Just a few days after the last meeting, Schreiber Council met for a special council meeting to provide status updates on various issues. The first item on the agenda was updating the communications system at the municipal centre. The town is looking to consolidate their phone and internet services to move forward into a more efficient system with cost savings being one main incentive. Transitioning to a server based system could potentially allow for an improved service to residents when interacting with municipal staff. 

Next discussion revolved around the beautification committee and the watering of the plants around town. The maintenance of the outdoor plants falls to the volunteers and the committee responsible. No town employees are involved in the beautification committee. Hiring a contractor is a consideration but might be too costly. Plants will be ordered in the next month and will be placed around town in late spring.

The budget variance report was presented and naturally lead to a discussion on spending and priorities. Early budget talks help to visualize future spending and past expenses. Transfers to reserves for the various departments was then presented by treasurer Marlene Bottomley. This is usually done at this time of year in order to aid in balancing the final figures of the budget. 

The 2023 Budget survey report was presented. The data collected will need to be consolidated but the actual response was very small and might not provide an accurate view of the thoughts of most residents. Also many of the responses were negative in tone and without positive feedback it becomes very difficult to honestly assess future needs. A certain level of apathy seems to be greeting most of these surveys and it was suggested that an open public forum should be considered. 

Budget planning in regards to revenue and expense reviews were brought forward, providing an early indicator of the financial position of the municipality. Some projects that are up for finishing were discussed.

The Handi Transit vehicle, which is funded through a grant, is being traded in for a newer model.

Ontario Street reLine project is scheduled to go ahead this year. The water line for the street will be repaired to bring it up to code at a cost of $500,000. At the same time the Cooks Lake dam, which supplies the town water, will be undergoing much needed repairs.

The dock and outhouse at White Sand lake will undergo replacement.
A new truck for public works is also being considered for this year. A discussion about the pros and cons of leasing versus purchasing will influence the final decision.
The cemetery was another topic for discussion as fewer people are opting for ground burials.
The heating system for the arena is also included in this years budget and will need to be replaced.
A maintainance service agreement for the new municipal building is a new expense that did not exist in the past and will add to this years expenses.
An accessibility study found that some areas including the website need to be retooled to meet provincial requirements. Also the new information centre is currently in need of weather proofing to safeguard against moisture in the museum exhibits.
New park benches will be installed around town before the summer.

The meeting was then adjourned.