Schreiber Council meeting for February 2021

The first Schreiber Council meeting for February commenced with a motion to write off property taxes on some accounts. This is usually done based on updated assessments  of particular properties. The following resolutions were also approved:

Extending contract for heating oil supply with Ultramar.
Purchase of rescue pumper for fire department.
Expenditure request from ACWA regarding upgrades to water treatment plant.
Support request for municipalities regarding municipal insurance costs.
Accounts payable and bank drafts approved.
Bylaw to appoint a committee of adjustment (no explanation given)
Tax arrears extension bylaw amended.

Committee of the whole approved department and committee reports. Up first was the COA report on asset management. An evaluation may occur before grant approval with no guarantee of acceptance. 

Treasurer report on council expenses and renumeration was received, which included a section on doubtful account allowance. Money transfers to various departments were approved.

Director of Operation, Mitch Fairservice, was questioned regarding training updates and schedules. Maintenance issues were also brought forward. Snow removal is always a big topic around this time of year and changes have to be made to equipment purchases in light of new information regarding existing equipment and upgrades in the future. Arena equipment maintenance was also discussed but uncertainty remains around closures of arena in the future. 

Downtown revitalization project is being finalized with the murals project being rolled out so submissions can be chosen at the next date. Finalists artwork will be displayed around town hoping to highlight various themes and businesses in the north shore area.

The bylaw enforcement report highlighted the changes to the wildlife feeding issue and legal advice had to be considered before amendment.

The Schreiber Public Library report also included a presentation for later in the meeting.

Fire Department report highlighted the importance of safety during the winter months in relation to the operation of snow machines. The village of Rossport has an ongoing cooperation with the Schreiber fire and safety department. It was mentioned that the Ontario government will be closing the approved fire college and this issue has major financial implications for small towns looking to certify fire fighters. 

Under communications, the only issue that took prominence was a request for support for the stopping of the fire college closure.
Reopening of municipal buildings and programs based on recommendations once again came to attention. It was agreed that best practice will be followed but again COVID keeps surprising and recent outbreaks may hinder progress.

Donna Mikeluk from the Schreiber Public Library made a presentation highlighting the budget concerns for the upcoming year and took a moment to celebrate the achievements of the Schreiber Media Centre highlighting the national Commedia portal.

The 2021 AGM conference will happen in August as a possible virtual event. Large conferences had been scaled down and reworked as digital sessions and may continue into next season. 

There is concerning news on the water pricing and continuing to comply with increased costs during a time of financial stress. With no water meters in the township it appears that an overall increase in water rates is on the cards in order to finance requirements. Legislation for clean water is creating a huge burden on all municipalities with a shrinking tax base.