Town of Virden Mayor and Councillors met for a single regular public meeting in August, on the 16th.
Council voted to support a citizens’ petition to have a crosswalk designated at the intersection of Cemetery Road/Thomas Drive and Government Road Allowance Provincial Highway #257.
For the purpose of fulfilling ‘railroad grade crossings information sharing’ the Town of Virden requested a quote from a transportation engineer for MORR Transportation Consulting Ltd. This came in at $1,470. MORR Transportation will report to the railroad, on the condition of the level grade crossing, including any buried infrastructure it will cross over. The report is to be in by the end of the year.
CAO Rhonda Stewart explained the Town has two railroad crossings within its jurisdiction – Lions Street and the other crossing near the former Triangle business on Government Road Allowance in the northwest corner of town.
Council voted to accept the tender from Fer Marc Equipment Ltd. for a 2016 haul-all refuse collection vehicle in the amount of $131,607 noting that the Town of Virden will receive the GST refund $5,823, making the actual cost of over $125,700.
Mayor McConnell pointed out this was a budget item.
The Manitoba Summer Games in Steinbach is over and looking ahead to the 2018 Winter Games to be held in Virden, Ted Jones, Bill Hayward and Murray Wright were named as the executive directors of the 2018 Winter Games Corporation.
For the first time, Virden will participate in Canada’s Culture Days. This event will be held at the beginning of October, on the grounds of the CP Station.
The only quote for work on two ball diamond - to move in black earth and place the red clay – came from GCS Energy at $25,850 for both diamonds. This includes drainage and leveling topsoil.
However, soil tests may reveal there is enough good soil available for the turf. Because of this, a second quote was requested. This quote came in at $20,697. The CAO noted they wanted to expedite this process. “We want to get the red shale and get it seeded.” Council voted to approve both quotes, depending upon what was found to be needed.
CAO Stewart noted that an Airport Master Plan was in the budget. Tenders came in and all three engineering companies were over the Town’s budgeted amount. Council recommended Stantech be hired at $33,990.15. The Town’s budget for this work is capped at $30,000, so the Flying Club has apparently agreed to pick up the extra cost.
The master plan is said to be important for future development of the airport and for fundraising and grant applications. “I am happy to see that getting done,” stated Councillor Penner. Mayor McConnell said the plan will open the way to fundraise.
Stantec has done a lot of similar sized facilities and councillors voted to go ahead.
Lloyd Carruthers attended a public hearing pertaining to his request for variance to allow a 10x16 foot shed to be placed immediately on the rear property line at 9 Clements Place. Information from the building inspector stated the property line backs onto public property and a drainage ditch, so this should not be a problem. However, the rear wall of the shed is to be fire rated. Back in the council meeting, councillors voted in favour of allowing the variance.
To avoid problems with large trucks travelling down residential streets, signage is needed. “We have asked for signage in the past, but nothing has been done.” However, now the province is asking permission to put up signage near the Wellview Golf Course/White Owl PR# 257 and Hwy# 83, to notify truckers that the bridge on PR #257 near the cement plant is closed.
Tracy Howard was officially appointed as Parks and Recreation Manager for Virden.
A house on Seymore Street was recently sold through a tax sale, one of the first such sales in many years. “There was a standing order for demolition,” explained Mayor McConnell. The buyer is responsible to demolish the structure.
