October 19, 2015. The voting Poll for Election Day is opened from 8:30 A.M. - 8:30 P.M. Please make every effort to come and vote for the party you want to represent you for the next four years. Please remember to bring your photo ID, you will not be allowed to vote if you have no ID. If you are a first time voter and you are not on the voters list or you have had a change of address you will need two pieces of ID.

September  Newsletter 2015

Election Day

The Advanced Election Poll is being held at the Community Hall October 9-12, 2015. 12 noon to 8 p.m. This advanced poll is only for residents that cannot be home to vote on Election Day which is October 19, 2015.

Property Taxes

We would like to thank those of you that have been paying their municipal taxes.  For those of you who don’t drive you may contact the town office to make arrangements for your payments to be picked up by the town clerk. 

We would also like to inform people that have arrears with the town and have not made an effort to make payments we are now working with a collection agency.  You may be contacted by the collection agency collecting taxes on behalf of the community. If we have to collect your taxes through the agency your credit rating will be affected.  This service is costly which takes away from other services the town could be providing with your tax dollars.  If the town cannot collect taxes, the Municipal Operating Grant will be forfeited therefore services will have to be cut. It will not be a good idea for snow clearing in the winter months have to be cut, or if there is a water break or freeze up is not able to fix it. This is a very serious concern and it is not fair to those residents that do pay their taxes to have to be punished for the residents that feel they will pay when it is convenient for them. It does not work that way. Employers have also been contacted to have deductions taken from employees pay cheques to satisfy arrears and current Municipal Taxes owed to the Town. October 31, 2015 is the deadline to have taxes paid in full.

School Open

The new school year has begun the town hope that all kids had a safe and enjoyable summer. There have been a couple concerns by residents about no street crossing signs and vehicles passing the school bus while their lights are activated. If anyone see this kind of activity happening, please contact the RCMP or call the town office.

AUGUST  Newsletter 2015

Municipal Taxes

This is a reminder, for residents that have their taxes paid, Thank You. For residents who are in arrears there are stricter measures enforced. The deadline for taxes to be paid in full is October 31, 2015. If water has to be cut, there will be a $100.00 hook-up fee before it is turned back on.

Parsons Pond Festival

Due to circumstances and surrounding issues at Hill view Park during the festival. If this kind of behavior continues, Sports and Recreation will have a difficult time obtaining a liquor license to sell beer and liquor for this yearly event. That will be a shame, the Sports and Recreation has spent lots of money providing recreation facilities for this community and we all hope it will not have to come to an end because of improper behavior.

Kids Live Well Marathon

Over the past six weeks the summer students have been involved with the Kids Live Well Marathon and swimming at Rocky Harbour. There were games played at Hillview Park every Friday with the kids as well as swimming for four weeks. Anyone with kids should encourage them to take part in these summer activities.

Parsons Pond Summer Festival

The Parsons Pond Summer Festival was very successful again this year, Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters and participants.

A list of winners from the festival buttons are:

1^st draw             Tent                     Jackie Shears

2^nd draw            Turkey Fryer         Kenny Rumbolt

3^rd draw             Cooler & Drinks    Shane Bennett

4^th draw             Lawn Chairs         Zack Goosney

5^th draw             Wooden Dog        Robbie Bennett

6^th draw             Gallon Shampoo   Patricia Butler

7^th draw             Hoody                  Sterling Verge

8^th draw             Hat                    Corey Macdonald

9^th draw             Hat                    Delano Pittman

Vandalism

It has been reported to the town council, decorative knobs that were screwed on the flower pots at the pull off sites have been stolen. The town tries to keep the sites attractive for people to use. This is very disrespectable to the town.

The wire fencing around the lagoon is also being tampered with. There is a steel post gone and the wire fence is falling down around it. If anyone see or know of someone that maybe responsible for this kind of vandalism, please contact the town council office.

June Newsletter 2015

Town Hall

The Town Council has received complaints when there are functions going on at the Town Hall, the thermostat is getting turned up and left on high. This is not acceptable; the Town has struggled with high Hydro bills this winter and continues to do so. Please do not touch the thermostats in the Town hall they are all set at one temperature and must stay like that.

Waste Management

The Long Range Waste Management Site is now open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. 

We would like to remind residents that there is a limit of six bags per household.

You are not permitted to put your bags of garbage in another household container.  We are receiving complaints that people are putting their waste in other people’s containers without permission.  This is not permitted.  If there is more than one household in one container inform the town office so they can notify the garbage collector.  

Playground

The Playground area is being damaged and there are reports that  kids have been seen upon top of buildings.This Playground is there to use, have fun and respect what is there not destroy it. There have been a lot of money and hard work put in this Playground so the kids can have somewhere to play and socialize with other kids. If anyone is caught damaging this property it will be their responsibility to fix and repair damages. This is also a big safety issue.

Parsons Pond Volunteer Fire Brigade

Parsons pond volunteer fire brigade and firettes would like to thank everyone who helped with the bake sale on May 30^th , 2015. There was a 50/50 draw and the winner was Sheila Blanchard. Marjorie and Wycliff Rose donated a quilt to the fire brigade, tickets were sold and the winner was Aiden Goosney. There was a $525.00 donation made to the Janeway telethon from the proceeds of the bake sale and 50/50 draw.

Student Employment

The Town Council is accepting resumes from students for summer employment. Please submit your resume with your level of  education to the town office.

Central Development is also accepting resumes. Please forward your resume to their office if you are interested.

Come Home Year

The Come Home Year Committee is reminding residents to register early on or before December 31, 2015. You will be guaranteed to receive a Come Home Year registration bag if you register on or before this date. After December 31, 2015, due to a limited amount of bags purchased, it will be first come first serve basis.

Building Permits

Just a reminder to residents, before you start any construction or renovation, please make sure you have a building permit from the town. NO construction is permitted within the town boundaries without a permit. Thank You.

Municipal Taxes

For customers who are paying their taxes thank you. For those you are not paying there is stricter measures enforced. There is a debit terminal at the town council office for customers who wish to avail of this service. There are also payment plans that can be set up to satisfy your budget. Please make every effort to get your taxes paid on time. The deadline for taxes to be paid is October 31, 2015.

May Newsletter 2015

Student Employment 

We will be accepting resumes from students for Summer Employment 2015. Please submit your resume with your level of education to the town office. 

Central Development will also be accepting resumes.  Please forward resumes to their office if you are interested.

Youth Ventures 

The Youth Ventures Program is up and running again this year as of April 28/2015. Contact will be made with schools and councils starting on May 5/2015. If you know a student between the age of 12 & 29, who will be returning to school in September 2015 that is interested in starting their own business please tell them about our program. Contact Cathy Payne at 243-2744.

 Annual Spring Cleanup 

The town of Parsons Pond will be holding their annual spring cleanup from Monday, May 25 to Saturday, May 30, 2015.

PLEASE NOTE:

•  All garbage must be secured in boxes or garbage bags in a proper manner and placed at your curb.
•    This cleanup does not include old car/truck parts or tires—the waste site is open Tuesday to        Saturdays for those items.
•     Council would like all residents to do their part and help beautify the town by cleaning/tidying their       property and surrounding areas.
•     For garbage pickup please contact the council office at 243-2564 or Dexter Payne at 709-630-0196

       Fire Brigade Banquet

The Fire Brigade Banquet was a great success again this year. Thank You for all your support.

The winners:

Spot Dance: Kelly Keough & Pete Patey.

Door Prize: Lynn Payne

50/50 Draw: Bobbi Jean Biggin & Muriel Biggin.

Marjorie & Wycliff Rose donated a Quilt to the Fire Brigade; there will be tickets available throughout the town for sell.

Marguerite Keough donated a flower arrangement to the Fire Brigade. The winner was Norma Patey.

Speeding In Town 

There have been complaints with concerns about speeding in town. The speed limit is 30 kms/hr on town roads. Please slow down the days and evenings are getting longer, kids are out playing and more people are walking. How would you feel if you cause serious injuries to someone because of speeding that could have been prevented?

Water Cut Off 

This is a final reminder to residents who are in arrears for Municipal Taxes. Your water will be cut Friday May 8, 2015. It is not fair for residents who do not pay their taxes to get the same service as those that do pay.

Emergency Preparedness Kit 

Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, there is an Emergency Preparedness Kit available at the town council office. If anyone with a disability wants to fill out a kit with their personal information, the information will be kept on file at the Town Office in the Fire Department filing cabinet in case of an emergency.