Bay Roberts rendezvous aggravating neighbours

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A popular late night meeting spot is starting to bother some Bay Roberts residents.

At their regular public meeting Tuesday, councillors discussed complaints that have been made for some time now by residents of Eric Dawe Drive. The reasons for said complaints are loud drivers who have a tendency to loiter on the parking lot of Amalgamated Academy, which is located on the street. Not only are some drivers making unnecessary noise, such as revving their engines, they are doing so during quiet hours, which in Bay Roberts run from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

One suggested solution was the erection of a powered gate around Amalgamated Academy. But that idea found little favour with council.

“I’ve never seen a school parking lot barricaded, never,” said Mayor Walter Yetman. “I can’t see that being even a viable option.”

Councilor Dean Franey suggested that staff ask the principal of the school for some thoughts on the matter, but that was dismissed as any action the school could take would have to come from the school board.

After the meeting, Mayor Yetman noted council has raised the issue with the RCMP, adding the principal of Amalgamated Academy has stated he is willing to assist in any way as well. The mayor allowed it is a difficult issue for council to address and might be more appropriately handled by the police as it concerns public safety.

In other news, council approved payment of a legal bill related to the investigation of what appears to have been a vexatious complaint made against the mayor by a resident. No details were offered as to the details of the complaint, but the legal firm hired by the Town to look into the matter dismissed it and no action is being taken against the mayor.

Mayor Yetman described the $9,820 bill as “astronomical” and said it was unfortunate that it cost the Town so much financially and tied up staff’s administrative time in dealing with it. He indicated he may have more to say in a future meeting about how such matters impact the limited resources of municipalities.

“This is a huge expense, above and beyond our budgeted items,” said Yetman.

And council approved two requests for funding. The first was from Branch 32 of the Royal Canadian Legion, which asked council to buy a congratulatory ad on behalf of the Town in a booklet celebrating the group’s 70th anniversary.

The second donation is for the Bay Wheels Car Show, which will take place on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. The organizers requested a donation of $30, the cost of the show’s trophy. A motion was carried to approve the request as the car show brings many people to the town of Bay Roberts.