With a quieter summer schedule, Council met for one regular meeting on August 11.
Mayor Jeff McConnell presided, with Councillors Carème, Girardin, Cowan, Koop, Penner and Williams in attendance as well as CAO Rhonda Steward and EDM Ed Brethour.
Councillors voted to send two councillors to a Planning 101 Seminar at a Manitoba Municipal Administrators’ seminar on September 11, where attendees will hear about subdivisions, development agreements, and other details.
They decided against sending a representative to the Livable Cities conference in Calgary, which was focussed on an important topic - flood recovery; but with a projected cost of $3,000 per attendee, council said ‘No’.
Election item
Mayor McConnell explained an agenda item – an early election petition. Individual councillors were encouraged to sign this document urging the federal candidates to a debate focused on municipal issues only. The mayor noted that at the Macleans debate, the first one for the upcoming federal election, “infrastructure was not mentioned once.”
The upkeep of local infrastructure, roads, streets, side-walks, sewer and water works are initially, but not only, a town or RM’s responsibility and the rising cost, combined with crumbling infrastructure is a huge issue for local governments. They rely on partnership of federal and provincial governments.
McConnell encourages people to speak up. “Anyone and everyone interested can sign it and it would be helpful!” The petition is available online at: http://hometownproud.fcm.ca/our_choice
Star performer for fall
Perhaps some of the biggest news from the council meeting is about a fall concert. The events manager received a call from George Canyon. CAO Stewart relates that the performer is going to be in the area. “He heard what a great Western town we are.” The proposal is for a date in October. Council passed it as a budget item of $15,000, less than the performer initially asked for.
With the Aud Theatre being the venue of choice (ice will be in the arena), seating is limited. Councillor Careme noted that George Canyon was in Brandon and packed the venue he performed in.
Now, it will be up to the performer to accept the offer and advertise the event well.
Storm sewer
A hefty quote of $73,575 (plus GST) would see three big storm sewer manholes replaced. This would include an up-size of sewer line from Eigth Avenue and Galt Street from 12 inches to 15 inches. This would replace “a whole bunch of really necessary storm sewer,” said McConnell, and in actuality, the work has been arranged.
In staff news, Parks and recreation Manager, Caroline Crammer has resigned her position.
