Schreiber Council tackles future funding sources

The newly elected Schreiber council had a full agenda for this weeks meeting. First up was the acceptance of the previous minutes from the last two council meetings. Then it was on to Unfinished Business. 

1. The request from the high school students for a grant in aid to help reduce the rental of the community centre for the high school dance was approved.
2. The purchase of the extra 80 chairs was also approved.
3. The quote for the Christmas function was approved and the Hungry Moose restaurant will be doing the catering.
4. The old truck from the fire department is going to be sold with the money from the sale going into the fire department reserves. A new pumper truck will be bought with money from the reserves.
5. A small donation in memory of Amelia McKay will be given to Sick Kids hospital.

Next it was the Committee of the Whole portion of the meeting.:

1. The treasurers report highlighted the budget variance. As there are now 2 new councillors, a brief explanation was given after an inquiry by Councillor Bourgeault. 
2. The director of operations report highlighted updates to upcoming work projects that need to be completed. Heating systems and electrical updates are 2 main concerns.
3. Funding for upcoming projects needs to be determined. A strategic plan has been proposed to try and achieve future goals. A discussion between long term or short term funding ensued.
4. Senior programmers report focused on the successes of the senior centre committee and programmes.
5. Fire Chief Morrison was on hand to answer questions based on his reports. He emphasized that extra costs will need to be covered as the number of emergency response calls has increased over the past 3 years. Another part of the discussion centred around water use during a recent fire at the dump. It seems odd that nobody mentioned the fact that treated water was being used to fight fires. 
6. Health and safety committee was praised for their work.
7. Communications received an update for the EMS base proposal. Another discussion around housing and Bill 23 impact on smaller centres started based an a letter requesting resolution support. The bill is controversial as it seeks to lessen the powers of council and raises the authority of mayors when it comes to building projects. 
8. The Christmas social schedule is finalized and everything is set to go. The 2023 ROMA annual meeting in January will be attended by a smaller delegation this year. Councillor training schedule has to be decided then Councillor Appointments were concluded.
9. Finally a quick wrap up of the Resident Christmas House and tree decorating contest was determined with prizes given out to winners.