The RM of Rosedale has struggled with keeping up with its 'moving and grading' this summer thanks to a staff shortage so September sees them in catch-up mode. As CAO McDonald says, they’re so far behind, they’re doing what they should have done in the spring. The vacant positions have been filled, but staff is still in training and the councillors ask the constituents to have patience while they all get up to speed. The RM is also considering adjusting equipment depending on the conditions of the various roads and ditches.October marks the start of the decision-making process for next year’s equipment buys, so now is the time to have those conversations.

Rogers Communications has proposed a telecommunications tower in the area which requires municipal road access for their heavy equipment. The RM is open to allowing their access needs to address the cell service problem they have in the area, but want to ensure they have a conditional agreement to cover the scope of that use.

The big conversation of the month was around selling lots within Franklin, which is a decision that is not just limited to that community but also applies to the rest of the communities within the municipality which would be held to the same conditions should the bylaws and policies be changed. Current policy requires newly purchased lots to have a building constructed on them within a year, but holding to that policy for back lot areas might involve new road construction and other costly measures. Council is looking at options to reclassify some of the lots or to build into their bylaws that lots meeting specific conditions, such as lack of access, must be purchased with another lot. There is also consideration around who is maintaining the lots and ensuring the community is not at risk of wildfire. The discussion is ongoing and will likely form part of an overall municipal strategic plan.

The Eden Fire Hall water access was also on the agenda, as the contractor has been unable to locate the old water line to hook into. The option of hooking up to potable water for fire truck usage was considered, as well as putting out a new line directly to the well instead of continuing to search for the old line. All options will be cost out before a decision is made.

Other items the RM considered this month were aeration support for Kerr’s Lake, participation in the Valley Life seniors housing project, a couple of subdivisions, and following up on future bridge repairs. Tenders were received for repair of Boundary Road 84 and Council made decisions to go forward, as well they discussed the topic of gravel reserves in general. As well, work continues on testing local clay to see if it is suitable to line a new landfill.

The RM of Rosedale’s 2023 tax sale will be held on their next regular meeting date of October 13.