Schreiber Council Meeting for July 2021

Schreiber council held only one meeting this month and there will be no public meetings in August due to holidays.

The minutes of the previous meeting in June and special council meeting in July were accepted and carried. No business arose from either of those meetings.

• First item involving a quotation for the repairs and start up cost for the ice plant in the arena was discussed. Councillor Stefurak asked about previous costs for comparison.
• Expenses to complete the recommendations study of the waste water plant were approved.
• Payments to general accounts payable and bank debits for payroll were approved and carried.
• There was no unfinished business to address.
• Under other business there was a motion to pass a bylaw to cancel the existing bylaw regarding raising and lowering flags and adopt a newer one with more distinct guidelines. Councillor Stefurak asked for clarification on the policy amid concerns for the motivation behind the need for a new bylaw.
• A bylaw to regulate animal control and enforce pet owners to act responsibly was put forward with no discussion or input from pet owners.
• Community economic development report gave an update on the state of the new information centre construction and fixes need to accommodate the VR installation at the site. There have been ongoing problems with a list of deficiencies causing further delays to the opening of the site.
• An update to the planning of the 2022 Heritage days event was brought forward as there was no event this year, normally taking place in July.
• Recreation committee report highlighted the need for volunteers and approved a new member to the committee.
• Senior Centre report mentioned the Centre reopening for coffee in the mornings and the summer outdoor barbecue being held every Thursday afternoon. Plans continue being laid out for future programmes.
• Schreiber fire department reports highlighted the forest fires listed in the area over the past few weeks. There have been several fires breaking out in the area and smoke inhalation can cause problems for some people. Mayor Mullins advised people to stay in doors if they have underlying respiratory conditions. A request for additional equipment for the fire department was talked over. Training will now be done on site in Schreiber due to the closure of the Fire College in Trenton.
• OPP quarterly reports showed no increase in crime in the area.

Under Communications there were a few matters to consider, including a donation to the upcoming Fish Derby event. An announcement to employ 400 people in the mining industry was supported. 
Unfinished Business featured a discussion about finalizing the budget for 2021 possibly as soon as October but already a few months behind schedule.

Next council meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday of September.