After only having one meeting last month, Town of Virden Council got back to business on Mar. 5 with a full agenda. Council approved the revenue and expense statements for the utility fund and general operating fund for the year ending Dec. 31, 2023.
Payment of the 2024/25 municipal levy, in the amount of $11,983.38, to the Assiniboine West Watershed District was authorized.
Approval was given for any interested members of council to attend the Manitoba Good Roads Association Banquet on April 9 at the Clarion Hotel in Brandon.
MURAL FUNDING
As per their request, council authorized the payment of an additional $2,160 in funding to artists Mary and Erica Lowe for the painting of a mural on the side wall of the RBC Royal Bank building on Seventh Avenue.
CONFERENCES
Council agreed to send up to two members to the Assiniboine River Basin Initiative 10th Annual Conference at the Victoria Inn & Conference Centre in Brandon on March 6 and 7.
A motion was passed approving the participation of up to two councillors or two staff members in the Planning for Climate Change Workshop hosted by the Manitoba Climate & Green Plan Implementation Office on March 12 in Souris.
Approval was given for up to two members of Council to participate in the 2024 Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association Conference – Shaping Manitoba’s Energy Landscape on April 3 at the Selkirk Recreation Complex.
SPONSORSHIPS
Council agreed to a $300 sponsorship of the Virden Miniature Horse Show and Virden Heavy Horse Show, which will be held jointly at the Virden fairgrounds on July 27 and 28.
The Town will provide a $450 sponsorship to the 2024 Crude Oil Cup Hockey Tournament at Tundra Oil & Gas Place, which is a fundraiser for Virden Minor Hockey.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
A letter of support will be provided to the Virden Employment Skills Centre for the purpose of securing provincial funding for its 2024 operations.
Council passed a motion declaring the 2024 Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze, which will take place August 15 to 18, as a community event for liquor licensing purposes. Authorization was also given for local establishments serving liquor to extend their hours of operation during that weekend. In a separate motion, the rodeo was designated as a signature event and a letter of support will be provided to accompany the steering committee’s application for an operating grant from the provincial Community Festivals and Events Program.
NEW COMPUTER SERVER
Council accepted a quotation from 3C Tech of Virden, in the amount of $17,054.97 plus applicable taxes, for the replacement of the computer server in the Civic Centre. The installation cost will be covered under the Town’s service contract with the company.
HERITAGE GRANT
Administration was authorized to submit Heritage Resources Grant applications to Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism for the replacement of the boardwalk at the CP Station and upgrading of the seats in the Aud Theatre.
MINISTERIAL MEETING
A motion was passed authorizing Coun. Jessie Cruickshank to represent the Virden Employment Skills Centre at a meeting with Hon. Glen Simard, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, on Mar. 8 in Brandon regarding provincial funding support for the facility. Cruickshank is the Town’s representative on the skills centre board.
