Neepawa Town Council review: Tuesday, Oct. 7

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Town of Neepawa held its first Council meeting of the autumn on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Some of the notable items that were up for discussion included:

Councillor reports

• Murray Parrott has noticed an issue related to residents pushing their leaves into the gutters and curbs along the roads. He asked residents to take pride in their town’s appearance and to collect their leaves.

• Dave Clark provided an update on the most recent Yellowhead Centre board meeting. He said the facility has had a few issues with the pumps to start off the year, that they are keeping an eye on. On a positive note, Clark also noted that rentals for both the arena and hall are at full capacity until the end of December. As well, the Yellowhead’s Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 23. The general public is invited to attend the event, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Yellowhead Centre.

• Yvonne Sisley offered a reminder that the annual ‘What’s the Big Idea’ event is occurring on Thursday, Oct. 16. There are six business pitches set for this year’s event, taking place at the Neepawa Legion. As well, the Westman Youth Choir will perform in Neepawa on Oct. 20, at the Anglican Church. There are three Neepawa based individuals who are members of this year’s Choir. The ArtWest Travelling Art Gallery will also be at the Neepawa Public Library on Oct. 27.

• Marijka Kostenchuk attended the most recent HAND board meeting. A Fall Tea takes place on Oct. 16 from 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. One other item discussed was the increase in cost to the Yellowhead Centre Meal Program. Due to inflationary pressures, the cost will have to increase from $11 to $12. This is a six month notice, so the increase will occur in April.

• Jason Nadeau shared detail from the most recent Westman Regional Library Board meeting. A vote on the budget for the new year will take place in November. Nadeau also attended a Westlake Employment meeting. The latest services contract with the Provincial Government is being negotiated and finalized.

Manager of Operation

Denis Saquet informed members of council of a few notable projects and their progress. He shared that the Second Avenue water and sewer renewal, between Hamilton and Mill Street is proceeding as expected. They hope they won’t see the problems they have seen in the past. He added that they are waiting for final water tests to remove the temporary boil water advisory in that area.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton Street curb work close to the new hospital has been completed. It includes the approach going north-south between the hospital and new school, as well as the hospital entrance.

Fianlly, it was noted that the Town have contracted out the asphalt patcher, who arrived last week. They are hoping to fill as many potholes as possible, starting on Mountain Ave and then branching out to other streets.

Correspondences

Chief Administrative Officer Colleen Synchshyn read a letter sent from Manitoba Hydro, informing Council of upcoming work on a local gas transmission project. In essence, a 19 kilometre, six inch natural gas steel pipe, from an existing value site, is going to be installed. The letter was requesting any feedback from the Town related to this planned extension.

An information session is also being planned to inform the public of the details related to this project, and what it means locally. The session is set for Oct. 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Neepawa Public Library. Everyone is invited to attend.

Other business

• As part of the Manitoba Growth Renewal and Opportunities Grant, the Province is asking for more details from the Town on the proposed construction of a bridge on Hurrell Road. Some preliminary design and engineering information is required for the project, being planned for between N.E. 34-15 and S.W. 2-15-15. If approved, 50 per cent of the associated cost would be borne by the Town of Neepawa, and the other 50 would be covered through the grant.

• The Town has accepted a consultant proposal to update its Local Leadership Climate Adaption Plan.

• Council has accepted the proposal for a reassessment of the Water Treatment Plant for asbestos building materials. The reassessment is required by Workplace Safety and Health for older facilities across the province, that may have asbestos. An assessment was already been done before at the Treatment Plant and no issues have been reported. In adherence to new regulations, however, this new assessment needs to be done. Council approved bringing in Pinchin Ltd, who are an environmental, health and safety consulting firm, to conduct the reassessment.