Fall Council Meeting Gears up for Winter Preparations

The last meeting for Schreiber council had a new face at the table. Rosalie Adams has assumed the temporary position of acting CAO/ Clerk with the departure of Nathan Dias. A search is on for a permanent CAO but no date has been set for the hiring until applications come in.

A resolution was brought forward to support a housing initiative from NOMA.

A new bylaw was passed to update the current Accessibility Bylaw. It includes plans to hire a consultant to oversee the updates.

The Treasurers report focused on unpaid property taxes and the properties affected that will be offered for sale. Tax write-offs were also discussed for three properties but will require reassessment if they are to put up for sale.

The Director of Operations report included status updates on ongoing projects. The splash pad will be shut down until late next spring. The road running past the splash pad had been temporarily closed during the season but a discussion occurred around the possibility of permanently closing it and incorporating it into the pavilion expansion that should begin construction next year. It was recommended that a public meeting be held before any action is taken. 

There are many ongoing proposals that are currently being addressed such as the Arena roof repairs, concession leasing, and sand delivery for the winter. Security camera updates are also being considered for municipal vehicles. The purchase of the new truck has been approved and the old truck might be sold off if there is not enough value in it as a trade. 

The scheduling of garbage pick up was discussed. Commercial pickup might be cut back to one day per week in an effort to cut costs. A recycling programme is still being worked on as currently there is no fully implemented recycling programme in Schreiber. 

The Recreation Programmer's report report highlighted that insurance costs need to be determined for the new dance programme the recreation department wishes to start. The space for the classes has been approved. 

The report for funded projects gave a status update on completion dates and costs. The focus for 2024 will be centred on the downtown revitalization project which will culminate with the construction of the pavilion beside the splash park. Costs have increased and can only be approved with the next budget phase. 

Economic Committee minutes were presented by councillor McGrath. The possibility for tourism opportunities linked to cruise ships was included. An event for the Schreiber businesses is being planned. Gateway signage is also under consideration but a location will need to be determined. Promotion of the beachfront area is also a high priority for next year.

The Fire Department report was submitted by Fire Chief Morrison who also responded to concerns from council. There is currently a shortage of volunteers for the department and it is hoped that a drive to attract new volunteers might help. Schreiber has an agreement with Rossport that is currently up for renewal. Some costs are shared and volunteers come from both communities. The usual request for additional safety equipment will also be approved. 

The OCWA report was brought forward with very few concerns at this time. The upgrades to the computer monitoring system are being installed. Power surges from lightning strikes have been an issue this year in both Schreiber and Terrace Bay. Spare parts are being stocked in the event of another occurrence.

Under Communications, there was a motion to support the NOMA initiative for housing concerns.

Unfinished business mentioned the final preparations for the Christmas social to be held in December, with discussion centered around entertainment and employee availability. There was also talk about creating a Christmas greeting ad this year with a message from the mayor for the local FM radio station. There might also be a Facebook post featuring a video with the mayor.

Question period had no submissions.

The meeting was adjourned and moved into a closed session.