Schreiber Council Meeting for September 2021

The September Council meeting of the Township of Schreiber was the first council meeting in 6 weeks after the summer break. Here is what was discussed:

• The minutes of the previous council and special council meetings in July were approved.
• A decision on when and if to hold the heritage day festival in 2022 was postponed. Ray Gionet was added to the Recreation and festivals committee.
• A resolution was approved to purchase additional equipment for the Schreiber fire department. Bank debits and accounts payable for the last month were approved. Approval for the high school student bursaries was carried.
• The new contract for the town workers was approved. No details were given as to the duration or any changes contained within.
• Committee of the whole portion was next on the list.
• Director of operations report included a discussion about building demolition without any mention the actual buildings that were scheduled to be torn down. No public participation occurred in the decisions.
• An update on the A6 trail portion of the Casque Isles Trail was presented which led into a heated debate. The issue centred around the obligation of the contractor (name withheld) as to what portion of the completion was specified in the original agreement. It appears that there will be a shortfall of completed trail and soon the discussion turned to what constitutes the actual completion. A rocky surface near the final stage has been left and Councillor Mauro pointed out that the contractor was obliged to finish the work as per the terms of the contract. Councillor Stefuryk, a member of the trail committee, disagreed in principle as he saw no way that the work could be completed to provide the access mentioned in the contract due to the surface conditions. As funding would run out on the project, it seems unlikely that the trail will be completed to the original specifications or on time. Councillor McGrath whose family owns the land where the trail runs through, and is also a board member of the trail committee, suggested the town force the contractor to complete the final section through further negotiation.
• Economic development report outlined the need to add additional benches to the downtown area in order to maintain a uniformity of style to area. 
• By law enforcement report makes mention of an infringement regarding vehicles parked on a property with no fines being issued at this time. 
• Community economic development committee report was submitted. The mural project is on track with no date mentioned as to completion.
• Beautification committee report outlined the upcoming Christmas tree lighting and potential events for next year.
• The senior centre committee updated the council on its current projects which includes the weekly downtown barbeque and garden club. The senior centre will also hold the Bocci ball event on the weekend.
• Recreation and festival committee report brought up the idea of a return of the drive in movie event from 2 years ago. Preplanning for the 30th annual Heritage day festival is also underway.
• Fire department report highlighted the lack of volunteers and difficulty in finding new firefighters to join the team. 
• The water report was presented but no specifics were mentioned aside from the algae report, which may or may not present a problem in the future.
• Treasurer report held no details for the public at this time.
• Under Communications, the first item discussed centred around raising of flags.
• NOMA had contacted council regarding changes to the cost of insuring municipalities. This has become an issue especially amongst smaller communities as the costs are out of reach leaving many municipalities uninsured and vulnerable to lawsuits.
• Affordable internet is a topic of discussion amongst many small towns and is supported by the municipality of Schreiber.