Neepawa Council Debrief: Entering Budget Season

The first February meeting of the Neepawa Town Council largely focused on committee reports from Council members without significant new business being introduced.

Updating policies and procedures seemed to be the order of the day for many groups, including the Sayward Estate Trust Fund Committee and the Yellowhead Centre. It’s budget time for others, including Westlake Employment Services and the County Courthouse Building, both of which are looking at ways to secure additional funding. The Rossburn Subdivision Trail is planning a special biking and fun run event at the Rossburn end of the trail, and Councillor Nadeau suggested the town might plan something similar for the Neepawa end as well.

Councillor Parrott reminded everyone that the clinic’s annual Farm and Leisure Lottery is fast approaching, which is a major source of funds for the organisation. He also updated Council on several recent meetings with provincial representation regarding aspects of the new hospital including the transition from the current physical location, staffing, training, and traffic impact.

Councillor Gerrard mentioned that he attended the inaugural meeting of a local LGBTQ+ Pride group looking to hold some upcoming gatherings and events including a Pride celebration this fall.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet reported on the havoc that the mild weather has had and continues to have on town operations, particularly around potholes but also causing a delay of some other work due to soft ground as well as the closure of the outdoor rink. Staff training in various areas has been progressing and several people have managed to upgrade their certifications during the winter season.

Assistant CAO Jodi  Baker, filling in for CAO Synchyshyn, updated Council on the offer received for one of the final lots for phase one of the Ellen Street development, which Council subsequently approved. There was no business arising from any correspondence at this meeting, and so Council quickly went through their regular approval of the biweekly financials and final comments.