Deputy Mayor Parrott is chairing the meeting this week, and he takes some time throughout to explain some of the regular operations of Council to viewers, including things that many people familiar with municipal operations might take for granted.

In the second half of the meeting, we start with a report from the Public Works and Infrastructure committee talking about the needs of the town in relation to the upcoming budget. As an expanding town, creating underlying infrastructure for new areas, such as the location of the new hospital, is critical. Ideally the town would be able to always do everything on its bucket list, but there are cost considerations. The same holds true of road repairs and equipment replacement and repair, and lately there is always the question of availability of materials and contractors as well.

Other Council reports cover the recent Louis Riel Day events, including a fundraiser for the firefighters and a chili cook-off between local non-profits. This event, and many others, are seeking volunteers to help coordinate and run the activities. In a sadder turn of events, Councillor Sisley also reports that there has been more vandalism at the Flats and this time the defibrillator was damaged. Councillor Nadeau, who is helping to create the new Volunteerism and Environmentalism Committee, mentioned that there are many volunteers in town, citing the many people who showed up to help during the flood, but it was pointed out that we need many volunteers at all times of year and not just during disasters.

Council declared the 2023 Chamber of Commerce fair, to be held on May 26 to 28, as a community event, much as they did for the Viterra Championship. This primarily has implications for the liquor licence, allowing such things as selling tickets at the gate and  expanded advertising of the event.

The first application to the Storefront Improvement Program for 2023 is from one of Neepawa’s newest businesses, Hidd’n Hollow, a toy store that opened downtown just before Christmas. They are looking to repair the exterior of the building, which is located on Davidson Street next to the library, as well as install a mural that will mirror the mural that was painted on the interior over the holidays.

Finally, the newest project of the local HandiVan is to organise free trips for groceries for the the senior residences in Neepawa - Elks Manor, Kinsmen Kourts 1 and 2, and Yellowhead Manor. These will be to Freshmart and Co-op on Senior Tuesdays. The committee is also working on adding trips to Safeway on a different day.

Also covered were a few subcommittee meetings, regular financial report, minor changes on subdivision requests, and second and third reading of the new cemetery bylaw.