Schreiber Council meeting for End of March 2021

Schreiber council met for a second time in March and it was a busy session. With the recent passing of Mayor Hamilton, new Mayor Kevin Mullins would have his work cut out for him. A decision on his replacement for the councillor position will be announced at the April council meeting.

First up was the usual motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting. Then unfinished business pertaining to loader repairs was passed. The annual drinking water report was accepted. Water upgrades are going to be a big issue of concern going into the new year with potential upgrades looming. A required asset management plan will need to be finalized but with all efforts on the lingering COVID crisis it is hoped that this can be delayed until July 2022.

The NOMA conference and AGM will be a virtual affair this year.

Next up was bill paying and accounts payable was approved and ratified. A bylaw to regulate traffic including parking was given final reading and enacted. Not sure why this was given priority as there is not much traffic in town. 

Committee of the whole heard reports from various departments. Treasury report for small balance right offs was explained and approved.

Director of Operations report recommended additions to the water treatment contract with OCWA going into the year. 

Economic Development Committee report include an update to all projects currently being completed with an inquiry into housing improvements.
Recreation Department had planned and implemented a virtual version of the winter carnival but the response was lack lustre as it held no connection to previous events of the past.

Schreiber Senior Centre continues to keep things going despite the shutdowns and one of the highlights of this month was a public meeting held over Zoom with Minister Hajdu to discuss local concerns including water updates, internet access improvements, costs of food and energy in our area and concerns over vaccine rollout.

Bylaw officer report mentioned the inspection process for spring cleanup, a highlight of the year in town. 
Public library report included a vacancy for board chair due to retirement. 

Volunteer fire department report proposed a trial agreement with the nearby village of Rossport to augment services.

Under Communications, bursaries were discussed for the Schreiber High School and how changes might be implemented as most students remain in town studying online and aren’t physically located in a university or college.

Requests have been received for support of an issue concerning emergency services where it is being proposed to reduce services to the area. This approach is not being welcomed in any of the small towns in the district as it has the potential to affect health and safety of residents.

Despite the increase in COVID cases, a few towns are requesting some restrictions being lifted but it would not be sensible to support this request at this time. 

The closing of the fire college will have an impact on training skills for the various fire departments around the north shore. 

Finally there was discussion around how per diems would work when travelling to conferences is no longer an option. As conferences and meetings become virtual there would seem to be no need for additional costs related to travel but attendance at such conferences might include compensation for time taken in attendance.