Reception of delegations
Council received a delegation of three Kirkella residents, Gert and Marianna Becker, and Ralph Chrisp, bringing their concerns regarding the proposed development east of Kirkella between Highway 1 and the CP rail line. Ms. Becker also brought letters of concern from other residents. This property has been approved for general industrial use by a company from British Columbia. Richard Tshimpaka of JS47 proposes to operate an auto recycling facility and ship the reclaimed parts internationally.
In a lengthy presentation, the Kirkella delegation expressed concerns about the potential for environmental damage as well as the impact of the recycling business on their lifestyle and enjoyment of their property. They also felt that council provided insufficient notice of public meetings on the issue. All members of the delegation spoke of the need for council to go beyond the letter of the law in notifying residents of the public meeting where their views on the development could be heard. They felt that the human side of the situation had been ignored. Ms. Becker stated: “If you are a representative of the community, it’s good to bring people who are going to be affected by this.”
Development Officer/Building Inspector Cory Nixon attended to bring information about some of these issues. Nixon informed the meeting that all the required information and notice had been given and no residents came forward at the public hearing on April 28. He stated that exhaustive research was completed on the potential for environmental damage and that seven different categories of environmental requirements were followed. He noted that the developer provided a clear and complete description of the processes used and the plans for containment of any by products of the process. He also stated that any failure to comply with requirements could result in withdrawal of the conditional use approval.
Reeve Canart proposed that the company be invited to an open house to provide the community with more information. R.M. staff will proceed with planning for this event.
As the discussion of the development closed, Coun. Caldwell reminded the delegation of the election coming up and said, “I want to thank you for your impassioned appeal. You got your point across loud and clear.” She invited them to consider running for council.
Ward 2 Shop Discussion
After touring the shop at Hargrave, council members discussed the need for a new Ward 2 public works shop. There was consensus about the need for a new facility. Coun. Humphries stated, “I can guarantee that we need a new shop.” Referring to his findings during the tour of the current shop he said, “That was just abysmal”.
Another factor being considered is the need for more office space and a location for data storage outside the current RM office. This could be accomplished within the new shop building.
The location for the new shop prompted more discussion. The current site at Hargrave has the advantage that much of the existing infrastructure and site preparation are already in place. It is also more central to Ward 2 where its machinery will operate. However, the Virden site would be more suitable for expanded office space and would agree with changes requested by staff who work at the shop.
Reeve Canart suggested a comparison be made between both locations for site preparation costs, as building cost would probably be about the same for both. He said this information would have to be gathered anyway and, would ensure that any plans would meet the budgeted cost allowance.
Council agreed to appoint a building committee to prioritize the planning process and speed up results. Coun. Humphries and Coun. Lachapelle will form the committee.
AMM district meeting
Council discussed two resolutions to be proposed at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities district meeting on June 24.
Coun. Caldwell will attend the meeting to speak to a resolution drafted by council. The resolution states that municipalities with oil and gas companies in municipal tax arrears do not have a secure claim to recover debt owing if the energy company halts production, goes into receivership, or is seized. Council of the R.M. of Wallace-Woodworth requests the AMM to lobby the Province of Manitoba to expand and create a special lien for oil and gas companies to help municipalities collect unpaid municipal property taxes.
Council agreed to support a resolution by the R.M. of Grassland at the AMM district conference which would ask the province to revise the formula of the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund to reflect the infrastructure needs of rural municipalities. Per capita funding means less densely populated areas get less funding, despite high infrastructure costs, and the contribution of agriculture, oil and gas to the provincial tax base. Other means of determining funding levels should be developed, like considering the extent of the road system that needs to be maintained.
Other business
The transportation department approved a request for proposal of $1080 from Mainline Enterprises for roadside mowing
3CTech Ltd was approved to install GPS systems into municipal equipment at a cost of $3000.
A 2020 Case 621G wheel loader was purchased for $198,000
Plainview Colony was approved to run a 4-inch water line across an undeveloped road allowance.
The utility department paid the Manitoba Water Services Board $4117 FOR 2021 operation and maintenance.
The Elkhorn lagoon progress payment 8 of $234,000 was made to Russell Redi-Mix Concrete
Council signed the Next Generation 9-1-1 Authority Service Agreement with Bell Canada.
Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce sent a letter requesting approval and support for a community branding process for the town. Council replied that they gave the idea their full support but needed a unified effort from all stakeholders before the process begins.
Kola community meeting
Coun. Humphries, Coun. Stambuski and Reeve Canart attended the Kola community meeting. Humphries reported that they heard from many community members as well as representatives of the rink, the school and the Canadian Food Grains Bank, and stated that they “haven’t asked for any grants at all.”
The franchise post office runs at a loss and relies on community donations. Currently they need $150 from each of the 73 boxholders.
Other discussion included the need to raise the principal’s salary to be in line with other schools, the need for an automatic defibrillator at the rink, the possibility for more timely snow clearing after a snowstorm and a request for more recycling containers.Residents expressed their appreciation for the community meeting and said that they would like to see a higher profile for Kola within the municipality.
After a 45 minute in camera session the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
