Schreiber Council Meeting for March 2022

The first council meeting of March 2022 began with an acknowledgement from Mayor Mullins of International Women’s Day and a special thank you to all the women who work towards making Schreiber a better place for all its residents.

• Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted. 
• Accounts for payment, cheques issued and bank debit orders were approved.
• Quote for loader was accepted and purchase will go forward. Delivery date to be determined.Snow dumping bylaw was enacted.
• Bylaw for an agreement between the township and the Queen in connection with the minister of northern development was enacted. It’s unclear what this is actually about as no discussion took place.
• Bylaw outlining Renumeration for council members was approved. Percentage increase not mentioned.
• An agreement with Clow Darling heating specialists was approved and should ensure better maintenance operations in regard to the heating system of the municipal office.
• An agreement with Automation Now was also approved but once again no discussion was undertaken so the public will remain in the dark on what this for.

Committee of the Whole

• Director of Operations report included an update on the Loader purchase with mention of trade in value or private sale of the older unit.
• Community Economic development highlighted the need for an intern staff position to help with succession planning. 
• Bylaw officer report mentions a flag on a property that might be considered offensive but the matter will not be discussed in a public forum.
• Cars blocking streets during recent storms is an issue that has no immediate solution. Fines were suggested.
• Fire department highlighted an increase in emergency response since last year.
• Economic development report updated council on some of the ongoing plans including a community improvement plan, internet improvements, and the latest housing plan which is hoping to attract a developer to improve the lack of suitable housing in the area. Improvements to the waterfront area were also mentioned.
• Schreiber public library report mentioned the head librarian position being available as the current CAO is retiring in June of 2022.
• OCWA water reports were all in line with expectations.

No questions for question period.

Communications

• A letter from NOMA praising the local fire department for hosting the training exercises.
• Fitness centre passes for volunteers and community members is being considered in appreciation of their efforts
• Railway taxation in small towns is an issue that may affect the financial health of small towns. Currently the railway contributes no funds to township operation as a corporate citizen where other industries such as the pulp mill in Terrace Bay have chosen to contribute to the towns they do business in.

Finally it was decided to purchase a Ukrainian flag to promote awareness of the ongoing conflict.