Tax Arrears and Street Conditions Top the Agenda for This Council Meeting

This week’s Schreiber council meeting featured a packed agenda, starting with a presentation from the Schreiber Public Library Board and CAO Linda Williamson. The library team shared updates on recent activities and showcased a short video. Mayor Kevin Mullins commended their accomplishments and reiterated council’s ongoing support for the library.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted, with follow-ups on several items. Key resolutions included approving a quotation to replace a blower at the wastewater treatment plant and listing the Schreiber Discovery Centre in next year’s Superior Country publications. A quotation for DJ services at the upcoming Christmas event was also approved. 

Council ratified all accounts for payment and debit orders and implemented a new policy to recognize anniversaries, birthdays, and other significant milestones. Updates to water management policies were introduced, including a proactive water conservation bylaw. Additionally, council adopted the five-year strategic plan, set to begin implementation next year.

Committee of the Whole Reports

During the Committee of the Whole portion, department updates were presented. The CAO discussed the arena opening, recreation summer planning, and progress on economic development initiatives. The bylaw officer report, senior centre activities, and updates on the data analyst and archiving position were also covered. A detailed report on the wastewater treatment plant’s state of emergency was presented by the Director of Operations. Advertising and promotional materials were also briefly discussed.

Council reviewed issues with purchase orders, citing instances where purchases were made without prior approval, leading to post-payment of invoices. To enhance transparency and reduce unplanned spending, a revised purchase order policy will be implemented.

A potential food recycler program, offering discounted units to residents, was revisited. A notice of interest will be issued to gauge community demand, as the township incurs a cost for the devices.

Hall rental discounts sparked debate, as some organizations receive grants or partial fee waivers while others pay full price. Council aims to establish a fair policy that balances operating costs, which are covered through taxation.

The Treasurer’s report highlighted a rise in property tax arrears, attributed to economic challenges, including the lingering effects of the mill closure. Treasurer Bottomley warned that unpaid taxes could result in repossessions and resales of properties. Budget variances, exacerbated by the sewer plant’s emergency status, were also discussed.

The Director of Operations emphasized the failing infrastructure at the sewer plant, which struggles to meet demand. Beaver dams at Cooks Lake, a key water source, have created additional challenges and will be addressed in the spring. Repairs to lighting have been largely completed, while snow removal around the public school remains an issue due to changes in plowing schedules and winter parking restrictions. Propane costs for municipal buildings have been fixed for the year.

Road paving and sidewalk replacements remain a significant concern. Mayor Mullins noted that addressing these issues would cost $65,000 per household over five years, a clearly unfeasible option. Discussions will continue on potential solutions.

Other Reports and Items

The recreation report highlighted ongoing work and future event planning, including discussions on hall rentals. The senior centre report showcased a rise in membership and celebrated its many successes over the past year. A Christmas parade was proposed as a separate event from February’s winter carnival. 

An additional agenda item raised concerns about the furnace at the public works garage. Council also reviewed various requests for support under Communications and will draft response letters next week.

Unfinished Business
 
Planning for next month’s Christmas dinner event was a key focus. Catering and entertainment have been approved, but hall decorating remains contentious due to overlapping events. Council also confirmed a delegation for the upcoming ROMA conference and prepared updates to a draft borrowing bylaw.

After nearly three hours, council moved in-camera for an additional hour to address confidential matters.