|
News for May 26th
Traffic Section
Please be advised that the Traffic Engineering Division of Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) have agreed to support our request for a left-turn signal at the intersection of 18th Street North and Parker Boulevard for southbound traffic movements.
Our office appreciates Council’s patience as this issue was reviewed with Provincial officials. The information received over the last year from various businesses in this area was very useful in finalizing this outcome.
It is anticipated that the installation of the left-turn signal by MIT will be completed in August or September of this year.
Please note that other intersections along Provincial roads such as 18th Street, 1st Street, Victoria Avenue, and Richmond Avenue, are currently being reviewed by MIT engineers to determine if additional left-turn signals are warranted. Our office will provide Council with additional information as it becomes available in this regard.
Fire Hall Planning
Cibinel Architects were in Brandon from May 13th to 16th to begin the preliminary planning for the new Fire Hall. Travis Cooke, Don Collins, George Cibinel, and Joseph Orobia attended 5 meetings in the 3 short days that they were here. They met with Fire and 911 Management and staff to help determine spatial requirements and department needs in the new building. Three of them stayed at the fire hall for two nights to talk to the shifts, see the process when responding to calls and to help them understand the culture. They signed on to ride along on calls. This initial planning phase will last approximately 3 weeks.
Don Collins is a Captain with the Clemson University’s Fire & EMS Department, an architect who teaches the design of fire stations and he has been the keynote speaker at National Fire Hall Design Conferences. We are excited to work with someone that has such specific experience in the building and design of fire halls.
There was a staff information meeting on Wednesday night where Don showed a PowerPoint presentation on buildings that he has built or visited in the past. It showed design concepts that worked well and those that have not.
The architects timeline is:
Committee Meeting (last week)
3 weeks - Programming / Gather Information
Committee Meeting
3 weeks - Concept Design
Committee Meeting
3 weeks - Development & Costing
Committee Meeting
2-3 weeks - Final Report
Committee Meeting
Final Document
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Training Officer Hemstad was in Winnipeg from May 12th to 16th taking the Emergency Services Instructor Level 2 Course provided by Manitoba Emergency Services College. This provided him with formal training to prepare formal learning plans, process proper evaluation of students, and create curriculum/courses and tests.
We have two new firefighter/paramedics joining the department this week. Trevor Martens began working with the Department on May 20th, 2008. Jonathan Arndt began working with the Department on May 21st, 2008. They will both be going through orientation training for the next couple of weeks.
On May 15th BFES hosted a Badge and Medal Presentation to acknowledge two of our staff members. James Jasper has served 5 years of service with the department which is commemorated with a BFES badge. Wade Ritchie received his Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada for 20 years of service. Department management, staff, family members, Mayor Burgess, Brian MacRae and Vicki Fifi all attended to recognize their service.
Police Services Update
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant attended the CISM Executive Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th, 2008.
The Executive of the Police Service met with the architects on Wednesday, May 21st, 2008. Preliminary plans were presented. The next meeting is scheduled for June 9th, 2008.
Chief Atkinson participated in the clean up on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008.
Chief Atkinson and Inspectors Bryson and Grant attended a Farewell – Promotion gathering in Winnipeg. Assistant Commissioner Madill has been promoted and transferred to Ottawa.
Representatives of the Brandon School Division attended the bi-weekly CompStat Meeting on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008.
Third Street Dam
As explained in an earlier update, the Third Street Dam suffered damage during the ice break-up this spring. In order to reduce the potential for additional damage to the dam, a number of stop logs have been removed from the weir to reduce riverbed erosion. This action reduced the potential head differential over the dam and in turn serves to reduce the driving force of the velocity releasing through the damaged open bays. This was the most effective short term measure recommended by KGS Engineering and long-term alternatives are currently being developed.
Construction
Prelude Bay – Nelson River Construction has begun the road renewal for this bay. Construction is expected to take approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Currie Blvd. north of Patricia Ave. – Cumming & Dobbie has started the watermain replacement on Currie Blvd. Construction is expected to take approximately 1 month.
College Ave. and 2nd Street – C & C Construction is installing a 14” force main at this location. Will begin going south on 2nd Street to Aberdeen Ave. Will work on 1 block at a time. Each block on 2nd Street is expected to take 2 weeks.
1st Street south of Maryland Ave. – C & C is also working at this location but will be off of the road installing a force main for the Lift Station.
Van Horne Ave. between 3rd and 6th Streets – Zenith Paving is rebuilding the road at this location. Construction is expected to take approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
17th Street East – is now open. The patches and paving have been finished.
1st Street between Aberdeen Ave. and Richmond Ave. is paved and open now.
Park Ave. and Industrial Drive – Still closed due to installation of sewer and water services across the road. The road should be open by next Wednesday (May 28th).
Update from the Mayor
This week I enjoyed participating in the Neighborhood Sweep in the Riverview Ward on Thursday, May 22. It is always encouraging to see so many employees and citizens assisting with this clean-up in the neighborhood.
On Thursday, I also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new McKenzie Seeds building north of the tracks on 8th Street. I would like to congratulate this valued and long-time Brandon business on the commencement of construction of their new building and best wishes to them for continued success.
MPI Rebate
Manitoba Public Insurance has advised that the City’s fleet had a loss ratio during the last term of 26% which puts us in a rebate position. The City has received a rebate cheque in the amount of $41,723.88. The MPI Fleet Program provides quarterly reports on our fleet vehicles and their current claims status. The rebate is a reflection of the City’s claims history and we have been fortunate to receive a rebate for the past several years. Should our projected loss experience ever exceed 79%, we may be subject to a surcharge rather than receiving a rebate. An 18% reduction over last year’s loss ratio of 44% is a very significant improvement. City employees are to be commended for the driving and/or operating diligence they have exhibited while operating City vehicles over the past term.
Heritage Resources – Summer Programming
Michael Luptak has been hired as the Heritage Assistant for Heritage Resources for a 14 week term. Michael started his employment on May 20th, 2008 and will be with the City until August 22nd, 2008. Michael has completed his Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in History, and is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Education at Brandon University. His major duties this summer will include coordinating the Doors Open Heritage Tours in July, administering the community plaqueing program, research of potential heritage sites, and development of promotional material and displays on heritage resources, including the quarterly newsletter. The addition of this summer staff person provides the resources required to promote the City’s heritage programming during the summer tourist season.
News for May 19th
Property Tax Notices
Property tax notices were mailed out on May 9th. They are due June 30th and we will focus staff resources over the next couple of months to ensure any additional traffic at the Customer Service counter is handled in a timely fashion. The last couple of years have seen more people using the tax installment plan or dropping off post-dated cheques. Please encourage your constituents to do one of these to save them time should they be unfortunate enough that they arrive when it is busy.
Also, in the past, we have had a number of tax bills returned by Canada Post advising that they are undeliverable and we are sure this year will not be any different. For any notices that are returned, we will attempt to confirm the correct addresses or registered owners’ name in order to redirect them. However, if you are speaking with your constituents and they have not received their tax notice, please ask them to contact the Treasury Department at 729-2228.
We will also be placing ads in the Brandon Sun and the Wheat City Journal advising property owners that the tax notices are out, that the due date is June 30th and that the owners are responsible for payment of taxes whether or not a bill is received.
Retirees & Resignations
Jeff Taylor is retiring after 29 years with the City . Jeff started in May 1979, he briefly
worked in Recreation and Sanitation then moved to the Sewer and Water section in 1980 . His
last day is May 15, 2008.
Don Davies has retired after 30 years with the City. Don started in April 1978, he worked in
various positions but mainly with the Meter Section. His last day was April 18, 2008.
New Hires & Promotions
#2007-089—E-911 Dispatch, Emerg. Communications
Joanna Jacobson is a successful candidate for this position.
She started on April 11, 2008.
#2008-006—Utility Worker Level 3—Sportsplex
Kris Farmer and Travis Poersch are the successful candidates
for this position. Kris started on May 5, 2008 and Travis will
start mid-May.
#2008-007—Canteen Attendant, Sportsplex
Kelsey Connor is a successful candidate for this position.
Kelsey started on Mar. 05, 2008.
#2008-009—Lifeguard—Sportsplex
Jocelyn Doppler is a successful candidate for this position.
Jocelyn started April 17, 2008.
#2008-020—Engineering Tech II—Engineering
Tim Wiebe is the successful candidate. Tim started on May 5,
2008.
#2008-021—Transit Operator—Transit
Allan Wald is a successful candidate and started on April 14,
2008.
#2008-025—E-911 Dispatch Supervisor, Emerg. Comm.
Kim Goertzen is the successful candidate for this position. Kim
started April 25, 2008.
#2008-026—Building Inspector, Planning & Bldg.
Ryan Sheffield is the successful candidate for this position.
Ryan started on April 15, 2008.
#2008-029—Summer/Seasonal Opportunities
Successful candidates to date: Kent Bednorski started on Apr.
15, 2008, Brady Henderson started on Apr. 15, Adam Sefton
started May 5, and John McLeod started May 12, 2008 with the
Rec. Centre and Harbinder Benning started Apr. 29, 2008 with
the Pro Shop at Rec. Centre. Justin Link started on Mar. 13,
2008 at the Sportsplex. Dave Rodgers started on April 22, 2008
with Sanitation. Kelly Hutchison started on Apr. 21, 2008 with
Streets. Matteo Di Muro and Marshall Gallaway both started
May 5, 2008 with In-City Maint.
#2008-030—Level 4 Operator (Term), WWTF
Darrell Grant is the successful candidate for this position. Darrell
started on March 31, 2008.
#2008-031—Level 3 Operator (2 Positions), WWTF
Donna Fischer and Barry Dyck are the successful candidates
for these positions. They started on March 31, 2008.#2008-032—Level 3 Operator (Term), WWTF
Jason MacKay is the successful candidate for this position.
Jason started on March 31, 2008.
#2008-033—Summer By-Law Enforcement, Police
Travis Bradley is the successful candidate. Travis started
May 12, 2008.
#2008-034—Planning Technician Aide, Bldg. Dept.
Hedy Friesen is the successful candidate for this position. She
started on Apr. 15, 2008.
#2008-041—Welder/Heavy Duty Mechanic, Fleet Serv.
Bruce Smith is the successful candidate for this position.
Bruce starts on May 16, 2008.
#2008-042—Level 1 Operator—WWTF
Brin Smith is the successful candidate for this position. He
started on May 12, 2008.
#2008-043—Equip. Operator, Level 3—Utilities
Dan Flemming is the successful candidate for this position.
Dan started on May 12, 2008.
HR Summer Student—Angela Pickett is the successful
candidate, she started May 5, 2008.
Real Estate Firm Services
The real estate agent contract for the disposal of City owned property expires May 14th, 2008. As a result, a proposal package was prepared by the Property Section for the sale of City owned commercial, industrial and residential property. It was posted by the Purchasing Department on April 1st, 2008 with a deadline of April 17th, 2008.
Three bids were received, and after comparison and evaluation, the real estate agent contract from May 15th, 2008 until May 14th, 2010 has been awarded to Brian Baker & Alison Kelland of Royal LePage/Martin-Liberty Realty.
Our office would like to thank Harvey Purvis of HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc. for all his hard work and professionalism over the last two years. Harvey spent considerable hours in an effort to sell City owned property as well as working with our office to provide real estate advice for the purchase of properties for future City facilities.
Our office looks forward to working with Royal LePage/Martin-Liberty Realty for the next term of this real estate agent contract. Contact information for Brian Baker & Alison Kelland will be posted on the Property Section web page for any prospective developers wishing to purchase City owned property.
Update from Police Services
The kickoff for the 2008 Roadwatch Season was held on Monday, May 12th, 2008 at the MPI Building at 731-1st Street. The program will run throughout the summer months and into the fall.
Chief Atkinson and Inspectors Bryson and Grant attended the MACP Meeting held in Lockport, Manitoba.
Topics included:
* Pawn Broker’s Act – Progress Report.
* Proclamation Document “Police and Peace Officer’s Memorial Day”.
* CISM – Status Report.
* Bias Free Policing.
* Escorts – Youth Stabilization Act & Cost to Police.
* MACP Input into Representation to CACP – Madill.
* 2015 World Police & Fire Fighter Games.
* MACP Logo Revitalization.
* Travel Expenses – MACP Specific Events.
* By-Law Amendment.
* Financial Signing Authorities.
* MACP Executive – Regularly Scheduled Meetings Direct with Minister of Justice.
Chief Atkinson participated in the Canadian Blood Services blood drive.
Update from the City Manager
Vicki Fifi and I attended a meeting of the Aboriginal Recruitment and Retention Circle with a wide variety of partners from the aboriginal community, as well as other community stakeholders. While the role of the Circle continues to be primarily employment related, we have initiated some discussion with respect to how we can collectively and proactively deal with the larger spectrum of aboriginal issues in Brandon, including housing, poverty, health, education and capacity building. I will report further on these discussions as they evolve.
News for May 12th
Update from the Mayor
I would like to congratulate Councillor Murray Blight on his recent induction into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame.
Water and Sewer Charges in Mobile Home Parks
Treasury has received a few enquiries from residents of mobile home parks regarding the 2008 and future water rates. As well, at least one City Councillor has provided a similar enquiry from one citizen of his ward.
The concern of those residents is that the water and sewer rates in effect in their parks exceed those recently passed by City Council and the Public Utilities Board.
We have been in contact with the Associate Secretary of the Public Utilities Board and he has advised that any charges to a resident of a mobile home park for utilities are considered part of the rent at those locations. Any complaints surrounding rates should be referred to the Residential Tenancies Branch of the Provincial Government.
• Residential Tenancies Office in Brandon:
Residential Tenancies Branch
157 - 340 9th Street
Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6C2
Telephone: (204) 726-6230
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-656-8481
FAX: (204) 726-6589
email: rtbbrandon@gov.mb.ca
Water System Tampering
In 2007 there was an incident where water meter tampering was discovered at a single location. This incident triggered a random inspection of several other properties where similar tampering was discovered. As a result, letters are now being mailed to all local plumbers and known general contractors with a copy to the Construction Association where we are advising of the plumbers’ responsibility to meet City of Brandon specifications without any alteration. Further, letters are being mailed specifically to the plumbers whose work was discovered to be faulty advising that the meter setters need to be corrected at the inspected addresses and any other addresses where this practice may have been followed. Ongoing annual inspections will be scheduled and further discovery of tampering will result in fines.
Builder Bonds
Manitobans will once again have the opportunity to invest in their province when Manitoba Builder Bonds Series 10 goes on sale May 20, Finance Minister Greg Selinger announced today.
"Builder Bonds Series 10 will be the 20th savings bond issue since 1989. Manitobans have purchased these bonds as a way of investing in their future and the future of our province,"
Selinger said. "When you make your purchase, not only will you be buying a bond, you will be powering our future."
The minister will announce the interest rates for the issue by May 16 when he will also announce the floating rates for Builder Bonds Series 8 and 9 as well as for Hydro Bonds Series 9 and 10.
As in past years, Builder Bonds are both RRSP- and RESP-eligible for self-directed plans to encourage saving for retirement and for children's education. The three investment alternatives for Manitoba Builder Bond Series 10 are:
- Floating rate bond with a five-year term and an interest rate adjusted annually to reflect current market conditions. These bonds will pay interest annually and will be redeemable annually.
- Three-year fixed rate bond with a fixed interest rate for the term. These bonds will pay interest annually and will not be redeemable until maturity.
- Five-year fixed rate bond with a fixed interest rate for the term. Purchasers may select either annual or compound interest and the bond will not be redeemable until maturity.
The bonds will be issued in denominations starting at $100 to ensure all Manitobans have an opportunity to invest, the minister said. The maximum purchase by an individual, company or organization will be $200,000 plus the amount of any maturing bonds.
Builder Bonds will be available at banks, trust companies, investment dealers, credit unions and caisse populaires throughout Manitoba. Further information can be obtained by calling the toll-free information line at 1-800-565-0350.
Economic Development Update
Peter Bartlette has been hired for a four month term as the BNRC Interim Housing Coordinator, with his first day of employ May 5th, 2008. Peter’s skills and energy will be helpful in moving Brandon’s affordable housing initiatives forward.
The Economic Development officer was part of a panel of three (Honorable Gord Mackintosh and Tom Carter, University of Winnipeg) invited to speak at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce annual meeting, May 3rd, on the topic of housing. It was evident from the interest in the room and ensuing questions that housing shortages are top of mind in most Manitoba communities.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Chief Dane attended the Centre for Labour-Management Development Handling Difficult Accommodation Cases Seminar in Winnipeg on May 8th and 9th.
Training Officer Hemstad was in Carberry May 7th and 8th to co-teach an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) course with the Assiniboine Regional Health Authority. This will finish his certification that is needed to instruct our staff on this valuable skill set. He also attended a Regional Educators Meeting in Portage la Prairie on May 9th.
2 members of our staff will be honored on May 9th to receive their 2008 Long Service Recognition Award. Darcy Aitken has served 10 years with Brandon Fire and Emergency Services. Val McArthur has served 20 years of service between our Department and Records.
Human Resource Update
This week the Human Resources Department was displaying support for the North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week by kicking off the new employee orientation program and each day we sent out a safety bulletin to all City employees to heighten their awareness of safety.
Community Services Update
A Neighbourhood Sweep will be held in the Riverview Ward, between 1st Street and 17th Street East and Van Horne Avenue East and Rosser Avenue East on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All volunteers are asked to meet at the East End Community Centre at 405 Park Street.
The sweep is an opportunity for neighbourhood residents, businesses, community organizations and city staff to collectively work together to clean or spruce up our community. In addition it will be an opportune time to identify any improvements and address any concerns or issues that may need attention in the area. Rain or shine, Fire, Police, By-Law, Parks, Sanitation, Public Works and Community Services will be available to work alongside volunteers in the cleaning, trimming and beautification of this area.
For more information on how to get involved in the Neighbourhood Sweep even for a few hours, please feel free to contact Bryce Wilson (729-2282) or bryce.wilson@brandon.ca with City of Brandon: Community Services.
News for May 7th
Update from the Mayor
I attended the Special Olympics ceremony in the Keystone Centre this week for their celebration and also participated in a softball game in the afternoon.
I had the opportunity on Wednesday evening to make a presentation to the Keystone Board about ongoing efforts to increase revenues to the Keystone Centre. Documentation of funding agreements made by City Council in coordination with the $15 million, three-level government funding was presented as well. This was an excellent opportunity to correct some misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the commitment of the City.
Third Street Dam
Corrective action has taken place to address the recent partial failure of the Third St Dam. On April 28th a number of stop logs have been removed from the Third St Dam in order to reduce the velocity of the water moving the area where all of the stop logs are missing. This action was taken to minimize erosion of the river channel and possible further damage to the Dam. The Dam is stable and is monitored daily and further temporary corrective action may be taken as necessary. A number of options for a permanent solution are now being developed. Further updates will be forthcoming as the situation warrants.
Taking Action Against Violence
There is a new Resource Guide for service providers, called Taking Action Against Violence, which outlines government programs and services available to victims and offenders of domestic violence – in the areas of justice, social services, health, housing and education. The Guide is available at the link below. Hard copies are available by contacting the Manitoba Status of Women office at 945-3476. http://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/pdf_files/tav.pdf
Beaubier Hotel
The Beaubier Hotel closed its doors on April 30th, 2008. In the months leading up to the closure service providers worked diligently to ensure that the individuals amenable to developing relocation plans had the support necessary to do so. As the closure date drew nearer, there was increased communication amongst service providers and a variety of actions undertaken to assist with relocation plans. Actions included determining and sharing hotel rental rates for long term stays in Brandon and area, inventorying availability of existing supportive housing options and communicating the closure situation to various agencies that may end up being contacted by individuals who chose not to develop relocation plans or were unsuccessful in implementing their plan. Many of the individuals residing at the Beaubier were able to move successfully to other settings well in advance of the closure date. For those that remained as of April 30th, alternate accommodations were found.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Chief Dane and Deputy Bell participated in a conference call with Corbett Cibinel Architects. They will be in Brandon the week of May 12th for three days to meet with BFES staff. Meetings will be held while they are here to start defining the building plans.
Deputy Romanik met with BRHA to discuss the Ambulance Request Decision Tree process. This ensures that all BFES and BRHA staff are using the same guidelines for when a Nurse escort is required for a long distance ambulance transfer.
CFB Shilo has their staff attending Ride-A-Longs at BFES throughout the month of May. This will give them valuable experience before they are deployed to Afghanistan.
Human Resources Update
Human Resources is participating in a vocational rehabilitation program with the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. What makes this special is that the participant is not a City employee but a member of the community gaining the necessary work experience to start a new career.
On April 28, Greg and Sandra attended the Brandon and District Labour Council flag raising ceremony at City Hall, it was to commemorate the National Day of Mourning which honors those killed or injured in the workplace. In 2007, 30 Manitobans were killed on the job another 18,000 were injured.
Sportsplex Update
On Tuesday, April 29, Healthy Brandon In Motion in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Manitoba hosted a media event at the town center to promote May as Physical Activity month and the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s “Workplace Challenge”.
There were 209 swimmers who participated in the Free Public Swim, sponsored by Brandon in Motion on Tuesday, April 29th.
The Sportsplex is now taking registrations for our Summer & Fall programs.
Methane Gas Study
Monitoring of methane gas is now underway at the Eastview Landfill site. A temporary flare and monitoring station is in place and will operate 24/7 over the next two to three months. The information gathered will tell us the quality and quantity of methane gas we have and will also tell us of potential usage in the future of this harmful greenhouse gas.
Police Update
Chief Atkinson and Inspector Grant attended the Small Chiefs Meeting on Monday, April 28th, 2008 in East St. Paul. Topics discussed included:
* TraCS Software.
* Training for Bill C-2.
* Probation Services.
* Fine Option and Community Service Work Program.
* High Visibility Clothing.
* Municipal Auxiliary Constable Program.
* Educational Institutions – Emergency Response.
* Police Fan-outs.
* Inter-provincial Amber Alert.
* Police Excellence Awards.
* Annual Firearms Discharge Reports.
* Annual Firearms Qualifications Documents.
* Canadian Police College Training Demands 2009.
Chief Atkinson attended an Announcement in Winnipeg on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 regarding the Security details for the 2010 Olympics.
Inspectors Bryson and Grant attended the ACC Graduation on Friday, May 2nd, 2008. Eighteen students will graduate including the Police Service’s newly hired Mike Baranyk.
Phase B training will start next week with seven students in total.
Condition of Tennis Courts North of Water Treatment Plant
Our office has had discussions with Mr. David Lockhart, a spokesperson with the tennis group, with
regards to the maintenance requirements for this facility. We both agree there is a need to identify
a financial budget for upgrades to this facility. Although our budget for this year does not provide
sufficient funds for a re-surfacing of the courts, our intention is to identify a budget for the resurfacing
of this facility in our 2010 budget. In the meantime staff will work within the parameters
of our 2008 and 2009 operating budget to provide maintenance associated with surface patching
and painting to maintain the surface in a favorable condition for the tennis enthusiasts to enjoy.
| 
