Schreiber Considering a Plan for Sidewalk Replacement Pending Access to Funding

Schreiber Council Meeting – February 11, 2025

The February 11, 2025, Council and Committee of the Whole meeting began with a land acknowledgment, followed by the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes.

Public Participation

There were no questions during the Question Period.

Business Arising from Minutes

• A pool table at the Senior Centre was declared surplus and listed for sale at $1,500.

• The Schreiber Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Annual Performance Reports were accepted and made public.

Accounts for Payment

• Council approved payments totaling $611,441.47 for general accounts payable and $85,130.59 for payroll.

• Additional approvals included $109,766.81 for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and $932.39 for a low-temperature sensor installation.

Other Business

• Adoption of a new procurement policy for goods and services.

• Approval of agreements under the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the emergency measures grant program.

• Appointment of lottery licensing officers for the township.

CAO Report

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provided updates on:

• The ongoing state of emergency, financial reporting, and winter maintenance efforts.

• Committee restructuring discussions, with recommendations to dissolve the Labour Relations Committee and Accessibility Advisory Committee, while maintaining the Schreiber Youth Committee due to its alignment with strategic goals. A Finance Committee was proposed to streamline budgeting discussions.

• The successful North Shore Business Workshop, which provided local businesses with funding information.

• The council’s efforts to secure a new financial institution following the Bank of Montreal’s closure, including exploring postal banking and PC Financial services as potential alternatives.

• A reminder about the upcoming open house meeting with BMO representatives for public concerns.

Treasurer’s Report

• Council reviewed the Budget Variance Report, noting some positive financial news despite emergency expenditures.

Director of Operations Report

• A $366,000 grant could be secured for sidewalk repairs, with Winnipeg Street (Legion to school) identified as a priority project.

• The municipal building’s aging roof is causing leaks, and Dykstra Roofing is exploring long-term solutions, including the future of existing solar panels.

• The grader required costly repairs, raising concerns about future replacement.

• Additional work was needed for the 2000 Sterling Dump Truck, prompting a discussion on capital budgeting for a potential replacement.

Upcoming Events & Proposals

• A community movie night was proposed but may be rescheduled due to conflicts with other local events.

• Senior Centre programs such as floor curling, pickleball, and Swedish weaving will continue during renovations, though the pool room will remain closed.

Fire Department Report

• The fire department responded to a record number of calls, including seven structure fires in 2024.

• Five firefighter positions remain open, prompting a discussion on recruitment efforts.

• A new fireworks bylaw was implemented, with no public objections reported.

• The town remains compliant with emergency measures regulations.

Communications

• Council supported a Thunder Bay District Municipal League request urging the federal government to prioritize immigration efforts for Northern Ontario.

Council then moved in camera to continue the closed session.