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TOWN OF ALTONA
Committee of the Whole
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Tuesday, March 24th,
2015 at 3:30 p.m.
Present were: Mayor Melvin Klassen, Deputy Mayor Glen Robinson, Councillors:
Donna Rosling-Wolters, Tim Fast, Terry Wiebe, Ann Kroeker and Al Friesen.
Administration: CAO Dan Gagné, Manager of Finance Terry Fehr, Public Works
Supervisor Steven Wiebe, Recreation Services Manager Ron Epp and Assistant
CAO Delores Loewen.
Regrets: Youth Representative Graham Schellenberg.
1. Call to order – Mayor Melvin Klassen called the meeting to order at the
appointed time.
2. Review of the agenda
6.4
Addition to Morris MOU, Emerson-Franklin Municipality MOU
11.1 Correspondence from Ryan Penner
12.
In Camera
Terry Wiebe – Glen Robinson – moved to approve the agenda as
circulated with the above noted additions.
CARRIED.
3. Review of previous minutes
3.1 Minutes of March 10th, 2015
Terry Wiebe and Ann Kroeker – moved to approve the March 10th, 2015
minutes as circulated.
CARRIED.
4. Business arising from the minutes – none.
5. Delegations – none.
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6. CAO Report
CAO Dan Gagné reported on the Reeves, Mayors, & CAOs meeting held
on March 16th, 2015. At the meeting AMM reported that the Municipal
Trading Company of Manitoba (MTCML) has rebated over $8 million to
municipal members over the last 13 years and they expect this trend to
grow. Two new directors will be elected for the AMM Central District at the
annual district meeting in June hosted by the RM of Lorne. New provincial
project regulations are in place, you must be COR certified. There is talk
that all municipalities will eventually need to attain and maintain COR
certification. Municipal insurance rates on facilities are expected to
increase on average by 5%.
There were some changes being made to the provincial infrastructure
programs. The population thresholds are expected to be adjusted so that
all municipalities are able to easily access additional funds. With the new
recycling strategy, the province is expected to bring in new regulations
that may force the re-classification of waste disposal sites.
MPI has announced rate increases for Fire Departments responding to
motor vehicle accidents. The rate has increased from $771 for a basic
claim to $1,028 for complex claims.
The Emergency Services College is resuming their building inspections
course in September 2015. It is expected that in the near future all building
inspectors will require certification to perform their duties on behalf of the
municipality.
AMM is working on a subdivision review technical advisory committee that
is trying to streamline the subdivision approval process for all parties
(province, municipalities and applicants). AMM continues to lobby the
province to provide training and/or pay for training costs related to the
newly announced by-law enforcement act. Lobbying efforts are also
being focused on pushing for reform of the nation’s policing policy as
policing costs continue to rise at an unsustainable level. There are also
ongoing discussions about the costs and impacts to local police services
for the requirement of police escorts under the Mental Health Act. AMM
continues to have conversations with Conservation about its changes to
the Dutch Elm Disease Program.
The Community Places Program
distributed $2.5 million in 2014/15 but no major changes in funding are
expected moving forward. Manitoba Hydro has offered a Recreation
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Centre Pilot Program providing incentives for the adoption and/or
conversion to energy efficient equipment in public facilities.
Joe Masi, Executive Director, facilitated an open discussion on AMM’s
provincial election strategy. A Probe Research survey of approximately
1,500 Manitobans (500 from Winnipeg, 1,000 from outside Winnipeg)
concluded that the key messages for the next election should be:
•
Infrastructure is the most important issue (31%) with crime and
public safety coming in a distant second place at 13%;
•
Municipalities need to spend more on infrastructure (56%);
•
Infrastructure spending is an economic benefit to local
communities (53%);
•
Municipal governments are in the best position to make
decisions about infrastructure spending;
•
PST revenue should flow directly to municipalities (69%);
•
If tax increases are necessary, most people surveyed
supported the idea of dedicating tax increases for specific
purposes, such as infrastructure spending.
A meeting was held between Diamond Municipal Solutions and
Administration to assess the Town’s needs from the new accounting
system. Administration is currently reviewing the final contract.
The meeting between Bunge and the Town negotiating committee to
review the Industrial Service Agreement is scheduled for March 31st, 2015.
We have received another noise complaint regarding train noise during
the night. In speaking with Fred at Bunge, CP is changing their schedule
and will be returning to Winnipeg every day and is optimistic that this
would resolve the train issues moving forward.
CAO Dan Gagné recently met with Sun Valley Co-op CEO Brad Iverson to
discuss details of a new grant program that Co-op is launching. The Co-op
Community Spaces program is dedicating $1 million annually to fund up
to 40 projects across Western Canada. Ron Epp noted that he will be
working with the Elks to apply for a grant for their fundraising project for
new children’s play equipment for in the MEC. Committee members
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recommended to include the Mini Stick Hockey rink into the grant
application.
The 2015 MOS was held in Winnipeg and featured some interesting breakout sessions. Councillors: Terry Wiebe, Glen Robinson, Ann Kroeker and Al
Friesen attended the conference.
The Town of Altona has received the 2014 Annual Compliance Audit from
the Office of Drinking Water. There were no incidences of noncompliance reported.
There will be a resolution put forth at tonight’s Council meeting regarding
the unsightly property at #123 1st Street SW setting the deadline to vacate
the property by no later than May 7th, 2015.
6.2
Red River Basin – Threatened Infrastructure Conference
Councillor Tim Fast will be attending.
6.3
Reassessment Impact Presentation for 2016
Manitoba Municipal Government Assessment Services will be providing
Council with a presentation on the impact of the 2016 Reassessment on
May 26th, 2015 at 3:15 p.m.
6.4
Requests from the RM of Morris and the Municipality of
Emerson/Franklin – Mutual Aide Memorandum of Understanding
CAO Dan Gagné reviewed requests from the RM of Morris and the
Municipality of Emerson-Franklin regarding a Mutual Aide Memorandum
of Understanding.
RECOMMENDATION: Terry Wiebe – Ann Kroeker moved to approve the
following resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Altona sign Memorandums of
Understanding with the RM of Morris and the Municipality of
Emerson/Franklin.
CARRIED.
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6.5
Annexation of Bunge Rail Line approval
CAO Dan Gagné reported that the annexation application has been
approved and the amendment to the Municipal Status and Boundaries
regulation was registered as of February 13, 2015. Both the Municipality of
Rhineland and Bunge Canada were notified.
7.
Works & Operations – Chaired by Glen Robinson
7.1
Fire Chief Report - no report.
7.2
Public Works – no report.
Public Works Supervisor Steven Wiebe reported that with the Pembina
Valley Water Co-op (PVWC) servicing their plant in Letellier, some
concerns have come to light. The Town did not receive sufficient notice
of a prolonged shut-down. The Town’s reservoirs were at risk of falling to
problematic levels but water began flowing into the reservoir this
afternoon and normal levels should be restored soon. Steven has been in
touch with the staff at the PVWC indicating that the next time they plan to
service the Letellier station the Town requests that we be given fair
warning as we may need to advise Bunge to be prepared to lower their
usage during that time frame.
8.
Community & Social Development – Chaired by Ann Kroeker
8.1
Recreation Service – monthly report.
Recreation Services Manager Ron Epp reviewed the monthly report. The
ice is out of the Sunflower Gardens, staff members are now busy repairing,
refreshing, and re-painting the MEC. Gallery staff has been hired: Brenda
Friesen, Imy Rempel and Bethany Gerbrandt. Ron recently met with the
SEVEC students, their 2015 project is to paint a mural on one of the walls of
the Field House at the Nature Park.
8.2
Aquatic Centre Pool rate comparison
Recreation Services Manager reviewed the 2015 proposed pool rates.
2015 proposed rates are staying the same other than an increase to the
Bronze from $130 to $135 and camping fee rates from $22 to $24.
RECOMMENDATION: Terry Wiebe – Glen Robinson – moved to recommend
the approval of the new 2015 Aquatic Centre and camping rates as
reviewed and recommended by Committee of the Whole.
CARRIED.
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Ron Epp requested that the new camping rates be presented at tonight’s
Council meeting as campsite bookings will begin shortly.
9. Finance & Administration – Chaired by Tim Fast
9.1
Planning
9.1.1 Planning Items – monthly report
CAO Dan Gagné reviewed the Development and Planning report.
9.1.2 Public Hearing – RPGA – Rezoning for Altona
CAO Dan Gagné noted that the hearing for an Altona rezoning
application that has been forwarded to the RPGA will be held on
Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. here in Altona.
9.2
Finance & Administration
9.2.1 Cheque listing - #047976 - #48045 - $283,993.23
Committee members reviewed the cheque listing.
RECOMMENDAITON: Glen Robinson – Ann Kroeker – moved to
recommend the approval of cheques #047976-#048045 in the amount of
$283,993.23.
CARRIED.
9.2.2 Payroll & Indemnities March 1st – March 14th $76,535.45
RECOMMENDATION: Donna Rosling-Wolters – Terry Wiebe – moved to
recommend the approval of Payroll & Indemnities for March 1st – March
14th, 2015 in the amount of $76,535.45.
CARRIED.
9.2.3 Approval of the 2015 Budget
Finance Officer Terry Fehr reviewed the 2015 proposed budget
noting a slight change from prior drafts. The Altona Police Service’s
operating expenditures were slightly understated. An additional
amount of $12,000 was approved by the Altona Police Board but
was not carried forward onto the Town of Altona overall budget.
Administration has adjusted the Added Taxes and Return on
Investment revenue item amounts to offset the increase to the
Altona Police Service budget.
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RECOMMENDATION: Terry Wiebe – Melvin Klassen – moved to recommend
that the 2015 Financial Plan be approved with the above noted
amendments as reviewed and recommended by Committee of the
Whole.
CARRIED.
9.2.4 Bylaw 1740/2015 - 2015 Imposition of Taxes
RECOMMENDATION: Terry Wiebe – Melvin Klassen – moved to recommend
to approve Bylaw 1740/2015 the 2015 Imposition of Taxes be given first
reading as reviewed and recommended by Committee of the Whole.
CARRIED.
9.2.5 Donation request – Police & Peace Officers Memorial Ribbon
Society
Committee members agreed to donate the same amount as last
year.
RECOMMENDATION: Terry Wiebe – Ann Kroeker– moved to recommend
the following resolution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Altona approve a $300.00
grant to the Police & Peace Officers Memorial Ribbon Fund as reviewed
and recommended by Committee of the Whole.
CARRIED.
9.2.6 Altona & District Chamber of Commerce annual grant
request
Committee members reviewed the Chambers 2014 financial
statement and request for 2015 funding.
RECOMMENDATION: Terry Wiebe – Glen Robinson – moved to recommend
following resolution that the Town of Altona approve the annual grant to
the Altona & District Chamber of Commerce of $41,000;
AND THAT the 2015 grant also include free rent for the office space.
CARRIED.
10. New Business – Chaired by Mel Klassen
10.1 AMM – Municipalities and First Nations join forces
For information only.
10.2 AMM – Manitoba Conservation & Water Stewardship
For information only.
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10.3
10.4
MPIC – Increase in Fire Fighting payments by MPI
For information only.
CRA – Sunbelt Group - GST
For information only.
11. Correspondence
11.1 Ryan Penner – Correspondence
For information only.
11.2 Friesens Corporation - new printing press
Mayor Melvin Klassen noted that Friesens CEO Curwin Friesen has
invited Council to the unveiling of their new press which is being
held on June 16, 2015.
12. In Camera
Motion: Tim Fast – Glen Robinson – moved that this meeting convenes to
In-Camera at 4:35 p.m.
CARRIED.
Motion: Tim Fast – Glen Robinson – moved that this meeting reconvenes
from In-Camera at 4:50 p.m.
CARRIED.
RECOMMENDATION: Terry Wiebe – Tim Fast – moved to recommend the
following resolution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Altona grant the Altona Curling
Club $200 in recognition of the Junior Girls’ team winning the Provincial U18
Championship.
CARREID.
RECOMMENDATION: Glen Robinson – Al Friesen – moved to recommend the
following resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Altona purchase 2 tickets at
$200.00 each to attend the Junior Achievement 2015 Manitoba Business Hall
of Fame Gala.
CARRIED.
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13. Adjournment
MOTION: Donna Rosling-Wolters – Glen Robinson moved to adjourn at 5:05
p.m.
CARRIED.
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.
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