The Municipal District of St. Stephen held a special council meeting on November 6, 2024, in the Moosehead Room of the Garcelon Civic Centre. Following the prompt approval of the agenda, council moved into a closed session to address a sensitive matter.

When the meeting reopened, Deputy Mayor Ghislaine Wheaton, presiding in Mayor Allan MacEachern's absence, presented a key decision to the council. "We have a request for decision," Wheaton began, "and the recommendation is that we authorize the expenditure of $1,000 plus HST to contract Lasting Legacy to secure 449 and a half Milltown Boulevard under the by-law respecting dangerous or unsightly premises."

Seeking clarification, Councillor Wade Greenlaw asked, "So we can revisit this at any time. However, if we choose to board it up right now and it starts being an issue, then we can bring this back again and go the other way, correct?" Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sean Morton confirmed, and the motion was passed without opposition.

The meeting then shifted focus to the 2025 municipal budget. Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Renaud introduced the discussion, saying, "Thank you, Madam Chair. It will be divided duties from staff this evening with [Parks and Recreation Director] Mr. Sumner taking the majority of the trip through the culture and recreation operating budget."

The council engaged in a detailed review of the proposed budget, covering various sectors from general government operations to recreation services. The session provided a comprehensive examination of priorities and allocations for the coming year.

After a thorough discussion, the meeting adjourned, with the 2025 municipal budget set to be finalized in the weeks ahead.

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